Wildcats Saturday conditions

[gaiagirl]

Hey everyone . Hoping that the collective wisdom here can help me out, as usual. I obviously have a pretty good idea what the conditions are on Mt. Washington and environs, but as a not very experienced winter hiker I'm wondering what I might find heading up the Wildcats via Lost Pond to Wildcat Ridge on Saturday. I've hiked in winter, but only with a much more experienced partner using his planning skills and expertise and pretty much exclusively in nice snowy February and March type conditions. Will I need crampons or can I just get away with my everyday boots along with some extra layers, hat, gloves, etc of course? Should I just be expecting and therefore planning for near winter conditions in most places now or only the highest summits? Damn I hate it when I can no longer pretend it's still summer!!!!
Any advice any of you out there can give would be much appreciated.

 

[DougPaul]

The higher summits forcast for Sat isn't out yet, but temps on the 4K peaks could easily be 20 degF colder than the valleys. The valley forecast is highs around 50 with a chance of showers. Nighttime lows on the peaks will certainly be below freezing. So I'd be expect temps around freezing, ice on the trails, and rain (possibly freezing) or snow.

You may not need winter boots, but lightweight summer boots are likely to be cold. So, I'd recommend heavy weight summer boots and crampons (insteps at the very least). And be ready to turn around if you don't like the conditions.

Doug

 

[gaiagirl]

That's pretty much what I expected, Doug. Thanks so much for the input. I'm going to give it a shot regardless I think. I wish now I had saved some of the easier ones for late fall, as I wanted to "finish" the 48 before the year's end (I have 11 left), but the summits will still be there and I'll do what I can.
Thanks Again.

 

[forestgnome]

Just got home from a hike up to Middle Sister of Chocorua. It looked like snow was at about 4000 or 4500 ft. I think Saturday on Wildcat will be a hike when hypothermia, rather than snow/ice, will be the issue. I like to remind everyone at this time of year about wet wind in the mountains. Stay dry and warm!!!

Happy Trails!

 

[DougPaul]

I wish now I had saved some of the easier ones for late fall, as I wanted to "finish" the 48 before the year's end (I have 11 left), but the summits will still be there and I'll do what I can.

Still counts

Some of my 4K peaks are winter only and one of them is skis only.

Doug

 

[gaiagirl]

Oh I know they still count. I'm just concerned I won't have the equipment or the experience to do the ones I have left alone, or at all. Fall didn't last long enough for me, I guess.

 

[the starchild]

also wildcat ridge trail has some sketchy spots, especially if wet or icey. i don't think the dangerious spots are high enough for all that snow and ice, but even wet i'd be super careful.

enjoy, its a fun trail!

 

[MichaelJ]

True. The ledges, which aren't that far up, are the riskiest spot. Once you're past that, you're in the trees the whole way except the clearing at the top of the gondola. The ridge itself isn't a bad trek: just watch for ice affecting your footing on the rocks and various short ascents and descents.

I do not know if the gondola is running as a possible bailout, though I'd imagine the ski trails are still available to descend.

Coming down A Peak into Carter Notch is steep but negotiable and if below the snow line won't be a problem at all. However, use extreme caution crossing the landslide. While it has been built up and secured considerably, a slip there could still result in a long ride.

 

[marty]

I was with a group of three hiking nearby Middle and South Carter yesterday. There was only a dusting of snow, minimal ice and not much standing water on the trails. We definitely needed to bundle up, however. Regards, Marty

 

[amstony]

Be ready for most anything.........I did the Wildcats on September 19, 2004 and had lots of fog, ice, freezing rain, and 30-32 degree temps . Luckily we were ready for it with insteps, the correct gear and all, but it did not give any cause to linger on the summits. The bail out route down the Wildcat ski trails is a very fast descent route, you can walk or run it. Stay on the Polecat trail which I believe goes to the right coming off the summit.

 

[DougPaul]

Stay on the Polecat trail which I believe goes to the right coming off the summit.

Yes, Polecat is on the descender's right.

Doug

 

[giggy]

Hi - gaiagirl - hope all is well

FWIW - I made a call to pinkham for some beta on washinton and as of yesterday, I was told most people are still barebooting it to summit - so I can't comment on wildcat or if it will change for sat -

for washington I am bring crampons - but wouldn't be surprised if they never get used.

 

[Mike P.]

Leather boots, stabliciers if youhave them & I'd plan on going up Wildcat E & down past A or up A & down the Polecat Ski trail.