Update 11/26/18

      Despite the "Winter Storm Warning" for tonight and tomorrow, we'll only count out inches after they fall.  In any event, it will likely be heavy, wet snow - not nice fresh powder.  Predictions range from 5-9 inches for the Lake Placid area; but if the snow is actually as heavy as the temperatures would indicate, it could lead to the need for a lot more trail clearing. 

      The snow did melt back with the recent warmer temperatures, so we do need some new snow to keep this early season of skiing going.  As promised below, a more complete new report by Thursday with weekend conditions for all areas.

Update 11/24/18

     As of Saturday afternoon, the cold snap is over with temperatures back just above freezing.  A bit warmer on Sunday with a chance of rain showers in the morning.  Then cooling off a bit for the rest of the week with maybe a bit of new snow here and there.  So, it may be a thaw after some good skiing, but we'll take a November thaw over a January thaw any year.  

      The snow we had made everything at the groomed centers plus all of the gentler early-season favorites skiable. Some, besides the truck trails, definitely exhibited "early season" conditions, but Whiteface Landing and the McKenzie Pass section of the Jackrabbit Trail for two examples were still very skiable. As of tomorrow, all of the conditions reported below will be deteriorating, but this does not appear to be any great meltdown.  With the up and down weather predicted for the week, we'll probably wait until Thursday, 11/29 to update this report as conditions will likely be changing on a daily, if not hourly, basis until then.

Update 11/21/18

     As of Wednesday evening we have picked up a few more inches of snow during the day, but otherwise no significant change in the snow conditions reported earlier.  All sections of the Jackrabbit Trail and all popular early season backcountry routes have been broken out from Friday's storm.  The only really news is the weather which will be extremely cold for November on Thursday, Thanksgiving day, but quickly warming up.  Saturday, Sunday, and Monday will see temperatures near 40 (the normal high for this time of the year)and with a chance of some showers.  Tuesday will cool down to around 30 for a high followed by high 20s on Wednesday.Thus minimal loss of snow, but perhaps a benefit overall in firming up the base for what looks like a good, long ski season.  (Hope that statement doesn't jinx it). 

Introduction:

     We have now been able to get a better idea of what the recent storm produced and what area conditions are either in person or from reliable reports.  Snow depths did vary widely with 12" in Keene but only 6" or so past Marcy Dam. Still lots of white stuff to slide on. Temperatures were generally above freezing today, Saturday, but no significant melting. There may be a light crust when the temperatures drop. Some lakes have frozen over, but no ice is safe yet.

    Weather for the coming week is for a chance of light snow and a return to below normal temperatures for November, but about normal for "true" winter.

     Next update as we receive updates, but o later than Wednesday, 11/21, when we have a better idea of the weather for the long Thanksgiving weekend.

JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS​ ​Base depth:  8-12"

•  Surface Conditions:  Powder
•  Km Open - 50
•  Remarks -  All sections skiable.  Old Mt. Road section broken out from Keene to beaver pond on Lake Placid side.  Not frozen, so no continuous route
• 
  BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS         
• Snow depth at Lake Colden: 15" as of Thursday according to a forest ranger report.  Definitely more now, but no skiable way to get there.
• Snow depth at 4,000 feet 3 feet 
• Hiking trail from Adirondak Loj not skiable.  Truck trail very skiable with a good skied-in track.
• Avalanche Pass not skiable yet.  Trail from Marcy Dam to Avalanche Camp "negotiable" on skis, but generally only 6" beyond Marcy Dam.
• Marcy and Wright Peak not skiable without some very poor conditions on the approach. 
  • • All of the  truck trail skis (Connery Pond, Hays Brook, Fish Pond, etc.) are now fully skiable. Broken track to the top of the climb on the Fish Pond truck trail
    • Lake Colden and Avalanche Lake not crossable
    • Whiteface Highway - Still being plowed
    • Keene Valley/Garden Parking - Not yet skiable
    • Lake Road to Lower Ausable Lake: Good cover and trail broken out as of Friday.
    • ___________________________________________________________________
    • • X-C SKI CENTER CONDITIONS: (Groomed, trail fee required)
      • •      Mt. Van Hoevenberg X-C Ski Center:  
        •     50km of trails, open daily, rentals, lessons, 518-523-2811, www.whiteface.com/activities/cross-country-skiing 
                        Base Depth (packed) - 5" 
        •               Off track snow depth - 6-8"
                        Inches New Snow - 3"
                        Surface Conditions - Packed powder
                        Km Open - 45
                       Km Tracked 30
        •               Remarks - 
        •      Cascade X-C Ski Center:
        •     20 km of trails with connection to 50km at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, open daily, rentals, lessons, restaurant, bar.  518-523-9605, www.cascadeski.com
                        Base Depth(packed) - 5" 
        •               Off track snow depth - 6-8"
                        Inches New Snow - 3
                        Surface Conditions - Packed powder 
                        Km Open - 10
                        Km Tracked -
                        Remarks - Ski shop open
        • Paul Smith's VIC: www.trailhub.org/trail/generatepdf?orgid=TXpFMA==&actid=TVRVPQ==  No current report
      •            30 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, 
                               Base Depth (packed) - 
      •                        Off track snow depth:  
                                Inches New Snow: 
                               Surface Conditions -   
                               Km Open - 
                               Km Tracked - 
                               
      •                Dewey Mountain - Saranac  Lake​
      •             13 km of trails, open daily (including nights until 7PM Tue. - Fri.), rentals, 891-2697         http://www.deweymountain.com No current report
                                Base Depth (packed) -
      •                         Inches New Snow - 
                                Surface conditions - 
                                Km Open -
      •                         Km Tracked 
                                Remarks -  
        
                         Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
                    No current report
                     http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
      
      
      
      
      

As predicted, the Adirondacks have received 8-12" of snow depending on ones location.  This fell on a crusty base of 3-4".  Not quite mid-winter conditions yet, but just about everything except for the steeper and rougher terrain will be skiable for the weekend.  The snow has stopped (at least for now) as of 10 AM, so it looks as though the Whiteface Highway will be plowed without any new snow for the weekend, but we don't need that option with all the other skiing now possible.  

​All sections of the Jackrabbit Trail should be skiable, and we'll post updates as those sections are broken out.

Without actually getting there, or getting a reliable report, we can't say how Avalanche Pass might be; but we should be able to update that by tomorrow.  In any event, get out there and ski.

11/15 Update:

     Looks like now a major winter storm with 6-9" of new snow by Friday afternoon.  We'll update tomorrow on what we actually get, but even half that would make many ski routes skiable - including much of the Jackrabbit Trail. We already have a pretty good base in most areas, so this may be the beginning of a long ski season - unless of course until the jet stream changes and we end up on the "high temperature" side of the flow.

It's looking good for an early winter and ski season.  The forecast for today says 4-6" of dense snow, but we've learned the hard way not to count our inches until they fall. There is the possibility of some rain mixed in this afternoon, followed by much colder temperatures on Wednesday. So, unless it keeps snowing after it cools down, we will have a crusty surface.  Maybe not so great for skiing immediately, but it should make a nice base for the additional snow that may fall on Friday and Saturday. Next update probably not until Friday, 11/16, when we've had a chance to check out the various possible early season routes such as the Newcomb Lake Road, Fish Pond, and Hayes Brook.  Additionally, Mt. Van Hoevenberg was already planning to open this weekend on a limited loop of "snow factory" snow; but more of the area may be open by then as well.  

Regarding the earlier condition report about the Ausable Club golf course being skiable, this is now the official and definitive ruling from the Ausable Club:  My post did generate a definitive answer about skiing on the Ausable Club golf course.  The ruling is IT IS NOT PERMITTED. I'm sorry to have just gone by long tradition in my earlier post.  However, with the significant increase in traffic through the Club and the consequent chance that there would be more skiing there,I and everyone else must comply with this ruling.    Furthermore, with better snow elsewhere skiing there is no longer a necessity just to get sliding.  And we will check the Lake Road for conditions this afternoon, and skiing is permitted there.  Update:  Lake Road is being driven to bring in firewood.  Possible to ski the center, but not recommended. We'll check some of the other early season routes tomorrow and Friday and post before the weekend,

UPDATE 11/10 - 6pm:
We headed up the toll road tonight in very high winds. As we were skiing up, 3 pick-up trucks came down, one plowing a single lane in the middle of the highway. They were not spreading salt. Despite this there was ice covering the pavement all the way to the bottom, and enough snow on either side of the plowed lane to ski uphill, but it will of course be more difficult to maneuver on the downhill. 

As is typical for early season conditions, above the pump house there is decent snow cover and a few inches of fresh on the sides to make good turns on the downhill. Descending below the pump house is a dicey with large patches of ice and narrow strips of mostly hard snow mixed with frozen chunks from the plowing on Friday night.  We didn't get anywhere near the 3-6" forecast yesterday.  

Skiing should be decent Sunday morning for more adventurous skiers but we can't say for sure that the plow won't be out again.  Use caution on the downhill below the pump house.  


More snow on the Ausable Club golf course than any other course, but the surface is a bit crusty.  Must park at the bottom of the hill and walk up, but it's skiing.  Lake Road not quite ready without going up about two miles, and then lots of foot prints in the 2-3" of snow.  The above generated a definitive answer about skiing on the Ausable Club golf course.  The ruling is IT IS NOT PERMITTED. I'm sorry to have just gone by long tradition in my earlier post.  However, with the significant increase in traffic through the Club and the consequent chance that there would be more skiing there,I and everyone else must comply with this ruling.    Furthermore, with better snow elsewhere skiing there is no longer a necessity just to get sliding.

The National Weather Service forecast for tonight and Saturday:

Snow is expected to move into the area later this afternoon and persist well into the evening hours. Total accumulations of 3-6" are expected across the Adirondacks, with 2-6" possible for east and central Vermont, with highest amounts above 1000 feet. Snow will begin to taper off after midnight tonight and will be replaced by periods of drizzle or freezing drizzle.  

The Whiteface toll road should be skiable by Saturday morning provided that crews do not plow the road between now and then.  Local golf courses might also provide some decent kicking and gliding, depending on localized snow accumulation.  Only one way to find out...get out there and see for yourself!

After a rainy few days early this week and more in the forecast for Friday, it looks like temperatures will finally start to drop next week.  As of today, the forecast for Saturday looks promising for some decent snow accumulation on the Whiteface Toll Road.  Since the road is being plowed by construction crews during the week, Saturday and Sunday are really the only hope for laying down some tracks on the highway. 

Rain and sleet overnight on Friday will likely fall as snow at higher elevations and snow will continue through the day on Saturday and into the evening.  Sunday will be chilly but clear and sunny.  If you're itching to slide on snow, the best bet will be Saturday afternoon or early Sunday morning.  

This would be a fitting weekend to ski the highway - Sunday is Veterans Day and the road is dedicated to the memory of all American veterans.  A little history since we don't have any other skiing to report on this week (excerpted from here):

A road up the mountain was first suggested over 100 years ago by a Lake Placid entrepreneur, but it was not until the 1920s that a highway up Whiteface was promoted with real vigor — after a road was paved up Pike’s Peak in Colorado.
The construction project was dedicated in 1929 by New York Governor Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Six years later, Roosevelt returned as the American president to cut the ribbon opening the highway. It was the suggestion of a wheelchair-bound FDR that led to the blasting of an elevator tunnel to carry visitors from the parking lot to the summit of Whiteface Mountain.

If you didn't manage to grab the brief window last weekend, it looks as though you'll have to wait a while longer.  Warmer weather and rain this past week took care of the early snow.  There is some hope for some snow at higher elevations on Saturday night, but no guarantees just how high.  So drive over to the Whiteface Highway on Sunday to take a look, but we won't be able to provide a report in advance.  Any snow will be plowed off on Monday with next week again predicted to be slightly above average temperatures and more rain. 

As long as it is only "slightly" above average temperatures and precipitating as we get to the "real" winter it could mean a good season, but that's just a dream at the moment.  For now, take a hike, stay in shape, and be ready for the next time we can report some skiing.

UPDATE:  4 PM SATURDAY 11/3:  Snow not quite accumulating on the Whiteface Highway at the toll house, but probably is accumulating within 1/2 mile.  High winds tonight will determine where any additional snow actually accumulates, but it also appears that the snow producing weather is moving on.  

No report tomorrow since I and most other BETA volunteers will be working on blowdown removal and drainage cleaning on the Old Mountain Road section of the Jackrabbit Trail.  Never particularly "exciting" work like building a new trail, but essential to preserve what we have.  Hope you will consider joining us at the leisurely hour of 10 Amon Sunday, 11/4, at the bottom of Mountain Lane just off Rt. 73 about equidistant between Cascade X-C Ski Center and the entrance to Mt. Van Hoevenberg.  

Good News/Bad News Edition:  The Good News:  With more snow than expected this far north, the Whiteface Highway was definitely skiable today.  A bit thin and crusty at the start, but much better after the pump house at 3,000 ft. Pretty much good cover edge to edge due to wet snow and little wind.

The Bad News:  Work is ongoing to renovate the summit elevator.  This snow will likely be plowed off as of Monday morning and most weekdays throughout the winter.  A Friday night snow won't likely be plowed, so we'll try to keep on top of which weekends will be skiable - at least until there is other skiing available to report on.  Furthermore, the forecast for the coming week includes rain and temperatures around 50, so winter is note yet here to stay.

The Whiteface Highway today, Sunday, at 3,500 feet:
​

The weather has remained cold all week with intermittent snow at the higher elevations.  Now 3-5" above 4,000 feet and considerable ice below that elevation.  Be prepared for winter conditions (minus the snowshoe requirement) on any of the higher (more than 3,000 feet) summits.  No report on the Whiteface Highway, but there is surely some skiing possible with a longish walk.  Any "ski-witness" reports would be appreciated.

Otherwise, check the BETA web site: www.betatrails.org lists work parties scheduled for November 4 and 11.  The 4th will be a blowdown sweep and drainage maintenance on the Old Mt.Road section.  The 11th will be a similar effort on the Whiteface Landing Trail from Connery Pond.  Contact BETA at betatrails@gmail.com for details.