| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Potash Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Downes Brook Trail, Mt. Potash Trail, FR 511 |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, December 28, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The UNH/Downes Brook Trailhead is plowed - thank you! |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Slush |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
I would not recommend the water crossing with today’s conditions. I had my awesome 33lb dog Echo on my left shoulder, and carried my hiking poles in my right hand. It looked snow bridged except for one giant hole at the beginning, but it was so warm that I didn’t trust it. (That’s why I portaged my pup.) We were 8 steps from safely across when I heard a massive crack (not my favorite sound). I kept going. When I got to safety I turned back and looked and a good portion of the snow bridge had fallen in right next to where I had walked. (Photos on my social media!) If I had not been in snowshoes I think that I would have punched through. The warmup headed our way will just make this more tenuous. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
My dog had a blast, as always! This is 14/52 for her! |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
We hiked up Downes Brook / Mt Potash Trail and came down the forest service road and walked the Kanc (see Water Crossing notes). Snowshoes all the way. You definitely can switch to beater spikes above the first view ledge as it getsa liitle boney; I was too lazy and just snowshoed. There is ice under the snow layer so you will want some sort of traction. My pup and I caught sunrise from the view ledges and it was terrific. We didn’t see a single person all morning. |
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 | Name: |
Bikecamphikegirl and Echo |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-12-28 |
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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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