Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Mt. Jackson, Mt. Pierce, NH |
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| Trails: |
Webster Jackson Trail, Webster Cliff Trail, Crawford Path |
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| Date of Hike: |
Sunday, November 11, 2018 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Webster Jackson lot was not plowed. |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Black, Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow - Drifts, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
On Webster Jackson, hoppable, though the landing could get slippery as the snow on the ice covered ledge slides off. |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Blowdowns on all three trails. |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
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| Bugs: |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
Webster Jackson Trail was initially frozen slush with an inch or two of snow. Depths increased above the junction. First scramble ledge was fine, but the second one was a bit icy. Third to the summit was bootable. We made it up without traction, but may have considered the spikes had we descended this way.
Dropping off Jackson, the ledges were glazed in ice. We opted to carefully slide down, as Microspikes would have been outmatched with descending momentum.
From Jackson to the hut (closed), the real issue was knowing when you were stepping on a bog bridge. Lots of deep, unfrozen mud lurking, as well as puddles. Snow was generally 6-12 inches. We booted this stretch, but I would consider snowshoes with a few more inches of snow.
From the hut to Pierce, there were some areas of drifting snow, as well as some ice covered ledges. Nearly put on my snowshoes up high, and would consider them if the drifting continues.
Crawford Path back down to the vicinity of Gibbs was a boot packed highway. Icier/muddier thereafter. Like Jackson, Pierce on its own can be booted or spiked at this juncture.
Cold and windy start; not great for staying on the summits. More mild by the end of the hike with some seldom seen blue sky emerging.
Zealand, Haystack, and Gale River Road gates were still open. |
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| Name: |
rocket21, Nordic Gal, skidder |
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| E-Mail: |
rocket21@franklinwebpublishing.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2018-11-11 |
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| Link: |
https://www.franklinsites.com/hikephotos |
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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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