| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Jefferson, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Jewell Link, Jewell Trail, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
No issues with Cog lot, but it was very muddy in the afternoon. The Cog road has a short area that is flooded by the beaver pond not far off 302, but it was only a couple inches deep. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues since Clay Brook is bridged, but it was running quite high |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
2 6-8 inch stepovers on Jewell; otherwise in good shape |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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|
 | Lost and Found: |
Gray headband found on Jewell trail; contact me if it’s yours |
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|
 | Comments: |
The rain did far more damage than I anticipated. There is bare ground at low elevation and some short stretches of monorail. Trails were very firm in the morning; spikes worked well to treeline. Above treeline, bare rock, snow and ice alternated constantly with only short (50 yards or less) continuous stretches of snow. Spikes seemed to be the preferred option for everyone I saw, although I did posthole occasionally and careful foot placement was needed. Spikes will definitely need to be sharpened after today. Snow was becoming rotten by afternoon and snowshoes worked well for me from treeline on Jewell down to blowdown area, but most used spikes. Below there bare ground returned for some distance and then snow was fairly continuous down to Clay Brook although fairly shallow. Spikes or snowshoes were okay for that stretch. Jewell Link relocation currently needs a low crawl under the Cog tracks. I ended up climbing over the tracks instead, but that was also rather awkward.
The good news is it was a beautiful, warm, and nearly calm day. Views were terrific. |
|
 | Name: |
Jay Baxter |
|
 | E-Mail: |
Jbaxtermdfacs@comcast.net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2025-03-18 |
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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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