| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Wildcat A, Wildcat D (attempt), NH |
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 | Trails: |
Nineteen Mile Brook Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, February 9, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Only one other car at 19 Mile Trailhead, which was well plowed. Lots of parking at Wildcat Ski Area. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Snowbridges (and a couple of actual bridges) |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
19 Mile Trail to Carter Notch in great shape, just a couple of low-hanging branches |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
N/A |
|
 | Bugs: |
N/A |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
Only thing we lost was any sign of the Wildcat Ridge Trail |
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|
 | Comments: |
A sunny and not-too-windy day at the trailhead to attempt a Wildcat Traverse from 19 Mile Brook Trail to Wildcat Ridge Trail and then down the ski slopes. We started at 10, to time our downhill travel for after 4pm. First 3.8 miles to Carter Notch were uneventful with well-packed trail-all but one of us in spikes, one in snowshoes. Things changed quickly when we got to the Carter Notch/Wildcat Ridge Trail intersection, with the wind picking up sharply. We layered up and donned snowshoes. Expected some trail breaking, but knew someone had broken out the Ridge Trail on Saturday. After about 20 paces, the trail basically disappeared under 4-foot drifts...crunchy on top, but unconsolidated underneath. The wind also seriously picked up. After about 2/10ths of a mile, and realizing that the ridge line would probably only offer more high winds and deep drifts, we decided it was too risky to keep going and turned back. If you're planning to hike Wildcats from 19 Mile this week, wait for lower winds and bring your trail breaking A game... |
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 | Name: |
RaurLaur |
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 | E-Mail: |
laur730@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-02-10 |
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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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