| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Abigal Adams, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Amphibrach, Spur Trail, Hincks Trail, Lowes Path |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
N/A |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Black, Wet Trail, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Mud - Significant, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction, Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Due to spring snow melt water crossings were the worst I have ever encountered on the hike up to the camps. Had to ford both major crossings thigh deep. The first crossing was deep but easy due to slow moving water. The second was not. The second crossing typically has an island of land between two forks of water but due to high water it was all one massive crossing. Second half I had to ford thigh deep in rapidly moving white water. I was nervous my feet would be swept out from under me due to the strong current but I crossed slow and cautiously and things worked out in my favor. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Lots of blowdowns varying in annoyingness. Some may require a chainsaw due to size but a brave soul with a nice handsaw and some time may be able to make things work out. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
None |
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 | Bugs: |
Small amount of flies starting to surface but not too annoying (yet) |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
Pair of trekking poles stuck in the ground at the junction for spur and Randolph path. Looked like somebody just walked away from them. I believe they were backcountry ski poles. I left them at said junction |
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|
 | Comments: |
Had the worst hike up of my life (I have done this exact hike over 25 times). Took me 2 hours to travel the last .7 miles to Gray Knob. If there was an extreme post holing competition I would've won. Melting due to heat and water and the weight of my pack I busted through every snow bridge and post holed the entire way. Snowshoes wouldn't have helped. This trail is north facing and hold a lot of snow. Still 4 feet deep in places. Above treeline there is no snow except for the typical places (Jefferson snowfields, etc.) and well protected areas (dense scrub). I traveled down spur trail and then amphibrach at the end of my shift and since spur is south facing there was no or minimal snow. Not a single post hole was made. I am writing this report to show the difference in trail conditions and how rapidly things are changing. Weekly trail condition reports are posted by the RMC online. Peep the most recent report for my full write up. God speed to you spring hikers. You wont catch me post holing until next May. I am too battered to endure anymore. Happy Trails y'all -CT Lea |
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 | Name: |
LeaG |
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 | E-Mail: |
lea_giguere@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-05-12 |
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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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