| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Lafayette, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Skookumchuck Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, January 11, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Couple small blowdowns at/below knee level, no real issue |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Sub-zero hike up Skook with a late departure of 2:50pm. I intended to turn around at tree-line, or on N Lafayette, but the wind was manageable with a shell and facemask. Missed the sunset, but could see the alpenglow on the dome of North Lafayette from the flat section near the top of Skook. Certainly intense going out and back across the ridgeline with -40º wind chill. (I have "Memento Mori" written across the front of my snowshoes--a good reminder for a night like this on Franconia Ridge.)
The lower section of the trail had a few inches of powder and crusty snow. I bare-booted to the Brook, then wore snowshoes the rest of the way. I was surprised to see slow-flowing muddy water near the brook, considering it was below 0º all day.
6 inches or so of soft powder on the upper section. Still pretty boney with many rock sharks lying in wait. Spikes or even crampons would work for the ridge but there's some drifting and breakable crust and I was glad to leave the shoes on. Could get a nice track going if I do a few more out and backs. I'd really like to ski the glades in the middle section after a big storm, but it'll be a while before it fills in enough. Pray for snow. |
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 | Name: |
Declan |
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 | E-Mail: |
d.r.kiley@me.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-01-11 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.instagram.com/p/CYndPmRMZwu/ |
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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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