| 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: |
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Large lot plowed and not too icy today |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No major issues, biggest crossing solidly bridged, several small areas of open water but all easily navigable |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Several duck unders but nothing unexpected for this time of year |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Maddie had a great day - no specific issues for dogs that can tolerate lots of snow and a longer day |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Had originally planned to hike Franconia Ridge today but the clouds lowered much earlier than forecasted, so we headed to Isolation instead - from the start broke through 4-8" fresh powder, trench mostly easy to follow down low and there was a noticeable difference if you veered off the track because you'd sink much further - thanks to those who broke it out this weekend. First half of Engine Hill bushwhack wasn't too tricky to follow, had to improvise for a short stretch a few times - things got a bit more interesting after that though, the trench split and there were a few possible tracks to follow. I ended up in a dead end twice with spruce traps and no visible trench, and eventually ended up following a track through some very dense trees - it eventually got me to the Isolation trail, but I wouldn't recommend taking this route. On the way in, stay right (north) at both forks, this is the most direct route which I followed on the way down and it was much easier. The winter cutoff near the campsite to Davis Path is in effect and saves a bit of elevation. Some areas of drifting 12+" on Davis Path in the usual spots with some much larger drifts on the upper part of the Isolation spur, worst ones on the steepest section were mid-thigh which took quite the effort with multiple steps backwards. Uneventful and much faster trip down following our tracks. If you hike this trail anytime in the next several days snowshoes are mandatory, trail is no where near consolidated and there's several more inches of snow in the forecast this week, plus with anything less you'll definitely break through to water and slush in several places. No views but also no wind and warmer temps today. Even though we saw multiple critter tracks (deer, rabbit, moose, tons of coyote sign especially in the first two miles), we had the trails to ourselves today - thanks Maddie for a great day. |
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 | Name: |
Hikes with Maddie |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-02-11 |
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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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