Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Mt. Adams, Mt. Madison, NH |
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| Trails: |
Valley Way, Randolph Path, Airline, Gulfside, Osgood Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Saturday, March 18, 2017 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
"normal" parking was almost full when we got there at 8:15. Cars had squeezed in along the snow bank when we returned. |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow - Drifts |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction, Traction |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
We had our pup Bernie, and saw 3 other pups that were motoring along with their groups. |
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| Bugs: |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
We started out Valley Way which looked well broken out, but just after the Randolph Path intersection the trail was not packed out at all. Three ahead of us were coming down with the news. They had heard Airline was packed out at least most of the way so we all took Randolph Path to Airline. It was well packed out until about 3500 where the trail breakers from Friday stopped to camp (thanks guys!!). There were a few early risers that broke trail to the ridge (thanks to you as well!). Above treeline most switched to microspikes or crampons as it was pretty bony/icy. There were some drifted spots that we all post-holed through, but the snow was soft and not painfully deep. We went to Adams first to give Bernie is #44 of 48. There was some wind of course but light for the Northern Presis. It was such a beautifully clear day - you could see forever! Trip over to Madison was mostly crusted snow/ice with some snow drifts as you drop down to the hut. Similar snow drifts coming out of the hut to Madison, but nobody was wearing snowshoes - it's a very short stretch. Above those snow drifts, it was just icy/bare rock so we even took off our crampons for easier walking. We decided to break out Valley Way as going downhill would be easier. It was a little slow going but after about 1-1.5 miles, we ran into a group going up. We all cheered, exchanged pleasantries, and kept going. There were a couple of bare booters that chopped up the trail some, but most had snowshoes to help even it back out. All in all, a beautiful day and the trails should be in good shape. |
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| Name: |
KT |
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| E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2017-03-19 |
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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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