Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Mt. Washington (attempt), NH |
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| Trails: |
Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Lion Head Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Friday, March 10, 2023 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Traction, Ice Axe |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
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| Bugs: |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
We headed up Tuckerman Ravine trail about 8 AM and it was mostly firm but still a little soft here and there. We wore micro spikes but they weren't really necessary. We switched to crampons at the start of Lion Head Winter route, which has a well packed base but a little soft on top. The "step" was challenging, but the snow was really good - soft enough to kick into, but firm enough to give a reasonably good foothold. An ice axe is helpful for this section. Above the step until Lion Head the track is again firm underneath, but soft on top. Past Lion Head until the Alpine Garden junction is a mix of soft blue ice, snow and a couple areas where most of the snow has ben blown off - about a dozen times we needed to walk over bare rock for one or two steps. Above Alpine Garden junction the snow is softer and deep if you get off the packed track, Crampons are best here. We were tiring as we neared the end of the Lion Head trail and while the summit was close we decided to head back to Lion Head for a long leisurely lunch in the sun while watching the skiers in Tuckerman Ravine. That turned out to be a good choice as descending the step was difficult, slow and tough with tired legs. Back on Tuckerman Ravine trail it appeared that several Forest Service snowmobiles had run up the trail and tilled it up quite a bit so the trail is now very soft. There were quite a few skiers skinning up so they were helping to reestablish a firm section. It was a nice day to be above tree line with sun, warm temps and no wind. We enjoyed meeting, hiking and conversation with Alex and Brandon, who also provided some much needed sunblock that we forgot. Thanks guys! |
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| Name: |
notch and pumba |
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| E-Mail: |
bowmore17@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-03-10 |
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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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