| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Isolation, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Rocky Branch Trail, bushwhacks, Isolation Trail, Davis Path, Isolation Spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, March 17, 2013 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Only 2 cars today |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
THere was one open water rock hop low on Rocky Branch. All other water was bridged including the crossing of the Rocky Branch. Still alot of snow in the snow bridges including Rocky Branch. If it stays cold and does not rain they will last a while. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The Isolation Trail above the crossing seems to have had some of the large blowdowns cutback since I was last there post-Sandy in November and December. Several feet of snow also helps. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Would have been fine for a hearty hound but there were none. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
We put on spikes at the trail head thinking we would switch to snow shoes at the bushwhack but snowshoes were never necessary though they came with us to the Isolation Spur. The Rocky Branch up Engine Hill is solid though the high winds were blowing snow there on the way back. We started the bushwhack at the usual spot but instead of climbing to begin with to the glades the track countoured down until it intersected the trail in about 3/10s. FOllwed the trail for a couple hundred yards and then a low bushwhack went right a little above the river. The bushwhack is well packed and we never even thought about snowshoes. Eventually we hit the trail well below the third crossing. Stayed on the bushwhack on the east side to avoid third and fourth crossing which had evidence of some activity. Kind of new country and a pleasant walk but missed the higher glades. The crossing was well bridged and the Isolation Trail above the crossing was well packed. We never found the trail sign at the Davis Path as we came out slightly south of the actual trail. The wind on the Davis Path was howling and light snow was drifting but it would not have been worth the effort to switch foot gear. The summit was very cold. Probably zero with 40mph winds at least. Did not stay long as there was fog over the Presidentials and clouds everywhere else. Alot of drifting snow on the way back which made route finding interesting. If there is new snow or significant drifting this lower route will probably disappear which is a shame given how solid it was. All in all a great day with Dave and Karen and a nice finish to a great winter season!! |
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 | Name: |
Jeb Bradley |
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 | E-Mail: |
jebebrad@metrocast.net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2013-03-17 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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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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