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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Monroe, Mt. Washington, Mt. Jefferson, NH
Trails
Trails: Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, Monroe Loop, Crawford Path, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop, Jewell Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Monday, April 21, 2014
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Parked in the winter lot by the cog railway. No issues.  
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Slush, Snow/Ice - Small Patches 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment: Snowshoes, Light Traction 
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: No issues.  
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: There were a number of step overs that have likely been covered with snow most of the winter. There were also a few duck unders. The melting snow has created small ponds along the Crawford Path and the Gulfside Trail. It has also created a flowing river along the Jewell Trail.  
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Didn't see any dogs out there today.  
Bugs
Bugs: Didn't see any bugs out there today.  
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: Nothing lost or found.  
 
Comments
Comments: Got denied Jefferson a few weeks ago because of wind and then got denied Washington and Monroe for the same reasons this past weekend. So why not clean up all three on the same trip.

Went up Amoonoosuc Trail to the hut. Wore my snow shoes from the trailhead to the hut. There were some bald spots but needed the aggressive traction that the Tubbs Flex ALP provide and enjoyed using the heel lifts for another trip. The trail beyond Gem Pool was pretty tricky - not sure microspikes would have been enough since there is a layer of slush that the spikes would have to penetrate.

At the hut the snow shoes got strapped to the pack and that is where they would stay most of the day. Bare booted up to Monroe, over Washington, and then up to Jefferson. As the sun melts the snow there are more and more rocks that emerge that can be used as steps. There were a few snowfields along the way but the snow was so soft they were was easy to cross. I went down the Jewell Trail. The upper half from the junction to tree line was a sloppy mess - the snow was soft and the water was flowing. At times the trail looked like a river. Bare booted to tree line - lots of slipping and sliding but nothing that was uncontrolled. At tree line I put the snowshoes back on for about a mile of trial - figured I had them so no need to post hole if I don't have too.

Had the summits of Monroe and Jefferson to myself. There were three other people on Washington. Other than that I only saw one other couple as I came down the Jewell Trail.

Hiked this one solo while Monica was at work.  
Name
Name: Michael & Monica 
E-Mail
E-Mail: akafuzzjones@yahoo.com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2014-04-21 
Link
Link: https:// 
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