Wandered about the Pemi and started at Hancock Notch Trail. Very little snow down low and and the trail dried up somewhat during the day, but had significant mud spots. Cedar Brook Trail was pretty reasonable with very little snow. Wilderness Trail between Cedar Brook and Desolation Trail was reasonable, but the usual muddy spots were a little extra muddy.
The snow pack started at about 3000 feet and increased to about 5-6 inches toward the summit of Carrigain. Traction was not needed, but could have been used. The summit was windblown with a few bare patches. Signal Ridge Trail was packed snow and ice in patches down to 2800 feet. Traction on the downhill was helpful, but not required.
Hancock Notch Trail from Sawyer River Trail was a muddy mess and became difficult to follow up in the height of land. I could see footprints from the other direction that had become lost/disoriented and given up the trail and headed back to toward the Hancocks. Snow started at 2200 feet and was untrammelled for much of the trip up.
All river/brook crossings were doable with dry feet assuming waterproof boots and a willingness to bushwhack up the banks a bit to find good crossing spots
The snow pack started at about 3000 feet and increased to about 5-6 inches toward the summit of Carrigain. Traction was not needed, but could have been used. The summit was windblown with a few bare patches. Signal Ridge Trail was packed snow and ice in patches down to 2800 feet. Traction on the downhill was helpful, but not required.
Hancock Notch Trail from Sawyer River Trail was a muddy mess and became difficult to follow up in the height of land. I could see footprints from the other direction that had become lost/disoriented and given up the trail and headed back to toward the Hancocks. Snow started at 2200 feet and was untrammelled for much of the trip up.
All river/brook crossings were doable with dry feet assuming waterproof boots and a willingness to bushwhack up the banks a bit to find good crossing spots
