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September 4, 2025
Hi Folks,
Tho it's difficult in early September to think about ice, it's worth at least a little thought as to where we stand now and looking ahead - right? Although we had some fairly consistent rain in the spring, we should understand just how dry a summer we've had. And I DO mean it's been dry.
According to the Mt Washington Observatory measurements, August 2025 was the driest August AND the driest month ever recorded in North Conway. Only 0.91" of rain fell in the 31 days of August! This has had a significant impact on stream and river levels, overall soil moisture and very low residential wells. Numerous wells in the area are experiencing very low levels, and in some cases actually running dry. This is becoming a real problem. If you've been out on the river or just poking around in the woods where there are normally stream crossings, you will have seen the severe lack of water. Even the mountain bike trails are dry and dusty, making for some tricky downhill riding and need for more chain lube. And now the leaves are even starting to fall, and unfortunately they aren't brightly colored.
For those of you out camping please do understand that ALL outdoor fires are BANNED indefinitely. There have been several wildfires that have been caused by campfires that were not fully extinguished, two in Gorham recently. And yes, even your back yard fire pits are banned!
According to NOAA Climate Prediction Center, the drought conditions may worsen. There are limited opportunities for precipitation in the long range forecast. While we've had some great rock climbing weather this summer, needless to say this has the potential to have a decidedly negative impact on the ice and snow for the upcoming winter.
YES folks, we need rain in the worst way.
I will be at Big Day Brewing in Gorham with my guys and Jim McLaughlin on Friday from 6-9. We should be outdoors. Great beers, food and top notch music. Then next Thursday, 9/11, I will be at the Leura Hill Eastman PAC in Fryeburg with Mike Levine's Miami Spice Band. I gotta say that this is a fantastic 6 piece group that plays mostly original funky Latin Jazz music. I've known Mike Levine since the mid-70's and he is an amazing pianist & composer. If you only catch one of my gigs this summer, this is THE ONE! Here's a taste -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74NoSlcDcPg
If you are interested in what else is coming up musically, you can always see my schedule here: http://www.alhospers.com/?PageName=2
The trails are riding very well, but are very VERY dry. If you're doing the downhill thing, be aware of the leaves and "kitty litter" in the berms. Just sayin... One really cool trail that I'm digging this summer is the new uphill from the "shooting Gallery" on High Street all the way to the kiosk at the Mineral Site. Kudos to bike mech Chris Krugh for his work win this one.
Up on one of the Mount Washington Valley's finest crags and want to know what that climb you're looking at is? Or maybe you're on your way up from Boston and want to check out the Ice Report for your upcoming weekend plans. Or more likely, you're at work just want to daydream about your next adventure. Well if you have a smart phone handy, you can get to NEClimbs from anywhere you have cell service. While it doesn't offer every single feature of the site and it's not an "app", in mobile form, it does do a whole lot and is very useful. Here is the live link to the mobile version of NEClimbs:
http://www.neclimbs.com/mobile
Check it out and if you have issues on your specific phone, please feel free to let me know.
Join us and LIKE us on Facebook. I'll try and post interesting pix every Thursday and the latest Ice Report in the season, tho certainly not the whole Report. Here's where you can check it out:
http://www.facebook.com/NEClimbs/
Remember - climb hard, ride the steep stuff, stay safe and above all BE NICE,
Al Hospers
The White Mountain Report
North Conway, New Hampshire
| In climbing, the difference between bold and bad judgement is if you make it down alive, you were bold. |
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