Wildcat Snow Report
Wildcat at a glance
How the snowpack at Wildcat looks right now, where the station sits on the map, and its key details.
Wildcat reports 0.0″ of new snowfall today, raising snowpack levels to 0 inches. Snowpack depth is % of normal, which is very low for this time of year. The mountain is perched in Arizona at an elevation of 7,850ft, where the air temperature is about 72°F right now.
Seasonal average snowpack on this calendar day is 3 inches across the station's full record. Below-normal snowpack like this typically translates to a thinner spring runoff downstream and earlier snowmelt -- worth watching for downstream water-supply forecasts.
Over the next 5 days, the snowpack at Wildcat is expected to hold near today's 0.1 inches of snow-water equivalent, toward roughly 0.1 inches by 2026-07-22.
For real-time and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other stations in the Arizona snow report.
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year percentile bands, every recorded powder day, and the deepest snowpack on record each water year at this station.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & snow
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Wildcat
Wildcat, AZ is nestled within the San Francisco Peaks, a volcanic mountain range that reaches an elevation of 12,633 feet. The average annual snowfall in this area is approximately 260 inches, with an average peak snowpack depth of 100 inches. The nearby ski resort, Arizona Snowbowl, utilizes this reliable snowpack to offer skiing and snowboarding opportunities to visitors.
In recent years, the San Francisco Peaks have experienced warmer temperatures and reduced snowpack, leading to concerns about water resources for downstream communities such as Flagstaff and the Verde River Basin. The snowpack and subsequent snowmelt are important hydrologic constituents for local rivers and reservoirs, including the Lake Powell system that supplies water to millions of people in the Southwest.
It is essential to continue monitoring and understanding the changing snowpack patterns in the San Francisco Peaks to develop effective water management strategies and preserve the delicate ecological balance of the region.
1. Hiking: Wildcat, AZ is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and offers numerous hiking trails for all skill levels. Some popular hiking trails near Wildcat include the Sunset Trail, Bear Canyon Trail, and Pontatoc Ridge Trail. Hiking allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area, spot wildlife, and enjoy breathtaking views. 2. Mountain Biking: The rugged terrain around Wildcat is perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts. There are several mountain biking trails in the area, such as the La Milagrosa Trail, Bug Spring Trail, and Honeybee Canyon Loop. Mountain biking provides an exhilarating way to explore the desert landscape and challenge oneself physically. 3. Rock Climbing: The rocky cliffs and canyons near Wildcat offer excellent opportunities for rock climbing. Some popular rock climbing spots in the area include Mount Lemmon, Windy Point, and Cochise Stronghold. Rock climbing is a thrilling outdoor activity that requires skill, strength, and focus. 4. Horseback Riding: Exploring the desert terrain on horseback is a unique and peaceful way to experience the beauty of Wildcat, AZ. There are horseback riding tours and trails available in the area, such as the Tanque Verde Ranch and Pusch Ridge Stables. Horseback riding allows visitors to connect with nature and enjoy the serenity of the desert landscape. 5. Bird Watching: Wildcat, AZ is home to a diverse array of bird species, making it a popular destination for bird watchers. Some of the best bird watching spots in the area include Catalina State Park, Sabino Canyon, and Agua Caliente Park. Bird watching enthusiasts can spot a variety of bird species, including hummingbirds, hawks, and owls, in their natural habitat.
Nearby snowpack depths
Cross-check whether Wildcat's snowpack is a one-off accumulation or a regional storm cycle.
| Station | Snowpack |
|---|---|
| Wildcat | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Wildcat | 1 in |
| Nohrsc Maverick Fork | 1 in |
| Maverick Fork | 0 in |
| Nohrsc Hannagan Meadows | 0 in |
| Hannagan Meadows | 0 in |
Recreation near Wildcat
Ski areas, reservoirs, paddle runs, campgrounds, and fishing access within driving distance.
Ski areas
See all →
Mountain & avalanche safety
- Know before you go
- Check today's avalanche bulletin from the regional avalanche center before any backcountry / side-country travel. Conditions can shift dramatically between morning and afternoon on storm days.
- Carry the gear, know how to use it
- Beacon, shovel, probe. Practice companion rescue on a calm day, not during a real burial.
- Mind the weather window
- Heavy snow + wind builds wind slabs at ridgelines. The day after a storm is often the riskiest in the backcountry.
- Read the snowpack
- A weak, faceted, or wind-loaded snowpack — like the depth and trend shown above — is exactly what feeds slab avalanches. Dig a pit or check the bulletin before committing to steep terrain.
Track Wildcat in the Snoflo app
Save this station as a favorite, set push alerts when snowfall crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Wildcat reports 6″ new"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment the SNOTEL station crosses.
About Wildcat
Where does the snow data for Wildcat come from?
Snowpack depth, SWE, snowfall, and air temperature come from the NRCS SNOTEL station 866. Forecast comes from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NRCS SNOTEL stations report continuously (typically hourly). Snoflo refreshes throughout the day; check the "as of" timestamp on the snowpack hero card.
What's the difference between snowpack depth and SWE?
Snowpack depth measures how tall the snow is. SWE (snow water equivalent) measures how much WATER is in that snow. SWE matters more for hydrology and ski-season prediction since dry powder packs less water than wet/spring snow at the same depth.
How is "% of normal" calculated?
Today's snowpack is compared to the historical average snowpack on this calendar day across the station's full record. 100% = right on average; 130% = a big year; 60% = a thin year.
Can I get alerts when fresh snow hits?
Yes -- snow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this station, set a snowfall threshold (e.g. "alert me when 6+ inches"), and you'll get a push the moment NRCS reports the crossing.
Access the free Wildcat report
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