Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Square Ledge, NH |
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| Trails: |
Oliverian Brook Trail, Square Ledge Trail, Passaconaway Cutoff |
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| Date of Hike: |
Sunday, November 17, 2019 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
At 0700, 3 cars already in lot. On the way out, I met a couple of hikers who had camped by the brook. When I arrived back a lot, total of 6-8 cars. |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Wet/Slippery Rock, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
Trek poles advised for all river crossings.
The first crossing over the west branch of Oliverian Brook was the most challenging. Most rocks were submerged with the beginning of fragile ice forming around some spots. In a few areas, my foot was submerged to the ankle. Very glad I had my waterproof snow boots on. If the water level had been any higher, I probably wouldn't have made it across.
The crossing at the start of the Square Ledge Branch Trail also required care & use of poles. Rocks were snowy with a thin layer of ice underneath.
Final crossing coming down Passaconaway Cutoff rock hoppable but again icy in spots. Glad to have my micro spikes. |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Few blowdowns easily maneuvered under or over. Will become more challenging to go under as the snowpack rises. |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
On ascent to Square Ledge, I had to boost my 50 lb lab-mix up a 4 feet ledge. A harness to lift him might have been helpful but I was able to use brute strength. |
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| Bugs: |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
On trail at 0745. 4F at trailhead. I wore my micro spikes from start to finish. They were definitely useful ascending the ledges and at river crossings where there was a thin layer of ice & snow on the rocks. A few people had proceeded me based on the boot tracks. Trail easy to follow but I could see it would be difficult to stay on trail if one had to break trail in fresh snow. Short but steep ascent to ledges. I spent 45 min on the main summit ledge. Blue skies and no wind. Views of Washington through the trees while heading down Passaconaway Cutoff. Saw no one until I reached the Oliverian Brook/Passaconaway Cutoff junction. Saw a total of 5 people. Finished at 1400.
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| Name: |
Pauline & Al the dog |
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| E-Mail: |
paulifeng@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2019-11-18 |
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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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