| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Tecumseh, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Mt. Tecumseh Trail, Sosman Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, March 25, 2016 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The ski area appeared to be open when we got there after 1, but there weren't a lot of vehicles there and none in the parking area by the trailhead. I wish they didn't play the music so loud; it kind of detracts from the hiking experience. Do skiers really like it? |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Spring Snow, Slush |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction, Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Rock steps |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
No problems |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Easy hiking for Pepper. I brought his soft shell but didn't put it on him, although I should have when the light rain started. I think he was just as happy not wearing it, but he sure fogged up the inside of the car on the drive out. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Since there have been no other posts I'll put this up in case someone is wondering what the trails might be like tomorrow. Down low there were mostly water and slush. When the trail got some elevation prior to the last stream crossing, it was more very wet snow of under an inch over some ice so I put on my old microspikes for added traction. Going up from the viewpoint, it was wet snow over continuous hard ice. Spikes helped and were fine but the wet snow also kept them from biting at times, Hillsounds or crampons would have been better. Nearing Sosman there was more snow, wet but not soaked. We took a right at the end loop and it had a few bits of ice but mostly hardpacked snow. The spikes were fine with care on the ice. Going down we took the more usual route and almost immediately ran into solid ice on a slope. I put on my used Hillsounds but would have been better putting on the new set. The ice was solid but just soft enough that I could stamp the Hillsounds into the ice and get enough of a grip to be safe. Further down the light rain may have softened the ice up more and reduced the snow, and the Hillsounds bit really well. We ran into a nice couple who have never been on Tecumseh before. They were in microspikes, so I suggested they go right at the end loop. I hope the ice on the upper trail had softened enough to make their descent safe. I removed the Hillsounds for the crossing and they weren't needed anymore.
The forecast had been for rain/freezing rain in the am, then clearing in the afternoon, but we saw light rain in the afternoon with clearing waiting for the evening. There was also a lot of ice on the branches, and as it melted it "rained" on us. Assuming a good freeze tonight I would expect the snow from Thursday would bind to the ice in places and make traction in spikes/Hillsounds really good, but higher up where the snow was thicker and drier, it could keep spikes from biting into hard ice and things could be tricky until the temps warm up, hopefully in time for any descents. Down low standing water in the trail could freeze and be slippery. Aspect will of course affect the timing and degree of softening of the ice and snow/ice.
This was a calendar day hike, so of course it rained. :-) Tecumseh is the Calendar Day peak so it was kind of nice to hike this old friend yet again. Any day on the trails, and any day with Pepper is a great day, rain or shine.
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 | Name: |
Pepper and Me |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-03-25 |
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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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