| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Washington, Mt. Clay, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, Crawford Path, Trinity Heights Connector, Gulfside, Clay Loop, Jewell Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, May 17, 2015 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
I parked at the summer lot, but many others I talked to parked at the Cog RR hikers' lot. Parking at the latter will save you a little distance and elevation gain. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow - Wet/Sticky, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The first couple on Ammo Ravine are passable with care (and wet boots). |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There are about a 1/2 dozen blowdowns on the lower half of the Jewell Trail. Some are easily bypassed, while others are hop-over or duck-under. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
The upper part of Ammo Ravine is very icy and slick in spots- owners, please watch your dogs if you this soon. |
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 | Bugs: |
They were out a little but not biting. Only issue is when one tried to fly up my nostril while on the Gulfside Trail. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Lost another pair of sunglasses on Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. I think I should put a neck strap on my next pair... |
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 | Comments: |
Goodie bag of conditions today!
From the lot to the junction with the Cog spur, the trail was snow-free but very wet. From there to the Gem Pool, there was intermittent monorail, stable and not. From Gem Pool to the hut, the snow was less spotty and deeper, and any open rock was wet. Once above treeline, there was almost no snow, and the rock was dry for the most part. The beginning and end of the Mt. Clay Loop had some deep patches of snow left over (some unconsolidated), so bring gaiters if you plan to bag Clay! The Jewell Trail below treeline had some steady monorail, and then became completely snow-free below 3,500'.
This was a butt kicker, but well worth it, as the summits of both Washington and Clay were in the clear with great views! The Cog and the Auto Road are open for the season, so the crowds are back. Strangely, though, I did not have to wait in line for the summit sign at all- there was no line! I just went right up.
11.3 miles rt, 4,550 ft of gain, 6 hr. personal book time. A fine day on the Presidential Range. |
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 | Name: |
Spencer |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2015-05-17 |
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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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