| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Middle Carter, South Carter, Mt. Hight, Carter Dome, Wildcat A, Wildcat B, Wildcat C, Wildcat D, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Camp Dodge Cutoff, Imp Trail, North Carter Trail, Carter-Moriah Trail, Carter Dome Trail, Nineteen Mile Brook Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, ski trails |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, February 16, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at Wildcat ski area, road bike downhill to Camp Dodge driveway to start the hike. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
To the hiker I met heading up Polecat to the hut...I have the glove you dropped. |
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 | Comments: |
The 3.1 miles from Wildcat to Camp Dodge is a long walk, but a 9 minute bike ride with very minimal pedalling. Locked bike to gate. Snowshoes all day for me...saw some snowshoe carriers who did some churning between N. Carter trail and Middle Carter, not sure if they were doing out/back, but from Middle Carter to Zeta was not churned and in good shape. The climb up to Mt. Hight is in good shape and worth it on a clear day like today. There is an insane amount of snow on Carter Dome...some of the drifts are 15' high I think and block the view of the Presis...and fortunately not on the trail which is well broken out. The steep climb down into the notch is not icy, and on the steepest sections I was able to down climb with relatively good grip on the snow with my snowshoe cleats. A combination of tree assists, sliding, and careful foot placement was used. WRT is in the best shape of all but still soft enough that snowshoes were the right call. Made it to the top of the ski area at 4:23...(can't hike down before 4pm). I always enjoy how the views of the Ravines on Washington change as you lose elevation. |
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 | Name: |
Borealis |
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 | E-Mail: |
kdwelch1@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-02-16 |
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 | Link: |
 https://www.strava.com/activities/17422676708/overview |
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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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