| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Madison, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, Mt. Monroe, Mt. Eisenhower, Mt. Pierce, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Valley Way, Osgood Trail, Gulfside, Jefferson Loop, Crawford Path, Monroe Loop, Eisenhower Loop, Webster Cliff Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, April 8, 2013 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of parking at either end in snow free lots. Spotted a car at the cog hiker lot - which is a complete mud pit right now. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Ice - Breakable Crust |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction, Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
None. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Valley way is hard packed snow to tent sites, minor drifting and a bit looser to the hut, to summit of Madison and Adams was wind-scorn consolidated snow - microspikes were fine from car to first 2 summits. Switched to snowshoes on the descent to Edmands col when we started punching through the surface. Kept them on the remainder of the hike. Picked our way up Jefferson on consolidated snow. Stuck to trails coming off Jefferson as the snowfields were becoming rocky, but pretty good snow cover on Gulfside past Clay so kept snowshoes on. Hard packed and not too icy up to Washington. Snowshoed down snowfields off Washington intersecting trail by Davis path junction. Snowfield above the Lakes hut had softened up just enough to not be too troublesome. Today, snowshoes were still the best option across the southern Presis. Avoided some rocky, bare sections with nearby snowfields, but with warm temps more bare spots will be opening up soon. Still LOTS of snow between Pierce and Eisenhower and it softened up a lot today. Crawford path was fairly hard packed but softening up just enough to ease descent. It's in great shape - will be a shame when it gets torn up with postholes.
Saw few folks out today - nice to run into Sandy and Karen who were out enjoying the Presis as well.
Weather conditions varied wildly today - and made for an exciting and great day in the Presis. Everything from high winds to calm, no visibility to unlimited views, fog to incredible undercast to abundant sunshine. Even had to break out the compass at one point to find our way... Though we are pleased to report that the hike was refreshingly free from waist-deep drifts and eye-poking branches. Also, congrats to Cynthia for winning the race to Heather's car with grace and style.
Despite questionable conditions to start (and Mike choosing to sleep in), we are glad we proceeded with the plan. Thanks to Heather, Cynthia, and Wayne for a fun day. |
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 | Name: |
Jeff & Karine |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2013-04-08 |
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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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