Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Mt. Mansfield (Adams Apple), Mt. Mansfield (The Chin), Mt. Mansfield (The Nose), VT |
|
| Trails: |
Long Trail, Adams Apple Trail, Nose Spur, auto road, ski trails |
|
| Date of Hike: |
Saturday, December 3, 2011 |
|
| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Route 108 closed north of the Gondola entrance. Adequate parking near gate, plenty more nearby at ski area. Road walk a little icy, but barebootable. |
|
| Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Black, Ice - Blue, Snow - Drifts, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth |
|
| Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction, Traction |
|
| Water Crossing Notes: |
Minor and rock hoppable |
|
| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Long Trail from 108 to Taft Lodge area has been reblazed, which should hopefully make it a little bit easier to follow this winter. |
|
| Dog-Related Notes: |
I would not take a dog up Mansfield from Eagle Pass in current conditions. |
|
| Bugs: |
|
|
| Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
| Comments: |
Top to bottom snow coverage, generally 1-2", but drifting up to a foot deep along the ridge and in ski trail waterbars.
Long Trail from 108 to Eagle Pass required light traction to ascend. First mile or so was bootable with water running down the trail in places. Above that, lots of blue ice hidden under the snowpack - firm enough that the Microspikes weren't getting adequate purchase. Descent via this route would be tricky.
From Eagle Pass to the Chin on the Long Trail was dangerous. Some blue ice on the handholds in the chimney. Ice in some no fall zones. Microspikes weren't getting good purchase on the ascent. Descent would be very tricky. Some sort of light crampon might be the best idea under current conditions (temperatures stayed below freezing today).
Upon clearing the summit and out of the shadows, the ice was less frequent and softer. Some one foot drifts along the ridge, but plenty of bare ledge as well. No need for snowshoes yet. Microspikes adequate.
Nose Dive ski trail not yet open. Some blue ice hidden under the snowpack - took one spill, noticed others had taken a few as well. Opted to skip the Haselton Trail, since the steepest of the descent was over and the ski trail was smoother sailing at that point.
Heard Sunset Ridge and Maple Ridge were both icy and best done with Microspikes. Also heard that the summer parking lots are still accessible on that side. |
|
| Name: |
rocket21 |
|
| E-Mail: |
rocket21 at franklinwebpublishing dot com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2011-12-03 |
|
| Link: |
https:// |
|
|
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. |
|