| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Lafayette, Mt. Truman, Mt. Lincoln, Little Haystack Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Abandoned Old Bridle Path, Old Bridle Path, Greenfield Trail, Franconia Ridge Trail, Falling Waters Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, December 30, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The only NH plates in the lot where ours. Did love the guy who illegally camped out complaining we where too loud. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Slush |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues on any crossings today. FW has some fat ice still |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Nothing really of note along all trails listed |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Several happy dogs out |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
A MAGNIFICENT day overlooking Henry's Woods was had. I must confess before I write my report that I said "15-25 mph winds are too high?" (forecast from last night) - they where well above this mark. So yes, I was wrong. We opted for an ascent from OBP for many reasons, the biggest being the winds where out of basically due west (280). This assured us if the heavy clouds wanted to rain or cause issues, it would be at our backs. We utilized the abandoned section of OBP as it shaves off about 0.3 miles. It is completely different at the trailhead than on the summit. Spikes pretty much car to car. It's way to choppy to justify snowshoes which took a ride today. Many we passed on the ridge had them on their packs. More on that later. We found in the early morning going on more or less decent snow, resembling that of April and not of December 30th. Very quick work to the hut and then to treeline. I wore a t shirt to this point. This was a needed hike for me for a few reasons. It was hard to follow for two seasoned hikers, between us atleast 25 ascents of Lafayette. The summit cone of Lafayette was the angriest I have ever seen it. Absolutely HOWLING. We both went to the nice wind break and geared up, ate, and went over hand signals because we knew we where about to step into something that was going to be an all out brawl. We popped out, took a picture, and started going South along the ridge. We caught a massive gust that threw me back about two feet. I yelled into the wind "IS THAT ALL YOU GOT?" and from here to about Truman was just about staying upright and getting tossed around like a rag doll. It should be noted the conditions where exceptional despite the boxing match we endured - temps in the upper 40s. No views due to a massive inversion going on snow melting. Lots of slush on the ridge where blue/bullet was had before it. The sheer number of cars in the lot make me think lots turned around as we only saw maybe ten along the ridge. All where dressed alike; goggles, mitts, snowshoes on their pack, and smiles. We are a true whacko breed that take delight in these conditions. Ran into a trio around the first bump after Little Haystack, between the three of them they had sweatpants, 2 packs, and one pair of spikes they where sharing. We firmly suggested they turn back and that was very poorly received - good luck - lots of explicitives where thrown as we walked away. The entire ridge is slush but good going. Judging by some postholes, and verified by my trek pole, snow depth is to the handle. So about 30". No issues coming down Falling Tourist for us. Same chop suey garbage as the other side. Great conversation with a fellow from Utah who wanted to find some good snow to earn his turn. We sent him east. |
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 | Name: |
The Teal Goat & Not_Ginger_Zee |
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 | E-Mail: |
sea2thebiscuit@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-12-30 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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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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