| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Washington, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, Crawford Path, Gulfside, Jewell Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, November 15, 2014 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The parking lot was accessible, though covered in ice by the time I returned in the afternoon. The base road was plowed but still slippery in spots. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow - Drifts |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
There are 6 or more crossings on the way up Ammonoosuc, all with decent footing. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The trail was clearly marked on Ammonoosuc and Crawford, slightly less discernable on Gulfside, and problematic on Jewell above the treeline due to small trees covered in snow resembling cairns. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
The first two miles or so of Ammonoosuc were covered in 1-2 inches of snow and were not very slippery. The snow depth increased and traction was essential once the trail began its steeper ascent. As the trail left the treeline, rocks were covered in ice and there were snow drifts up to 2 feet deep. The wind above treeline was strong enough to push me off balance now and then, and the conditions between the Lake of the Clouds Hut and the peak of Washington were blizzard-like with limited but acceptable visibility (the average windspeed was 48 mph,the temperature around 5 degrees fahrenheit, and the wind chill -20). The Jewell trail seemed to have less ice and would probably be a better choice for a smoother ascent.
The hike took 8 hours with only a few breaks. To anyone planning a hike on this loop, I would recommend microspikes and many layers, especially to cover the face, as essential. I did not have goggles, but they would have been very helpful. Poles would also be useful. In planning, it is worth taking into consideration the fact that approximately 3.5 miles of this loop are above the treeline and not very hospitable.
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 | Name: |
MC |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2014-11-16 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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