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Conditions 1/31/2014

1/31/2014

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  • INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
  • No new snow since Monday,  but we're in better shape than last week. Areas that held onto at least some base like Paul Smiths and Newcomb now have reasonably good conditions - at least on the smoother, gentler terrain.   Some snow possible on Saturday with temperatures warming to around freezing Friday through Sunday.  A bit cooler next week and another chance for snow mid week.   
  • In addition to skiing, there is now a nearly two mile ice skating loop around the perimeter of Mirror Lake.
  • But for the ultimate frustration for us northern skiers, it appears there is a greater chance of snow falling on the Super Bowl than on any of our ski trails.  
JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
  •               Base Depth - 2-4"
  •               Surface Conditions - powder on crust       
                       Km Open - 25
                   Remarks -  Right now most sections are thin with rocks either showing or lurking just below the surface, so caution is needed.  The exception is the section from Lake Clear Jct. to the Paul Smiths VIC where there is just enough snow for good skiing.  Between Keene and Saranac Lake, there is enough snow to be able to avoid above-mantioned obstacles on the section from the Keene end to the beaver ponds on the Lake Placid side. Also skiable from River Rd. up to Rt. 86, although no base under the spruces.  Peninsula section's gentle terrain is the best skiing.  Whiteface Inn Lane to the top of the pass still just barely skiable, but with extreme caution on the return downhill run.  No base at the Saranac Lake end in toward McKenzie Pond, but it has been skied.

    BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                  Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 26"
                  Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  24-30" 
                  Surface Conditions: Powder on ice
                  Remarks:    New light snow has brought the snow depth at Lake Colden up some more, but snow cover is still very thin at ADK Loj. With the new snow, the Marcy Dam Truck Trail is more skiable than before, but still thin enough that one must use caution not to hit the ricks lurking under the snow. Despite the thin cover, skis or snowshoes must now because the snow depth warrants them higher up.  Microspikes or crampons will still be practically
     mandatory for any steep trail.  
    Ice on Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden and all other smaller bodies of water safe to cross,  just be very careful around inlets or outlets (reports of several mishaps at Avalanche Lake outlet). Unbridged streams have refrozen, including the Opalescent River in Flowed Lands. Lake Colden caretaker reports that the Calamity Brook Trail is "passable" on skis - at least the "rock" kind.
           Definitely be prepared for full winter weather conditions on any bare summit. 
  • Meadow Lane now closed for the winter.  Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail, but that smooth road is now a good ski.
  • Newcomb Lake Road: (and the side road to Moose Pond) is still the best backcountry choice as it is back up to 8" including 2" of new powder. 
  • Hays Brook Truck Trail: to Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow also has reasonably good cover, and all of the difficult to negotiate blowdowns have been cleared.  
  •  Fish Pond Truck Trail: has cover, but is blocked by occasional blowdowns from the icing event before Christmas.  Very good skiing on the lakes and ponds.
  • Raquette Falls:, no report but most likely not quite enough cover yet.  
  • Ausable Lake Road: now has 2-3" or so of fluff on an icy base and is again skiable.  
  • Marcy Dam Truck Trail: is still just fluff on crust with rocks that must be dodged and still not recommended, although it has been skied.  
  • Burn Road: Near Little Tupper Lake is smooth underneath and now has good cover.
  • Whiteface Highway:  Good cover on the sheltered stretches, but with the winds on Monday there are likely long sections that are blown bare or nearly so.  

    __________________________________________________________________________
      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 -  3-5"
                      Inches New Snow - 3
                      Surface Conditions -  powder on crust
                      Km Open - 30
                      Km Tracked - 4
      •               Remarks - 2km of man--made with track set plus now two additional mms of track set.  All of the X-C side minus the outer loop of the Ladies  5km now skiable, but definitely still rough early season conditions.

      •      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 -   4
                      Inches New Snow - 2
                      Surface Conditions - powder on crust
                      Km Open - 5
                      Km Tracked - 
                      Remarks - Ski shop open daily. Restaurant Wed-Sun.  

                 Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
      •     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. Rentals, 518-523-2551,
      • www.whitefaceclubresort.com
                      Base Depth -  2-3"
                      Inches New Snow - 3
      •               Surface Conditions - powder  
                      Km Open -  8
                      Km Tracked - 
                      Remarks - 

                 Paul Smith's VIC:
                 15 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                             Base Depth - 6-8"
                              Inches New Snow -  2"
                             Surface Conditions - powder on crust
                             Km Open - 15
                             Km Tracked - 
                             Remarks -   No set track, but most all trails except Esker and Silvi are now open with generally good skiing there.  

                     Dewey Mountain - Saranac  Lake
                  13 km of trails, open daily (including nights until 7PM Tue. - Fri.), rentals, 891-2697         http://www.deweymountain.com
                              Base Depth 0-2
                              Inches New Snow - 1
                              Surface conditions - powder on crust
                              Km Open - 4
                              Km Tracked - 
                              Remarks - Limited terrain for day skiing only

                       Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
                   10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
                   http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
                    0-2" of base.  Golf Course has been groomed.  Better skiing reported on Tupper Lake

0 Comments

Conditions 1/28/2014

1/28/2014

0 Comments

 
  • INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
  • With arrival of another blast of cold air on Monday, the area did manage to pick up 2-3" of new light snow. High winds blew the snow around, so actual coverage varies with many open areas still just barely covered.  Areas that held onto at least some base like Paul Smiths and Newcomb now have reasonably good conditions - at least on the smoother, gentler terrain.    Tuesday and Wednesday will again be cold, followed by warming to highs in the 20s by this coming Friday. So, while we aren't losing snow, we aren't gaining much either.  But for the ultimate frustration for us northern skiers, it appears there is a greater chance of snow falling on the Super Bowl than on any of our ski trails.  Next update on Friday, 2/1
JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
  •               Base Depth - 2-4"
  •               Surface Conditions - powder on crust       
                       Km Open - 10
                   Remarks -  Right now all sections are thin with rocks either showing or lurking just below the surface, so caution is needed.  There is now enough snow to be able to avoid these obstacles on the section from the Keene end to the beaver ponds on the Lake Placid side. Also skiable from River Rd. up to Rt. 86, although no base under the spruces.  Peninsula section's gentle terrain the best skiing.  Whiteface Inn Lane to the top of the pass still just barely skiable, but with extreme caution on the return downhill run.  No base at the Saranac Lake end in toward McKenzie Pond, but it has been skied.

    BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                  Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 26"
                  Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  24-30" 
                  Surface Conditions: Powder on ice
                  Remarks:    New light snow has brought the snow depth at Lake Colden up some more, but snow cover is still very thin at ADK Loj. With the new snow, the Marcy Dam Truck Trail is more skiable than before, but still thin enough that one must use caution not to hit the ricks lurking under the snow. Skis or snowshoes not yet required in the High Peaks, but should be carried and used if heading to any of the higher summits. Microspikes or crampons will still be practically
     mandatory for any steep trail.  
    Ice on Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden and all other smaller bodies of water safe to cross,  just be very careful around inlets or outlets (reports of several mishaps at Avalanche Lake outlet). Unbridged streams have refrozen, including the Opalescent River in Flowed Lands. Lake Colden caretaker reports that the Calamity Brook Trail is "passable" on skis - at least the "rock" kind.
           Definitely be prepared for full winter weather conditions on any bare summit. 
  • Meadow Lane now closed for the winter.  Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail, but that smooth road is now a good ski.
  • Newcomb Lake Road: (and the side road to Moose Pond) is still the best backcountry choice as it is back up to 8" including 2" of new powder. 
  • Hays Brook Truck Trail: to Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow also has reasonably good cover, and all of the difficult to negotiate blowdowns have been cleared.  
  •  Fish Pond Truck Trail: has cover, but is blocked by occasional blowdowns from the icing event before Christmas.  Very good skiing on the lakes and ponds.
  • Raquette Falls:, no report but most likely not quite enough cover yet.  
  • Ausable Lake Road: now has 2-3" or so of fluff on an icy base and is again skiable.  
  • Marcy Dam Truck Trail: is still just fluff on crust with rocks that must be dodged and still not recommended, although it has been skied.  
  • Burn Road: Near Little Tupper Lake is smooth underneath and now has good cover.
  • Whiteface Highway:  Good cover on the sheltered stretches, but with the winds on Monday there are likely long sections that are blown bare or nearly so.  

    __________________________________________________________________________
      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 -  3-5"
                      Inches New Snow - 3
                      Surface Conditions -  powder on crust
                      Km Open - 30
                      Km Tracked - 4
      •               Remarks - 2km of man--made with track set plus now two additional mms of track set.  All of the X-C side minus the outer loop of the Ladies  5km now skiable.

      •      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 -   4
                      Inches New Snow - 2
                      Surface Conditions - powder on crust
                      Km Open - 5
                      Km Tracked - 
                      Remarks - Ski shop open daily. Restaurant Wed-Sun.  

                 Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
      •     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. Rentals, 518-523-2551,
      • www.whitefaceclubresort.com
                      Base Depth -  2-3"
                      Inches New Snow - 3
      •               Surface Conditions - powder  
                      Km Open -  8
                      Km Tracked - 
                      Remarks - 

                 Paul Smith's VIC:
                 15 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                             Base Depth - 6-8"
                              Inches New Snow -  2"
                             Surface Conditions - powder on crust
                             Km Open - 15
                             Km Tracked - 
                             Remarks -   No set track, but most all trails except Esker and Silvi are now open with generally good skiing there.  

                     Dewey Mountain - Saranac  Lake
                  13 km of trails, open daily (including nights until 7PM Tue. - Fri.), rentals, 891-2697         http://www.deweymountain.com
                              Base Depth 0-2
                              Inches New Snow - 1
                              Surface conditions - powder on crust
                              Km Open - 4
                              Km Tracked - 
                              Remarks - Limited terrain for day skiing only

                       Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
                   10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
                   http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
                    0-2" of base.  Golf Course has been groomed.  Better skiing reported on Tupper Lake


0 Comments

Conditions 1/27/2014

1/27/2014

0 Comments

 
Quick update to say that 2-4" of new snow is possible today, Monday, and as of 10 AM it looks as though this prediction might actually come true.  Wild, windy transition to another round of cold temperatures for Tuesday and Wednesday, but in the 20s by the weekend. More complete update tomorrow when we see how much we actually get
0 Comments

Conditions 1/26/2014

1/26/2014

0 Comments

 
  • INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
  • Despite predictions of 1-3" on Saturday night, no significant new snow this week after the 3" of very light snow that fell last Monday.  Areas that held onto at least some base like Paul Smiths and Newcomb now have reasonably good conditions - at least on the smoother, gentler terrain.   Sunday will only have a high in the teens with additional chances for light snow on Monday with temperatures briefly moderating to the 20s.  Tuesday will again be cold, followed by warming to highs in the 20s by this coming Friday. So, while we aren't losing snow, we aren't gaining much either.  But for the ultimate frustration for us northern skiers, it appears there is a greater chance of snow falling on the Super Bowl than on any of our ski trails.
  •  SUNDAY: SKI & SWIM FUNDRAISER  While the skiing isn't the best, and the weather is cold, conditions are always good at the Lake Placid Crowne Plaza pool for this now 22nd annual event.  Time:  3-6 PM. Food, drink, door prizes.  Requested donation: $15 for adults, $5 for children.  Additional details on the events page of this web site.  
JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
  •               Base Depth - 0-2"
  •               Surface Conditions - powder on crust       
                       Km Open - 10
                   Remarks -  Right now all sections are thin with rocks either showing or lurking just below the surface, so caution is needed.  There is just enough snow to be able to avoid these obstacles on the section from the Keene end to the beaver ponds on the Lake Placid side. Also skiable from River Rd. up to Rt. 86, although no base under the spruces.  Peninsula section's gentle terrain the best skiing.  Whiteface Inn Lane to the top of the pass just barely skiable, but with extreme caution on the return downhill run.  No base at the Saranac Lake end in toward McKenzie Pond, but it has been skied.

    BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                  Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 20"
                  Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  18-24" 
                  Surface Conditions: Powder on ice
                  Remarks:    New light snow has brought the snow depth at Lake Colden up some more, but snow cover is still very thin at ADK Loj, so even the Marcy Dam Truck Trail is not yet recommended. Skis or snowshoes not yet required in the High Peaks, but should be carried and used if heading to any of the higher summits. Despite the new snow, microspikes or crampons will still be practically
     mandatory right from the parking lot.  
    Ice on Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden and all other smaller bodies of water safe to cross,  just be very careful around inlets or outlets (reports of several mishaps at Avalanche Lake outlet). Unbridged streams have refrozen, including the Opalescent River in Flowed Lands. Lake Colden caretaker reports that the Calamity Brook Trail is "passable" on skis - at least the "rock" kind.
           Definitely be prepared for full winter weather conditions on any bare summit. 
  • Meadow Lane now closed for the winter.  Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail, but that smooth road is now a good ski.
  • Road to Newcomb Lake (and the side road to Moose Pond) is still the best backcountry choice as it is back up to 8" including 2" of new powder. 
  • Hays Brook Truck Trail to Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow also has reasonably good cover, and all of the difficult to negotiate blowdowns have been cleared.  
  • The  Fish Pond Truck Trail has cover, but is blocked by occasional blowdowns from the icing event before Christmas.  Very good skiing on the lakes and ponds.
  • Raquette Falls, no report but most likely not quite enough cover yet.  
  • Ausable Lake Road now has 2-3" or so of fluff on an icy base and is again skiable.  
  • Marcy Dam Truck Trail is still just fluff on crust with rocks that must be dodged and still not recommended, although it has been skied.  
  • Burn Road near Little Tupper Lake is smooth underneath and now has good cover.

    __________________________________________________________________________
      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 -  3-5"
                      Inches New Snow - 
                      Surface Conditions -  powder on crust
                      Km Open - 13
                      Km Tracked - 2
      •               Remarks - 2km of man--made with track set.  An additional 11 km of flatter terrain on the x-c side and around the biathlon range also skiable.

      •      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 -   4
                      Inches New Snow - 
                      Surface Conditions - powder on crust
                      Km Open - 5
                      Km Tracked - 
                      Remarks - Ski shop open daily. Restaurant Wed-Sun.  

                 Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
      •     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. Rentals, 518-523-2551,
      • www.whitefaceclubresort.com
                      Base Depth -  2-3"
                      Inches New Snow - 3
      •               Surface Conditions - powder  
                      Km Open -  8
                      Km Tracked - 
                      Remarks - 

                 Paul Smith's VIC:
                 15 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                             Base Depth - 6-8"
                              Inches New Snow -  2"
                             Surface Conditions - powder on crust
                             Km Open - 5
                             Km Tracked - 
                             Remarks -   No set track, but most all trails except Esker and Silvi are now open with generally good skiing there.  

                     Dewey Mountain - Saranac  Lake
                  13 km of trails, open daily (including nights until 7PM Tue. - Fri.), rentals, 891-2697         http://www.deweymountain.com
                              Base Depth 0-2
                              Inches New Snow - 
                              Surface conditions - powder on crust
                              Km Open - 4
                              Km Tracked - 
                              Remarks - Limited terrain for day skiing only

                       Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
                   10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
                   http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
                    0-2" of base.  Golf Course has been groomed.  Better skiing reported on Tupper Lake

0 Comments

Conditions 1/24/14

1/24/2014

0 Comments

 
  • INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
  • No new snow this week after the 3" of very light snow that fell on Monday.  Areas that held onto at least some base like Paul Smiths and Newcomb now have reasonably good conditions - at least on the smoother, gentler terrain.  Friday will finally warm up to around 10 degrees, and Saturday will be in the lower 20s with a chance for 1-3" of new snow by Sunday morning. Sunday will only have a high in the teens with additional chances for light snow into next week.  Temperatures will remain below normal for the week, but so far no prediction of anything like this past week's deep freeze.   
  • SUNDAY: SKI & SWIM FUNDRAISER  While the skiing isn't the best, and the weather is cold, conditions are always good at the Lake Placid Crowne Plaza pool for this now 22nd annual event.  Time:  3-6 PM. Food, drink, door prizes.  Requested donation: $15 for adults, $5 for children.  Additional details on the events page of this web site.  
JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
  •               Base Depth - 0-2"
  •               Surface Conditions - powder on crust       
                       Km Open - 10
                   Remarks -  Right now all sections are thin with rocks either showing or lurking just below the surface, so caution is needed.  There is just enough snow to be able to avoid these obstacles on the section from the Keene end to the beaver ponds on the Lake Placid side. Also skiable from River Rd. up to Rt. 86, although no base under the spruces.  Peninsula section's gentle terrain the best skiing.  Whiteface Inn Lane to the top of the pass just barely skiable, but with extreme caution on the return downhill run.  No base at the Saranac Lake end in toward McKenzie Pond, but it has been skied.

    BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                  Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 20"
                  Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  18-24" 
                  Surface Conditions: Powder on ice
                  Remarks:    New light snow has brought the snow depth at Lake Colden up some more, but snow cover is still very thin at ADK Loj, so even the Marcy Dam Truck Trail is not yet recommended. Skis or snowshoes not yet required in the High Peaks, but should be carried and used if heading to any of the higher summits. Despite the new snow, microspikes or crampons will still be practically
     mandatory right from the parking lot.  
    Ice on Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden and all other smaller bodies of water safe to cross,  just be very careful around inlets or outlets (reports of several mishaps at Avalanche Lake outlet). Unbridged streams have refrozen, including the Opalescent River in Flowed Lands. Lake Colden caretaker reports that with the new snow this weekend the Calamity Brook Trail will be "passable" on skis.
           Definitely be prepared for full winter weather conditions on any bare summit. 
  • Meadow Lane now closed for the winter.  Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail, but that smooth road is now a good ski.
  • Road to Newcomb Lake (and the side road to Moose Pond) is still the best backcountry choice as it is back up to 8" including 2" of new powder. 
  • Hays Brook Truck Trail to Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow also has reasonably good cover, and all of the difficult to negotiate blowdowns have been cleared.  
  • The  Fish Pond Truck Trail has cover, but is blocked by occasional blowdowns from the icing event before Christmas.  Very good skiing on the lakes and ponds.
  • Raquette Falls, no report but most likely not quite enough cover yet.  
  • Ausable Lake Road now has 2-3" or so of fluff on an icy base and is again skiable.  
  • Marcy Dam Truck Trail is still just fluff on crust with rocks that must be dodged and still not recommended, although it has been skied.  
  • Burn Road near Little Tupper Lake is smooth underneath and now has good cover.

    __________________________________________________________________________
      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 -  3-5"
                      Inches New Snow - 
                      Surface Conditions -  powder on crust
                      Km Open - 13
                      Km Tracked - 2
      •               Remarks - 2km of man--made with track set.  An additional 11 km of flatter terrain on the x-c side and around the biathlon range also skiable.

      •      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 -   4
                      Inches New Snow - 
                      Surface Conditions - powder on crust
                      Km Open - 5
                      Km Tracked - 
                      Remarks - Ski shop open daily. Restaurant Wed-Sun.  

                 Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
      •     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. Rentals, 518-523-2551,
      • www.whitefaceclubresort.com
                      Base Depth -  2-3"
                      Inches New Snow - 3
      •               Surface Conditions - powder  
                      Km Open -  8
                      Km Tracked - 
                      Remarks - Reopen for the coming weekend

                 Paul Smith's VIC:
                 15 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                             Base Depth - 6-8"
                              Inches New Snow -  2"
                             Surface Conditions - powder on crust
                             Km Open - 5
                             Km Tracked - 
                             Remarks -   No set track, but most of the trails are now open with generally good skiing there.  
                     Dewey Mountain - Saranac  Lake
                  13 km of trails, open daily (including nights until 7PM Tue. - Fri.), rentals, 891-2697         http://www.deweymountain.com
                              Base Depth 0-2
                              Inches New Snow - 
                              Surface conditions - powder on crust
                              Km Open - 4
                              Km Tracked - 
                              Remarks - Limited terrain for day skiing only

                       Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
                   10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
                   http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
                    0-2" of base.  Golf Course has been groomed.  Better skiing reported on Tupper Lake


0 Comments

Conditions 1/22/14

1/22/2014

0 Comments

 
  • INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
  • By the time the snow stopped Monday afternoon, the Lake Placid area had picked up a "whopping" 3" of very light snow.  As currently predicted, no more snow but very cold for the rest of the week.  The new snow does allow some more smoother terrain to be skiable. The best skiing in the Adirondacks is still at Lapland Lake with nearly 40 km open and at Osceola Tug Hill, also with 40 km open.  
  • SUNDAY: SKI & SWIM FUNDRAISER  While the skiing isn't the best, and the weather is cold, conditions are always good at the Lake Placid Crowne Plaza pool for this now 22nd annual event.  Time:  3-6 PM. Food, drink, door prizes.  Requested donation: $15 for adults, $5 for children.  Additional details on the events page of this web site.  
JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
  •               Base Depth - 0-2"
  •               Surface Conditions - powder on crust       
                       Km Open - 10
                   Remarks -  Right now all sections are thin with rocks either showing or lurking just below the surface, so caution is needed.  There is just enough snow to be able to avoid these obstacles on the section from the Keene end to the beaver ponds on the Lake Placid side. Also skiable from River Rd. up to Rt. 86, although no base under the spruces.  Peninsula section's gentle terrain the best skiing.  Whiteface Inn Lane to the top of the pass just barely skiable, but with extreme caution on the return downhill run.  No base at the Saranac Lake end in toward McKenzie Pond, but it has been skied.

    BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                  Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 12"
                  Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  18-24" 
                  Surface Conditions: Powder on ice
                  Remarks:    New light snow has brought the snow depth at Lake Colden up to a foot, but snow cover is still very thin at ADK Loj, so even the Marcy Dam Truck Trail is not yet recommended. Skis or snowshoes not yet required in the High Peaks, but should be carried and used if heading to any of the higher summits. Despite the new snow, microspikes or crampons will still be practically
     mandatory right from the parking lot.  
    Ice on Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden and all other smaller bodies of water safe to cross,  just be very careful around inlets or outlets (reports of several mishaps at Avalanche Lake outlet). Unbridged streams have mostly refrozen, but no current report on the Opalescent River in Flowed Lands.
           Definitely be prepared for full winter weather conditions on any bare summit. 
  • Meadow Lane now closed for the winter.  Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail, but that smooth road is now a good ski.
  • Road to Newcomb Lake is still the best backcountry choice as it is back up to 8" including 2" of new powder. 
  • Hays Brook Truck Trail to Grassy Pond and the Sheep Meadow also has reasonably good cover, and all of the difficult to negotiate blowdowns have been cleared.  
  • The  Fish Pond Truck Trail has cover, but is blocked by occasional blowdowns from the icing event before Christmas.  Very good skiing on the lakes and ponds.
  • Raquette Falls, no report but most likely not quite enough cover yet.  
  • Ausable Lake Road now has 2-3" or so of fluff on an icy base and is again skiable.  
  • Marcy Dam Truck Trail is still just fluff on crust with rocks that must be dodged and still not recommended, although it has been skied.  
  • Burn Road near Little Tupper Lake is smooth underneath and now has good cover.

    __________________________________________________________________________
      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 -  3-5"
                      Inches New Snow - 
                      Surface Conditions -  powder on crust
                      Km Open - 13
                      Km Tracked - 2
      •               Remarks - 2km of man--made with track set.  An additional 11 km of flatter terrain on the x-c side and around the biathlon range also skiable.

      •      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 -   4
                      Inches New Snow - 
                      Surface Conditions - powder on crust
                      Km Open - 5
                      Km Tracked - 
                      Remarks - Ski shop open daily. Restaurant Wed-Sun.  

                 Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
      •     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. Rentals, 518-523-2551,
      • www.whitefaceclubresort.com
                      Base Depth -  2-3"
                      Inches New Snow - 3
      •               Surface Conditions - powder  
                      Km Open -  8
                      Km Tracked - 
                      Remarks - Reopen for the coming weekend

                 Paul Smith's VIC:
                 15 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                             Base Depth - 6-8"
                              Inches New Snow -  2"
                             Surface Conditions - powder on crust
                             Km Open - 5
                             Km Tracked - 
                             Remarks -   No set track, and only the flatter terrain is open, but generally good skiing there.  Given that the area still has an icy base, more terrain may be open after yesterday's snow, but no recent report.

                     Dewey Mountain - Saranac  Lake
                  13 km of trails, open daily (including nights until 7PM Tue. - Fri.), rentals, 891-2697         http://www.deweymountain.com
                              Base Depth 0-2
                              Inches New Snow - 
                              Surface conditions - powder on crust
                              Km Open - 4
                              Km Tracked - 
                              Remarks - Limited terrai

                       Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
                   10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
                   http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
                    0-2" of base.  Golf Course has been groomed.  Better skiing reported on Tupper Lake

0 Comments

Conditions 1/21/2014

1/21/2014

2 Comments

 
  • INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
  • By the time the snow stopped Monday afternoon, the Lake Placid area had picked up a "whopping" 3" of very light snow.  As currently predicted, no more snow but very cold for the rest of the week.  The new snow does allow some more smoother terrain to be skiable. The best skiing in the Adirondacks is still at Lapland Lake with nearly 40 km open and at Osceola Tug Hill, also with 40 km open.  
JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
  •               Base Depth - 0-2"
  •               Surface Conditions - powder on crust       
                       Km Open - 10
                   Remarks -  Right now all sections are thin with rocks either showing or lurking just below the surface, so caution is needed.  There is just enough snow to be able to avoid these obstacles on the section from the Keene end to the beaver ponds on the Lake Placid side. Also skiable from River Rd. up to Rt. 86, although no base under the spruces.  Peninsula section's gentle terrain the best skiing.  Whiteface Inn Lane to the top of the pass just barely skiable, but with extreme caution on the return downhill run.  No base at the Saranac Lake end in toward McKenzie Pond, but it has been skied.

    BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                  Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 12"
                  Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  18-24" 
                  Surface Conditions: Powder on ice
                  Remarks:    New light snow has brought the snow depth at Lake Colden up to a foot, but snow cover is still very thin at ADK Loj, so even the Marcy Dam Truck Trail is not yet recommended. Skis or snowshoes not yet required in the High Peaks, but should be carried and used if heading to any of the higher summits. Despite the new snow, microspikes or crampons will still be practically
     mandatory right from the parking lot.  
    Ice on Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden and all other smaller bodies of water safe to cross,  just be very careful around inlets or outlets (reports of several mishaps at Avalanche Lake outlet). Unbridged streams have mostly refrozen, but no current report on the Opalescent River in Flowed Lands.
           Definitely be prepared for full winter weather conditions on any bare summit. 
  • Meadow Lane now closed for the winter.  Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail, but that smooth road is now a good ski.
  • Road to Newcomb Lake is still the best backcountry choice as it is back up to 8" including 2" of new powder. 
  • Hays Brook Truck Trail to Grassy Pond and the Sheep Meadow also has reasonably good cover, and all of the difficult to negotiate blowdowns have been cleared.  
  • The  Fish Pond Truck Trail has cover, but is blocked by occasional blowdowns from the icing event before Christmas.  
  • Raquette Falls, no report but most likely not quite enough cover yet.  
  • Ausable Lake Road now has 2" or so of fluff on an icy base and is again skiable.  
  • Marcy Dam Truck Trail is still just fluff on crust with rocks that must be dodged and still not recommended, although it has been skied.  
  • Burn Road near Little Tupper Lake is smooth underneath and now has good cover.

    __________________________________________________________________________
      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 -  3-5"
                      Inches New Snow - 2
                      Surface Conditions -  powder on crust
                      Km Open - 10
                      Km Tracked - 2
      •               Remarks - 2km of man--made with track set.  An additional 6km of flatter terrain on the x-c side and around the biathlon range also skiable.

      •      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 -   4
                      Inches New Snow - 2
                      Surface Conditions - powder on crust
                      Km Open - 5
                      Km Tracked - 
                      Remarks - Ski shop open daily. Restaurant Wed-Sun.  

                 Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
      •     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. Rentals, 518-523-2551,
      • www.whitefaceclubresort.com
                      Base Depth -  2-3"
                      Inches New Snow - 3
      •               Surface Conditions - powder  
                      Km Open -  8
                      Km Tracked - 
                      Remarks - Reopen for the coming weekend

                 Paul Smith's VIC:
                 15 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                             Base Depth - 6-8"
                              Inches New Snow -  2"
                             Surface Conditions - powder on crust
                             Km Open - 5
                             Km Tracked - 
                             Remarks -   No set track, and only the flatter terrain is open, but generally good skiing there.  Given that the area still has an icy base, more terrain may be open after yesterday's snow, but no recent report.

                     Dewey Mountain - Saranac  Lake
                  13 km of trails, open daily (including nights until 7PM Tue. - Fri.), rentals, 891-2697         http://www.deweymountain.com
                              Base Depth 0-2
                              Inches New Snow - 1
                              Surface conditions - powder on crust
                              Km Open - 
                              Km Tracked - 
                              Remarks -  Still closed until there is more snow

                       Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
                   10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
                   http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
                    0-2" of base.  Golf Course has been groomed.  Better skiing reported on Tupper Lake


2 Comments

January 20th, 2014

1/20/2014

0 Comments

 
  • INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
  • Sunday night finally saw some of the new snow that had been predicted to have fallen on Saturday.  The Lake Placid area had 2" as of 9 AM with more snow falling.  As currently predicted, only 1-2" more, after which it becomes very cold for the rest of the week.  Unfortunately not much more new snow after Monday, but at least we're going in the right direction.  The best skiing in the Adirondacks is still at Lapland Lake with nearly 40 km open and at Osceola Tug Hill, also with 40 km open.  
  • JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
    •               Base Depth - 0-2"
    •               Surface Conditions - powder on crust       
                           Km Open - 10
                     Remarks -  Right now all sections are thin with rocks either showing or lurking just below the surface, so caution is needed.  There is enough snow to be able to avoid these obstacles on the section from the Keene end to the beaver ponds on the Lake Placid side. Also skiable from River Rd. up to Rt. 86, although no base under the spruces.  Peninsula section's gentle terrain the best skiing.  Whiteface Inn Lane to the top of the pass skiable with caution on the return downhill run.  No base at the Saranac Lake end in toward McKenzie Pond.

      BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                    Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 12"
                    Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  18-24" 
                    Surface Conditions: Powder on ice
                    Remarks:    New light snow has brought the snow depth at Lake Colden up to a foot, but snow cover is still very thin at ADK Loj, so even the Marcy Dam Truck Trail is not yet recommended. Skis or snowshoes not yet required in the High Peaks, but should be carried and used if heading to any of the higher summits. Despite the new snow, microspikes or crampons will be practically
       mandatory right from the parking lot.  

    Meadow Lane now closed for the winter.  Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail.

            Road to Newcomb Lake is still the best backcountry choice as it is back up to 6" including 2" of powder. Hays Brook Truck Trail to Grassy Pond and the Sheep Meadow also has reasonably good cover, and all of the difficult to negotiate blowdowns have been cleared.  The  Fish Pond Truck Trail has cover, but is blocked by occasional blowdowns from the icing event before Christmas.  No report on Raquette Falls, but most likely not quite enough cover yet.  Ausable Lake Road now has 2" or so of fluff on an icy base and is again skiable.  Marcy Dam Truck Trail is still just fluff on crust with rocks that must be dodged and still not recommended 
      Ice on Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden and all other smaller bodies of water safe to cross,  just be very careful around inlets or outlets (reports of several mishaps at Avalanche Lake outlet). Unbridged streams have mostly refrozen, but no current report on the Opalescent River in Flowed Lands.

               Definitely be prepared for full winter weather conditions on any bare summit. 
    __________________________________________________________________________
      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 -  3-5"
                      Inches New Snow - 2
                      Surface Conditions -  powder on crust
                      Km Open - 8
                      Km Tracked - 2
      •               Remarks - 2km of man--made with track set.  An additional 6km of flatter terrain on the x-c side also skiable.

      •      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 -   4
                      Inches New Snow - 2
                      Surface Conditions - powder on crust
                      Km Open - 5
                      Km Tracked - 
                      Remarks - Ski shop and bar open daily.  

                 Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
      •     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. Rentals, 518-523-2551,
      • www.whitefaceclubresort.com
                      Base Depth -  
                      Inches New Snow - 
      •               Surface Conditions -  
                      Km Open -  
                      Km Tracked - 
                      Remarks - Golf course skiable.  May be able to reopen for the coming weekend

                 Paul Smith's VIC:
                 15 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                             Base Depth - 6-8"
                              Inches New Snow -  2"
                             Surface Conditions - powder on crust
                             Km Open - 5
                             Km Tracked - 
                             Remarks -   No set track, and only the flatter terrain is open, but generally good skiing there.  Given that the area still has an icy base, more terrain may be open after today's snow.

                     Dewey Mountain - Saranac  Lake
                  13 km of trails, open daily (including nights until 7PM Tue. - Fri.), rentals, 891-2697         http://www.deweymountain.com
                              Base Depth 0-2
                              Inches New Snow - 1
                              Surface conditions - powder on crust
                              Km Open - 
                              Km Tracked - 
                              Remarks -  Still closed until there is more snow

                       Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
                   10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
                   http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
                     No current report

0 Comments

Conditions 1/18/14

1/18/2014

0 Comments

 
While the temperature has finally dropped below freezing, we haven't picked up more than a few flurries since Thursday.  There will be widely scattered flurries throughout the weekend, and some areas may pick up maybe 3", but so far no new snow as of Saturday morning.  That would put a nice surface on Newcomb, Fish Pond, Paul Smiths, and Hays Brook that didn't lose all of their base.  Best chance of snow now is Saturday night, and perhaps continuing into Sunday. Then quite cold again next week, but no significant snow.  

CASCADE SKI CENTER:  While predictions for snow don't always come true,  we can predict the Full Moon, and it never fails us.  So, this Saturday, 1/18 is the first Full Moon Party of the season, starting at 8 PM.  Check cascade ski.com for more information.

MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG:  Reopened  Saturday on a 2km man-made loop.  Loppet postponed to March 8.

BACKCOUNTRY:  Still 10" of snow at Lake Colden with some fluff on top, but no way of skiing there.  Skis or snowshoes not required EXCEPT over 3,500 feet where much of this week's rain fell as snow. So full winter gear (crampons and snowshoes, and warm clothing) for any ascent of a High Peak.
0 Comments

Conditions 1/17/2014

1/17/2014

0 Comments

 
While the temperature has finally dropped below freezing, we haven't picked up more than a few flurries since.  There will be widely scattered flurries throughout the weekend, and some areas may pick up maybe 3".  That would put a nice surface on Newcomb, Fish Pond, Paul Smiths, and Hays Brook that didn't lose all of their base.  Best chance of snow now is Saturday, but perhaps continuing into Sunday. Then quite cold again next week, but no significant snow.  

CASCADE SKI CENTER:  While predictions for snow don't always come true,  we can predict the Full Moon, and it never fails us.  So, this Saturday, 1/18 is the first Full Moon Party of the season, starting at 8 PM.  Check cascade ski.com for more information.

MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG:  Will reopen on Saturday on a man-made loop.  Loppet postponed to March 8.

BACKCOUNTRY:  Still 10" of snow at Lake Colden with some fluff on top, but no way of skiing there.  Skis or snowshoes not required EXCEPT over 3,500 feet where much of this week's rain del as snow. So full winter gear (crampons and snowshoes, and warm clothing) for any ascent of a High Peak.
0 Comments
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    Trail Conditions

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