| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Isolation, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Rocky Branch Trail, bushwhacks, Davis Path, Isolation Spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, March 24, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
1 sprinter van in the large, well plowed lot when I started at 6:45 (not a hiker...I had first tracks and it was gone when I returned) and about 10 cars when I returned at 11. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Snow - Spring Snow |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
A couple of minor stopovers along the way and then the major one of the Rocky Branch at the start of Iso Express. Crossing the RB was no problem (rock hopping) as long as you have traction (I did it in my snowshoes). Pic in strava report below. It wasn't very deep where it crosses so a marginal penalty for a misstep. My dog is afraid of water and even she made it. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
A fun hike for pups (and there were a bunch of friendly ones out today) providing they can handle the distance (~11 miles). |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Trail conditions in recent reports persist. A well defined trench the whole way. 1-4" of fresh powder in some drifts but not enough to obscure the trail. I went with Dion snowshoes start to finish as I'd rather wear them as opposed to carry them, and they gave good traction on the frozen trail in the early AM as well as when it was slushy on the way down. Much smaller/lighter than mountaineering shoes and a great option for marginal posthole days (wasn't sure what to expect after yesterday's rain). The ~12 people I saw were microspikin it and seemed to be doing well. Low vis and 50 mph winds at the summit...the people who got a later start I think will have a more impressive summit experience!
The architects of the current 'whack routes are to be commended, very little wasted effort. |
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 | Name: |
Borealis |
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 | E-Mail: |
kdwelch1@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-03-24 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.strava.com/activities/8769678325 |
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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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