Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
South Kinsman (attempt), NH |
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| Trails: |
Basin-Cascades Trail, Cascade Brook Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Friday, March 4, 2022 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Only car at the Basin southbound. |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
The crossing of Cascade Brook immediately after the junction of the Basin-Cascades Trail and Cascade Brook Trail looked to be completely snow-bridged. As I discovered the hard way, it was not. The tenuous ice bridge collapsed into the stream, and I plunged into about a foot of water. There was a small log across the brook a bit to the left which might be helpful, but I wasn't about to try the crossing a second time. Note that I'm about 140 pounds all in with snowshoes and loaded pack. I don't recommend attempting this crossing right now, especially with the upcoming warmer weather. The crossing 0.5 miles up the Basin-Cascades Trail was solidly bridged, for what it's worth! |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Basin-Cascades Trail in excellent shape, with vivid blue blazes. |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
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| Bugs: |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
I had a lovely snowshoe of just over a mile up the Basin-Cascades Trail, with a bit of fresh powder over a soft but well-broken trail. Frozen Kinsman Falls yielded a few good photos. The crossing of Cascade Brook immediately after reaching the Cascade Brook Trail looked fine, until I plunged in through the ice. I wasn't going to risk frostbite in zero-degree temperatures with a waterlogged left boot, so I returned to the car rather than searching for alternatives (or bushwhacking up the south bank to the Kinsman Pond Trail). The Cascade Brook Trail appeared to be unbroken, and I now understand why.
Check out Unnecessary Climb for an ever-expanding collection of hike descriptions in the White Mountains and beyond! |
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| Name: |
Jason |
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| E-Mail: |
kurlando7@hotmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-03-04 |
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| Link: |
https://unnecessaryclimb.wordpress.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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