| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Whitewall Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Avalon Trail, A-Z Trail, FR192A, bushwhack |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, February 15, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of room at 6:45am roadside at the depot |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow - Drifts, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Snow bridged enough on maintained trail as to not be an issue, the first major crossing of the Avalon Trail is snowbridged entirely. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A few downed birches on the A-Z heading up to the Tom-Field col. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
I think someone lost a bit of skin off their shins while producing such profound, and deep postholes down the entire stretch of A-Z trail from the Tom-Field col to snomo corridor |
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|
 | Comments: |
While all attempts and research had been surrounding an ascent of the west-face slide, I had never (until now) thought to approach in a similar fashion as I had used to summit West Field Mtn. A rock hard Avalon and A-Z trail were dotted trailside with deep posthole ruts from when the temps were warm and sunny, and hikers were caught unprepared - these ruts are entirely rock solid at this point. Not a problem for this stretch of A-Z, but beyond the Tom-Field col, the trail is obliterated with post holes - every couple inches someone sunk up to or beyond their knees. I trekked this portion with snowshoes, well off the maintained trail, as it is completely hazardous at this point.
As if turning a page in the book of this trek, I found nothing but superb conditions once on FR 192A, now repurposed as a single track sled trail in winter. The path was rock solid, but I kept snowshoes on because I am not one to fiddle with gear once its on, plus I knew I'd be departing the packed trail soon anyhow.
For a full report, check out the link provided, which will bring those looking for a more in-depth write up. But, to keep it short - the snow was delightful off trail - 3-4" of drifted snow atop a supportive crust made for efficient woods travel. From the West Field-Whitewall col, the climb was 90% through open birch glade, 10% tight, scrappy conifer.
Found the recognized summit and all accompanying views - even with gusty, arctic winds all around overhead, the summit area was wooded/protected just enough to remain sheltered while adoring the surrounding, frosted hills.
Followed my ascending tracks back out while streamlining any off trail meandering - honestly I would not bother trying to follow my snowshoe tracks - while they will get you where you may want to visit, I can assure you, it is not without a ton of needless meandering and roaming around! Great day exploring the hills once off any "maintained trail". |
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 | Name: |
Erik Hamilton |
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 | E-Mail: |
ehamilton9481@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-02-16 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.atalkinthewoods.com/trail-reports/whitewall-mountain |
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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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