| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Adams, Mt. Madison, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Air Line, Gulfside, Osgood Trail, Valley Way |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, April 7, 2019 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable) |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
A few were open but easily crossed |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Less branches in the face than the Carters |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Tons of snow fleas |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Interesting day. Had intended to snag Jefferson, Adams, and Madsion, but when I broke treeline on Airline visibility was poor. I pushed to just below Airline Cutoff (although I didn't know it at the time since I couldn't see the sign), but was having a hard time seeing to the next cairn, and being alone I didn't think pushing on was wise. I didn't want to leave yet as it was early, so I lingered near treeline, hoping it might clear. After a few more attempts, each ending just below Gulfside(where I couldn't see at all), I decided it wasn't going to happen and headed down.
Just before entering the scrub, I met Tim and Dave, who said they had a GPS and invited me to tag along. We pushed up to Adams, where visibility was nothing, and it was quite cold and windy. We took some pics and admired the rime ice covering everything, then headed back down where it was less windy and cold, intending to make for the hut and Valley Way.
When we reached the bottom (literally at the Airline summit spur sign), the clouds suddenly lifted - it was very fast and quite dramatic. The sun came out, it warmed significantly, views were amazing, so of course we were going to climb Madison. The summit of Madison was fantastic, with much warmer temps making the wind not warm, but not biting. Very comfy in a sweatshirt.
Valley Way is a bit annoying near the top as the trail sideslopes a lot, and the light coating of powder on top of the base made for slipping. Crampons would be good here. The rest of both Airline and Valley Way are good with a solid monorail, though getting softer late in the day. You could use snowshoes, but they weren't necessary. Above treeline was pretty bony and spikes worked best. Fantastic day out, big thanks to Dave and Tim. |
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 | Name: |
K Mo |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2019-04-08 |
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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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