| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Scar Ridge - East Peak, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Bushwhack |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, April 4, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at the Otter Rocks Day Use lot as it was plowed, East Pond TH was not. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Wet/Sticky, Snow - Spring Snow |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Hancock Branch is 70% open water, both Pine Brook forks are about the same. Don't trust the bridges/snow shelves in the backcountry. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
All good, beautiful forest |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
None |
|
 | Bugs: |
None yet |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
None |
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|
 | Comments: |
Trees were wet down low from last nights rain, transitioned to snowy evergreens ~3,200'. Expected this bushwhack to be much more dense and slow going but found a glorious quick-going forest from car to ~3,500', then the thick got real thick for 30' or so before opening up to a stunning view of the neighboring Osceola's.
The three water crossings were not bad, began getting softer on the trek out at 10am and parts of the snow shelves actually gave in. The snow which was supportive and crusty yesterday is completely gone, each step sinking 4-8" all day into very wet snow, almost like a slushie at some points. Around 3,200' the snow began balling up under my snowshoes and that was basically when I made the call to just visit East and boogie back down by following my tracks. Definite evidence of herd paths beginning by broken branches higher up but never saw any flagging or paint or whatever folks are complaining about on Scar Ridge - just a beautiful, pristine trek in the wilderness.
The snow higher up, ascending the upper summit cone is becoming so heavy and with multiple layers throughout the winter beneath, really does not appear stable - if the grade was much steeper on the northeastern ridge I likely would have bailed, didn't seem all to threatening of a slide though with so many tree trunks nearby.
All in all, great day snowshoeing. Springtime snow is here, fingers crossed for one more cold snap to solidify the snowpack a bit longer.
Link below is for a brief write-up on today's endeavor. Enjoy!
Happy Climbing! |
|
 | Name: |
Erik Hamilton |
|
 | E-Mail: |
ehamilton9481@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2023-04-04 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.atalkinthewoods.com/trail-reports/scar-ridge-east-peak |
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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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