How are the trail condtions in MD & WV??? How much snow?? Blowdowns?
Recent hiker reports indicate conditions range from several inches of snow/slush on the ridges, especially to the north, to sections with mostly bare ground. Some hikers bailed at Wolfsville Road in MD yesterday (coming from southern PA) because it was such tough going through deep slush.
Bears Den in northern Virginia currently reports that most of their snow has melted and there are some areas with bare ground. They lost 8" of snow just in the last two days.
Blackburn Trail Center, also in northern Virginia, says hikers report the Trail is mostly clear of snow to the north, but there's more snow to the south. They have been able to drive up the road to Blackburn for the first time in several weeks.
No significant blowdowns have been reported in northern Virginia or Maryland.
The remaining snow will likely melt in the coming days with all the rain.
The stream crossing just south of MD 491/Raven Rock Road (Antietam Creek) can get a little harry when water levels are high.
Laurie Potteiger
ATC