Monroe Brook

Monroe Brook is a west-side drainage of Mount Monroe in the Ammonoosuc Ravine, accessed from the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail near the Cog Railway base area. From the flat section of trail along the Ammonoosuc River, watch for a subtle tributary brook entering from climber’s right; in established conditions there is usually a skin or boot track leaving the main trail here and heading into the trees.

Ascend through dense conifer glades to reach the open slide path of Monroe Brook. The line is a confined gully with a half-pipe feel in places, starting relatively steep and narrow before easing and widening lower down. The upper gully is often scoured by prevailing northwest winds and can be firm; crampons and an ice axe are commonly used for the final section toward the Monroe–Washington col.

This is active avalanche terrain with a history of wind slab and storm slab issues; treat the entire slide and its connected start zones as consequential. Overhead hazard from the upper bowl and sidewalls, terrain traps in the mid-gully, and a waterfall zone low in the drainage are key concerns. On the ski out, trend skier’s left in the lower brook to avoid the falls and to reconnect efficiently with the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, watching for thin snow and open water, especially early and late season.

Monroe Brook is typically a spring objective when snowpack has bridged the brook and stabilized, and is often linked with Oakes Gulf or other Ammonoosuc-side lines for a bigger tour. Expect full alpine exposure above treeline near the col, with Presidential Range weather (high winds, rapid whiteouts) dictating safe travel windows. Check current avalanche and weather forecasts for the Presidential Range before committing to the line, and be prepared to descend via the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail if conditions in the brook are not safe.

For land management, seasonal notices, and general regulations, see the White Mountain National Forest website.