| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Isolation, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Rocky Branch Trail, Isolation Trail, Davis Path, Isolation Spur, bushwhacks |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, February 11, 2011 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
lot really well maintained with plenty of parking. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
final crossing of rocky branch well frozen. all others bypassed. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
a couple blowdowns on isolation trail |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
first .7 packed out until ski trail takes off to the right. broke the rest of the way to isolation. initial ascent to ridge 8-12" powder/windpacked powder with a breakable crust on top over a decent base. some deeper/drifted sections. this was probably the hardest breaking of the day due to the crust. one section near top of climb where heavy moose traffic made for interesting snowshoeing. once on ridge heading towards height of land snow depth increases and crust disappears. used the engine hill bushwack to reach isolation trail. i went a little wonky in spots, went low too soon and hit the trail a bit early, but it will get you there. was sinking in 12-18+" with many deeper sections through the wack. isolation trail snow depth remained about the same. bypassed first set of water crossings and the final one was frozen nicely. route finding not too bad until trying to find a good spot to head left and bypass the campsite knoll. eventually found a spot so that is the way the current route accesses the ridge. davis path had roughly 12-18+" new and windblown snow over a decent, but narrow base. good drift just before isolation summit. summit itself covered in crust.
wore snowshoes with extension tails (msr). wouldn't have completed the hike without the extra flotation afforded by the tails. wind protection for the summit and sections open to the wind along the way also much appreciated today.
great hike to isolation. wasn't sure i'd be able to pull it off solo when i saw the conditions, but once i hit a good trail breaking stride the day actually went pretty fast minus a few route finding diversions. was pretty darn cold and windy especially once up on montalban ridge, but the views from the summit were great. beautiful blue skies all around and washington shrouded in clouds. awesome day to be out.
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 | Name: |
bryan |
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 | E-Mail: |
bryancuddihee@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2011-02-11 |
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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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