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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Mt. Madison, Mt. Adams, NH
Trails
Trails: Valley Way, Osgood Trail, Gulfside, Airline
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, March 16, 2013
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes:  
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment: Snowshoes, Goggles, Traction 
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: None 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Few duck unders on Valley Way, otherwise trails in good shape.  
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: This was the first winter hike I did not take Hannah on and I did not regret that decision. Valley Way would be fine for dog, but too much ice and hard packed snow above tree line to be safe for dogs.  
Bugs
Bugs:  
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: Snowshoes car to car today. Started with a few inches of fresh powder over very hard packed snow, some unevenness from bare booters but not too bad. Depths increased to 4-6" by the hut with a few higher drifts.

Styrofoam snow and bare rock up to Madison - we thought about switching to more aggressive traction on the descent but managed ok with snowshoes - would definitely bring crampons in case things change a bit. Most of the paths around the hut weren't on actual trails - we stayed on the trail proper which looked like it hadn't seen much use in at least the past few days. Mix of styrofoam snow, rock and softer snow patches up to Adams - we were in the clouds but visibility was ok, could see a few cairns in front and an occasional blue blaze. Winds were 20-30mph on Adams, worst we saw all day - goggles and full face coverage was helpful. Went off trail a big for the first 50 yards coming off Adams but quickly found our tracks again - bit slow going at times coming off the cone. Cut off a bit of trail between Airline and Gulfside on the descent through a nice snow field.

Saw about half a dozen people the whole day. No views from either summit but good visibility to the north and a bit towards the Carters. Thanks to Val C for a fun hike - great day to finish W48/48!  
Name
Name: Hikes with Hannah 
E-Mail
E-Mail:  
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2013-03-17 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense.

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