Snow in NJ/CT during December

[10-K]

It's a ways off yet but the next time I can get away for a few weeks will be in the middle of December. I'd like to do the section between Kent and DWG if possible.

I know weather is variable and you never know until the time comes, but does that section typically get snow during December?

[Toolshed]

I cannot think of more than several ocassions in the past decade where we had any accumulation in December in NY/NJ. This year has seen a lot of precipitation, so the patterns might be different than past years, but I typically also like to hike this time of the year if it is not raining (whch is your worst enemy in 30-60 degree weather)

[micromega]

I usually hike in the Kent area at least once every November or December, and rarely see much snow. Usually its the higher sections north of Kent, Lions Head and Bear Mountain, where I've seen enough snow to consider worth noting. The worst I've ever seen on Bear Mountain in late December myself was a few inches of icy, crunchy snow with windblown snowdrifts that were hip deep. I'm sure its been worse, but I've never planned a trip up there if I knew there was any big snowfalls in the recent past.

I'd suggest being prepared, being flexible, and keeping track of local weather reports in the few weeks prior to the hike.

And I agree with Toolshed, rain is much more likely to make your life miserable than snow at that time of the year.

[modiyooch]

There are plenty of road crossings if you need to abort.

[Manwich]

Last year, on 12/12, we had a wicked Ice Storm that created a ridiculous amount of blowdown between DWG and Pochuk Mountain.

Otherwise, my whole life in new jersey, the snow situation has had nothing to remark in over a decade (1998 was the last good snowstorm here methinks)

[Manwich]

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1963/157/39/1446862212/n1446862212_1995229_5645.jpg


http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1963/157/39/1446862212/n1446862212_1995230_5883.jpg


http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1963/157/39/1446862212/n1446862212_1995231_6127.jpg
Porcupine

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1963/157/39/1446862212/n1446862212_1995227_5110.jpg

[10-K]

Sounds good... The middle to latter part of December through March is my favorite time of year to hike, weather permitting.

I'll be needing a shuttle from DWG to Kent - is there anybody up that way that'll go that far?

[Snowleopard]

That ice storm also hit New England.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and adjust equipment accordingly.
Warm clothes and warm boots will usually be needed.
Instep crampons or microspikes might be useful, depending on the weather. Snowshoes probably won't be needed unless there is an early big snowstorm.
As modiyooch says, there are lots of road crossings; be willing to abort if conditions turn harsher than you're prepared for.

[modiyooch]

Last year, on 12/12, we had a wicked Ice Storm that created a ridiculous amount of blowdown between DWG and Pochuk Mountain.

Beautiful photos!

[Manwich]

Beautiful photos!


thank you. didn't mean to post the ugly group pic, though

[LIhikers]

it's a rare year when there's any significant snow in that time frame.