If you’ve lived in Central Vermont and New Hampshire long enough, you know the signs! 

Highs creeping into the mid-30s. Snowbanks shrinking. The ground soft on top but still frozen underneath. This is how mud season begins!

With temperatures now hovering around 35° across Barre, Topsham, Bradford and Montpelier, we’re entering classic freeze-thaw conditions. The surface thaws during the day, refreezes at night, and water has nowhere to go. Add weight (like trucks, deliveries and tractors) and ruts form fast.

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Here’s what property owners should be thinking about right now:

1. Clear culverts and drainage paths.
When runoff starts, blocked drainage turns into driveway washouts.

2. Limit heavy loads during midday thaw.
Mornings are firmer. Afternoons are when damage happens.

3. Add temporary gravel to known soft spots.
A little material now can prevent deeper repair later.

4. Hold off on major grading until the ground stabilizes.
Grading too early can make things worse.

5. Plan spring work now.
Once April hits, everyone is calling at once.

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Mud season is part of living here. It’s messy, but it’s predictable. A little preparation now can save a lot of frustration in March.

If you’re looking for more detailed tips, we’ve written about Vermont mud season before, including driveway prep, equipment timing and how freeze-thaw impacts gravel roads. You can find those past posts here:

• What Central Vermont Contractors Need to Know
• What This Winter’s Snow & Ice Are Doing to Your Equipment
• Protecting Hydraulic Systems Before the Thaw

Winter is breaking. The thaw is coming. Central Vermont and New Hampshire don’t wait long once it starts!!