| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Webster, Mt. Jackson, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
Webster-Jackson Trail, Webster Cliff Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, February 19, 2024 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of parking at the actual Webster/Jackson trailhead, but there was also a long line of cars parked roadside along 302 today. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow - Drifts |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All fine--the Silver Cascade crossing was heavily bridged over by snow. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
May have been a few blowdowns, but none requiring anything more than a slight duck under. Portions of the Webster Branch were incredibly tight/overgrown. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Should be fine. |
|
 | Bugs: |
None |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
None |
|
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|
 | Comments: |
Webster & Jackson today :)
Took the Webster Jackson Trail up till the fork where the Webster Branch came in. Webster-Jackson was in great shape, and only required spikes. Popped on the snowshoes and turned right there onto the Webster Branch, which did appear to have been broken out recently but which became heavily drifted over in sections, often a good 2-3' deep for much of the ascent up to Mt. Webster. Views were phenomenal there, though, and the trail itself so worth it! The Silver Cascade crossing was absolutely fine--seemed well frozen, but also bridged by more than a few feet of snow. Making the steep, slick way down to then up from it, though, definitely did require some care.
After a quick OAB on Webster Cliff trail to the summit, I took Webster Cliff trail over to Mt. Jackson. This section was even more deeply drifted over, with any signs of a discernable trail few and far between, and with drifts frequently more than 3' deep. Definitely made for quite the adventure! After making it to the Mt. Jackson summit and taking a few quick pictures, I pretty quickly opted for not dilly-dallying and making my way back down and out of the very strong winds. Took the Mt. Jackson Branch of the Webster Jackson Trail down. The initial, very steep section was mostly exposed, iced-over rock as it came down from the summit, but became a beautifully packed and broken out trail immediately upon reaching the tree cover again. Continued down there, back to the trailhead. All in all, absolutely stunning with crystal clear views and gorgeously wooded trails. Definitely a bit chilly, though ;) |
|
 | Name: |
Amelie Crowe |
|
 | E-Mail: |
ameliecrowe22@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2024-02-19 |
|
 | 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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