When temperatures hover near zero, we may see a series of melt-freeze cycles, making route choices challenging.    Adapting to changing conditions may be a daily challenge, but some patterns usually apply:

• Routes in the valley bottom dry out first.    Many are flat routes, so we can choose to do a vigorous walk/hike.
• Surfaces that are sandy, gravelly or paved will be less muddy and less icy.
• Routes on the lower hills may be hikeable, but carrying spikes is a good idea.    South-facing slopes or open areas will dry fastest, but low spots can be muddy.
• Higher slopes will retain the snow and we can spike hike (traction devices on our boots) if the trail has been stomped in.    This is best done when the temperature in the location is below zero.
• South-facing slopes and benchlands will be muddy on a plus-zero day.
• Since choosing a route to hike or snowshoe in advance is quite difficult, hike leaders may have to have a Plan B for that particular day, or leave an event as a draft until conditions are predictable (within 6 days of the proposed outing).