| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Smarts Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Old Jeep Trail, Ranger Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, January 12, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Smarts Trl Head lot solid sheet of ice, only two cars in the lot as I passed by and returned home via Dorchester Rd past Reservoir Pond - the road was slick mud |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Leaves - Significant/Slippery, Slush |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Water was high Sunday, Grant Brook was running high over standing ice layers, water was murky and tumultuous. Some areas of 4-6" of slush flowing into surrounding brooks. Very high crossings. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Several minor new branches/rotten logs fallen in the high winds during the morning. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I left mine at home, did not see any others while out. |
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 | Bugs: |
Despite 60degree temps, did not notice any. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing to report other than a Subaru hub cap in the snow bank across the TH on Dorchester Rd |
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|
 | Comments: |
Old Jeep Trail from Cummins Pond, Ranger Trail out
Began down the groomed trails in Green Woodlands, very soft snow. Snow was packed on the trails from recent rain. Water crossings all high and sounding much louder from a distance. Wind blew tree tops, heard several limbs snap. I said a year ago that I would never take the Ranger Trail again due to it being under water, today was no different - not hard to follow with some teal/blue blazes, just a messy trail. Not enough snow for snowshoes, too much ice to bare boot. What snow was left had 4-6 inches of running water underneath, what snow remained kindly hid the rocks just below allowing ankles to get thrashed in every direction. Lost a trekking pole crossing Grants Brook by the Ranger garage, ran down along stream to catch it. Water was very high all over Sunday, bring waterproof boots - gaiters help tremendously also. Enjoy! |
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 | Name: |
Erik Hamilton |
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 | E-Mail: |
ehamilton9481@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-01-13 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.veggiesvistasandvert.com |
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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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