| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Madison, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Valley Way, Watson Path |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, May 31, 2020 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
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|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Mud - Significant, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Unstable), Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction, Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Watson Path water crossing from Valley Way, uncrossable |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Downed trees and uncut branches throughout the Valley Way, but nothing too bad or trail inhibiting. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw a GOOD BOY going up the valley way |
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 | Bugs: |
None! |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Lost black Microspike near the top of the Valley Way near the hut |
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|
 | Comments: |
Weather forecast was looking great for the day and we were planning a whole traverse, but unfortunately the snow and wind had other plans for us. We started around 4:45 along with two other traverse groups that we passed in the parking lot. By 4000 feet it was snowing and haling with the wind picking up. The top of Madison was peak winter conditions. Winds sustained 40-50mph with gusts 60-70mph. Total frigid wintery mix with 30 feet of visualization. every group bailed on the traverse today, but that was definitely the safest option. We will see the presidentials again soon!
I would bring Micros for the next week or so and make sure you keep a good down jacket and wind layer for a few weeks (I would recommend always though). Watson water crossing is impassable and I would not recommend trying, not unless you like sudden rides down the many waterfalls of Madison. Monorail is trash above 4,000 feet on valley way, just muscle through. Overall, happy to have submitted and excited for the next traverse! glad everyone was safe today. |
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 | Name: |
Annika |
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 | E-Mail: |
Annikaleem@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2020-05-31 |
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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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