| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Snow Mountain (Chain of Ponds), ME |
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 | Trails: |
Fire Warden's Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, October 27, 2018 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The logging road was clear at the beginning, then was covered with a thin coating of snow and small patches of ice, but the two ruts were easily drivable. This was before the storm that hit after I left, though. Parking area has room for several vehicles. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Slush |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Small streams are bridged on the woods road up. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Some blowdowns on the fire warden's trail, nothing too difficult to get under/around |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Much of this information is already out of date, since I hiked the peak in advance of a storm that hit with snow and mixed precipitation later in the day - but it's here for those who are interested.
The snow was never deeper than about 1/2 foot, so no snowshoes were needed. Down low it was crusty, up higher soft powder, which slid under my feet. Traction was not necessary, but may be preferred by those who want maximum stability.
Everything up high is half-frozen with breakable ice, so be careful in watery/muddy areas! Snow Mountain Pond had a thin covering of ice over it and TONS of moose signs around it.
The upper trail has some steep sections, but is overall not too difficult, with the exception of a steep pitch near the bottom of the climb, which I was able to climb up and down with some care. It was not icy, but will be eventually - probably soon. It could potentially be avoided by bushwhacking to the right side.
Gorgeous views from the tower, certainly looks like winter now despite it being only October..... |
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 | Name: |
Dan Saxton |
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 | E-Mail: |
apologist497@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2018-10-27 |
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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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