| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
South Carter, Middle Carter, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Nineteen Mile Brook Trail, Carter Dome Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail, North Carter Trail, Imp Trail, Camp Dodge Cutoff, Route 16 |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, December 31, 2011 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
A very slippery drive up from Portland, ME. There were a bunch of cars at Nineteen Mile Brook trailhead when we arrived at 5:30a, about the same number when we returned at 2p. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Ice - Black, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Mud - Significant, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
At the second crossing on Nineteen Mile Brook, where the bridge was partially taken out, an ice bridge has formed right at the crossing, looked as though there was a rock-hoppable crossing above the bridge. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Several step over and duck under blowdowns along the route, all requiring more than my folding saw could handle. Very wet on the middle section of Imp Trail, whereas things were mostly frozen elsewhere. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
A great way to spend New Years Eve day. Started out early from Nineteen Mile Brook trailhead, wearing Microspikes from the start. Just after leaving the trailhead, it began to drizzle, and it continued to do so, off and on while we climbed to Zeta Pass.
Once reaching Zeta Pass, it got cooler, and the drizzle turned to snow. After deciding not to hit Carter Dome as well, we headed north on Carter-Moriah Trail. Over both peaks, there was about 1-2 inches of snow covering the tracks of those who had previously been out here, in a couple places, it was drifted to 4-5 inches obscuring the footbed. All in all, very easy to follow the trail, more than I can say for my last trip to the Carters in April 2011.
Down the North Carter Trail, conditions remained similar to those on the ridge, but things were to change as we reached the Imp Trail. There were alternating patches of snow, ice, semi-frozen mud, running water, and frozen bare trail... quite the mess, if I'm honest. We picked our way slowly down this section, and made our way out to Rt. 16.
Lesson learned for today: underneath a little snow, there may lie a lot of ice. Microspikes were the rule today, crampons would have been overkill. There are sections of trail that are filling in nicely, and should become snowshoe territory after we get a decent storm.
We also ran into Big Earl, Sue, and a companion of theirs while descending North Carter Trail. Nice to meet you guys.
Thanks to Greg for an awesome hike. |
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 | Name: |
Bill Robichaud |
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 | E-Mail: |
bill.robichaud@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2012-01-01 |
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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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