| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Madison, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Howker Ridge Trail, Osgood Trail, Valley Way |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, December 21, 2019 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
No problem parking at Appalachia when I got there at 7:30. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Nothing of note. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Some blowdowns on Howker Ridge to step over/duck under, but nothing crazy. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Didn’t see any. |
|
 | Bugs: |
Nope. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
N/A |
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|
 | Comments: |
Group of 6 of us broke out Howker Ridge from the trailhead. If anyone is interested in trying it out, definitely wear snowshoes. Broke through a consistent 6†or so of snow, with drifts up higher. Sections of bare rock to contend with as well.
Switched to spikes about 1/4 way down Osgood to the Hut, and that made life much easier. Put snowshoes back on to go down Valley Way.
Valley Way is broken with a nice snowshoe track, but the snow is absolutely not consolidated enough for just spikes. It needs a lot more snowshoe traffic and a good freeze to get to sidewalk shape. If you go up tomorrow with just spikes, you will tear up the track something fierce. |
|
 | Name: |
Chef |
|
 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2019-12-21 |
|
 | 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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