| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Field, Mt. Willey, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Avalon Trail, A-Z Trail, Willey Range Trail, bushwhack |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, May 4, 2019 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
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|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Mud - Significant, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
water is running high. Both the 2nd & 3rd crossing up the Avalon trail were tricky. We saw one lesser equipped pair turn back from the 2nd crossing. Some careful rocking hopping and we were able to cross. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
a few leaners and blow downs to work around. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
one tired but still smiling Bermese Mountain dog on the trail today |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
a few small items at the kiosk near the start of Avalon including a pair of glasses. |
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|
 | Comments: |
The trails are extremely variable right now, mud down low, deep snow up high. The monorail is like walking a tight rope in some sections. We were doing fine in trail spikes from 1 mile in on Avalon up to the last crossing of Crawford Brook. We followed a set of tracks off trail that dead ended. But were so close to the ridge I figured we could bushwack back to the A-Z trail. Instead we ended up crossing the trail without realizing it and continuing to bushwack almost to the top of Mt. Field. Once back on the trail we continued to Willey. The ridge is often unstable snow pack right now. The monorail is extremely narrow in many places and the snow pack is still deep on the sides. Lots of 3-4' deep post holes on either side of the monorail. We kept snowshoes on for a while, but the narrowness of the rail made them more a danger than a help. Avalon trail down was better but also has a narrow monorail in several places and deep post holes. Tis the season to take your time and prepare for tough conditions. Still a good day out in the mountains. |
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 | Name: |
Pappa Carl |
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 | E-Mail: |
ringcycles AT yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2019-05-04 |
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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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