Mount Madison

Trails Used

Valley way, Osgood Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

I was surprised to find bare ground with small patches of ice and snow for almost 2 miles up Valley Way. Significant ice flows above the jct of Watson Path. These softened considerably by the time we descended. Eventually encountered the elevated monorail that was stable on the ascent but not on the descent. From the hut we started in our spikes but took them off as soon as we hit the rocks. There is no ice or snow from there to the summit. There were quite a few people out enjoying the mild temps above tree line. Glad to be able to put in this trail report as there hasn’t been any recent reports in this area.

Parking

4-5 cars at Appalachia at 7:30am

Water Crossings

All easy to cross

Wildlife

None

Trails Used

-

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

A bit of a monorail forming between the tentsites spur and the hut but it was all very solid.

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Air Line, Gulfside, Osgood Trail, Valley Way

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

It may be spring on paper, but it was still winter on the Northern Presis, especially above 4,000 feet. Below that, there wasn't a whole lot of snow, with about two to three inches of fresh powder from last night. Since I was the first (and possibly the only) one up Air Line today, I did the honors of tracking it out. Parts of Air Line below 4k feet were very icy, with that fresh powder obscuring some prolonged ice flows; crampons were not overkill, and I did indeed switch to them on this section. Similar deal for Valley Way, although the ice wasn't as bad. From 4K feet to treeline, snow depths increased significantly and quickly (3+ feet easily), with stable monorails either starting to form or already formed. Lots of rime ice above treeline, as well as fresh snow hiding ankle-twisting gaps in the rocks; felt like I was playing Minesweeper with my foot and trekking pole placement. No views from Adams due to summit fog, although I did get some views from Madison, including a few really nice undercast views. Although we're now almost to April, I would definitely still carry all the standard winter gear (micros, snowshoes etc.) for a while if attempting any of the 4Ks. After all, you never know with spring shoulder season...

Parking

Only about five or six other vehicles in the Appalachia lot when I started, and a few additional ones when I finished.

Trails Used

Valley Way, Osgood Trail

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Micro spikes from start to finish. The snowshoes got a free ride today, as I didn't really see a need for them. Valley Way was covered in a nice fresh 2 inches of snow that fell last night. This was very helpful as the trail was mostly covered in ice under the snow. About a half mile from the Madison Hut, a monorail is developing and the edges are getting steep on the cliff side. Use caution and take your time. I got to the top of Valley Way as another hiker was coming down from Adams. He seemed happy to see me and said I was the first person he's seen all day. After reading the trail reports from today, he must have been Spencer. We chatted at the hut and the again on top of Madison. Hope you finished you hike safely. Very windy and with just micro spikes, the push to the summit of Madison took longer than I would have liked. Crampons would have been more helpful here, but I don't have them yet, so it was what it was. Most of what is above the hut in elevation is covered in rime ice. Very cool to see if you haven't yet! The hike down from Madison took some time due to the wind being pushy. Valley Way back to the car was nice and easy after the first mile or so from the hut. I'd recommend taking which ever tracking your comfortable with because they will all be useful. Enjoy!

Parking

Plenty of parking along the lot off of Rt. 2. Looks like it could hold 20 cars.

Water Crossings

Only a couple spots to hop over, nothing of significance.

Wildlife

The bugs are coming... but not yet!