| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Isolation, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Rocky Branch Trail, bushwhack, Isolation Trail, bushwhack, Davis Path, Isolation Spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, December 18, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of space. Lot was free of snow/ice at 7AM, covering of snow at 3. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Avoided most by following bushwhacks. The one major crossing was very doable. Moved slightly up stream and found a fairly easy path over, just one large step to avoid the ice covered rocks. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
All in good shape. Bushwhacks are bushwhacks, lots of snaking through the forest. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Coop stayed home due to concern about the water crossing & trail ice. But, Doggies with experience could have easily jumped across the water. However, the level of ice on the trail was significant, and may be an issue for some dogs. |
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 | Bugs: |
N/A |
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 | Lost and Found: |
N/A |
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|
 | Comments: |
Out early to beat the snow; all may change depending on the amount of snow we get tonight. But, there is a lot of ice on the trial, and it will still be under the new snow. Intermittent ice patches on the trail from the start. Started barebooting and avoiding ice, but after sliding for about a mile or 2, put on spikes (everyone in group had different level of ice tolerance and skill at avoiding ice). Changed from rock spikes to Hillsounds before ascending the Isolation Spur; It was very icy with significant ice flows. On descent, it started to snow and one could not distinguish between rocks, ice covered rocks, bare ground, ice flows, etc. Sharp spikes were essential!!! Keep in mind after the new snow tonight, there could be ice under everything. We all went down at least once on the way out, even with spikes.
Several earlier reports cover the Bushwhacks. Although, on the Engine Hill Bushwhack, foot prints are not as easy to follow after the rains earlier in the week. It is apparent that there were multiple different routes through the forest but none were 'easy' to follow. Tried to stay above 3200 to avoid the brush at the lower elevation noted in previous trail reports. Iso Express was a bit easier to follow, and there were a few view locations. Snow levels were not high on either, with sections of bare ground. |
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 | Name: |
CookiesOnTop |
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 | E-Mail: |
schwarzmc at yahoo |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-12-18 |
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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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