| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Cabot, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
York Pond Trail, Bunnell Notch Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, March 9, 2019 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
|
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
|
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Sign near top of Cabot needs to be rebolted to the tree. Only the lower bolt is holding. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
|
|
 | Bugs: |
|
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Contrary to a prior report I did observe a lot of the "cattle effect" from a large group ahead of us who were barebooting ahead of my small group on Saturday. The damage was not classic punched in postholes, most of the time it was just churning up the compacted snow leaving 4" to 6" deep groove of footprints generally amplified by the other group members following the same tracks. We started out with microspikes but quickly switched to snowshoes when I as the leader determined that we were voluntarily working harder (AKA stupider) wearing microspikes and leaving a degraded path for those that followed so we switched to snowshoes and kept them on the rest of the day. Perhaps we were grooming the route for the person behind us so they did not observe the numerous footprints of the uneducated barebooters.
I guess it comes down if someone is out to build up their stamina by picking a less effective way of climbing a mountain I cant complain but I can complain when the results of that persons decision leaves a degraded route for those that follow. Luckilly there were quite a few folks doign the right thing and using snowshoes so hopefully we offset the damage by the uneducated/ selfish folks with only traction. Luckily the temperature didnt rise enough to really set the track as I only detected minimal balling on the way down in couple of sunny spots. Perhaps when the daytimke temps rise and we get the overnight freeze thaw cycle, the track will freeze up solid and then microspikes will be appropriate.
|
|
 | Name: |
peakbagger |
|
 | E-Mail: |
|
|
| Date Submitted: |
2019-03-11 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
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. |
|
