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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Carter Dome, South Carter, NH
Trails
Trails: Nineteen Mile Brook Trail, Carter Dome Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Parked at Nineteen Mile Trailhead on Route 16. Two cars when I arrived at 7:30, one when I left at 4:00 pm 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment: Light Traction 
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: two or three water crossings on Carter Dome trail coming up from Nineteen Mile Brook. They were not a problem, rock hopable with use of trekking poles 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Nineteen Mile Brook Trail was fine from trailhead to junction at 1.9 miles (no snow, some ice). Carter Dome trail from junction to Zeta Pass was almost completely cleared, maybe five step overs/duck unders still left but they weren't a problem. Once you get close to Zeta Pass there is minor snow on this area of trail and ice on the rocks . The difference in this section of trail from November 1st when I last attempted it, until today is remarkable. Whoever cleared the trail of the numerous blowdowns did a great job. Zeta Pass had a flew blowdowns; I cleaned up both a bit but they still remain and are a nuisance. Carter Dome Trail from Zeta to Carter Dome summit was fine, one or two step overs, again no problem. Maybe 3 inches of snow. Carter-Moriah Trail starting at Zeta Pass to summit of South Carter was "pretty gnarly" to quote a prior trail report. IQuest in his trail report of November 13th provided an accurate picture. I hadn't gotten more than 200 or 300 yards from Zeta Pass when there were major blowdowns that made me wonder where the trail was. Fortunately the Trail Adopter for that area was right behind me and pointed out the trail. Sorry I didn't get his name but he did amazing ax work clearing up that initial mess. It was as if Mother Nature had a game of "pick up sticks" on this section of trail and didn't bother to clean up. There were many blowdowns on the rest of the trail. IQuest had started to clear up the trail, I did what I could with anything under 6 inches. Trail is definately passable, but still some duck unders and step or crawl overs that will need chain saw or ax work. I suggest bringing a good handsaw along if you are doing this section of trail.  
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: One well behaved, energetic dog 
Bugs
Bugs:  
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: Nothing 
 
Comments
Comments: wore micro spikes from Zeta Pass to summit of Carter Dome. The rest of the trails were ok with bare boots provided you pay attention to where you place your feet. Some of the ice forming on the rocks that is hidden by the light snow is really slippery. Not many people on the trail (saw 8).  
Name
Name: Bruce 
E-Mail
E-Mail:  
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2017-11-21 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share 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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