As predicted, we received 5-8 inches of dense, wet snow on Saturday night. Also as predicted, Sunday saw a mix of more wet snow, some rain, and then back to snow. With this coming week's predicted variation between daytime 40s and nights below freezing, we should have nice firm corn snow surfaces by next weekend. So if you didn't ski in December or January, now you can make up for it in April. So far Mt. Van Hoevenberg appears to plan on going as long as there is snow to groom, but the rest of the centers will probably make this their last weekend. More details Monday or Tuesday.
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Friday finally warmed up to the 40s with some rain. No significant snow melt, just no powder surfaces anymore. Saturday will continue warm and then cool off enough tonight that most of the precipitation will be of the frozen variety. While there is the possibility that we will pick up another 4-6 inches of snow, as of this morning's forecast it will mix with sleet, freezing rain and even rain. Sunday looks to be a somewhat miserable day with temperatures just above freezing and a mix of precipitation. Then next week looks to be true "spring" conditions with nighttime temperatures below freezing and daytime temperatures in the 40s to near 50. So fast in the morning, soft in the afternoon.
Otherwise, the conditions reported in detail below haven't changes except for the surfaces. Continued cold since Monday mean we still have powder surfaces as of Thursday. This will change as Friday will be in the 40s with rain, followed by clearing on Saturday and daytime temperatures again in the 40s. Cooler and sunny on Sunday, then more clouds and chances of snow at night or shower during the day through next Wednesday. Temperatures will still be below freezing at night, so no significant melting of the snow we have is expected - we just won't have the nice powder surfaces. Likely the last weekend for Cascade and Whiteface Club, but Van Hoevenberg and the Paul Smiths VIC will continue to groom.
Summary: The season that seemingly wouldn't start, now seemingly won't end.
BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 40" Snow Depth at 4,000 feet: 6-7' Surface Conditions: Coverage is finally good everywhere. To belabor the obvious, skis or snowshoes required for all travel in the High Peaks and definitely needed everywhere else. Ice on Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden definitely crossable, and the firm wind-packed powder means still no slush problems there. All other smaller bodies of water safe to cross, just be very careful around inlets or outlets. All popular routes have been broken out since the big storm two weeks ago. Meadow Lane now closed for the winter. Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail.
Oops. Looks as though the promised 3/19 report didn't get published. No real changes, however, as temperatures have remained mostly below freezing with minimal precipitation. Some areas may pick up 3-5 inches of new snow on Saturday. Nothing difficult for trail breaking, and the soft base is there if the new snow doesn't fall. Temperatures will drop on Sunday afternoon and rally only into the 20s on Monday and Tuesday. After that, temperatures will be in the 30s during the day, but not noticeable melting will occur next week. So if you didn't ski much in January, readjust and make up for that lack in April.
Otherwise, the full conditions reported below have not changed. After a warm day on Saturday, the Lake Placid area picked up 2-3" on new snow to put a nice fresh surface on the slightly crusty surfaces. Temperatures only in the teens Sunday through Monday, warming on Tuesday to the 20s and then above freezing each day thereafter. Nothing warm enough to melt any significant amount of the snow we have, so look for another week and weekend of good skiing. Next update on Wednesday, 3/19 when we have a better idea of the weather for the weekend.
BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 40" Snow Depth at 4,000 feet: 6-7' Surface Conditions: Coverage is finally good everywhere. To belabor the obvious, skis or snowshoes required for all travel in the High Peaks and definitely needed everywhere else. Ice on Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden definitely crossable, and the firm wind-packed powder means still no slush problems there. All other smaller bodies of water safe to cross, just be very careful around inlets or outlets. The only questions is when the popular routes will be broken out. Meadow Lane now closed for the winter. Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail.
As of Thursday evening the results are in! At least a full foot of new snow everywhere and 14" at Mt. Van Hoevenberg with nearly two feet reported at Lake Colden. Grooming has been in progress at Van Ho, Cascade, Paul Smiths VIC, and Tupper Lake. Old Mt. Road section of the Jackrabbit Trail is already broken out. We'll check on other sections and report tomorrow, but experience dictates that the enthusiasm for this nice snow will have motivated trail breaking on most sections. Certainly all except perhaps the Paul Smiths section will have been broken out by the weekend. Email reports of other trails broken out to: info@jackrabbittrail.org.
As predicted, the snow started about 7 AM. Predictions range from 10-14 inches to 12-20 inches. As of 9 PM at least a foot of nice light powder has fallen in the area. Radar indicates that it may taper off overnight before morning, but still the storm we wish we had in December. Next full update on Friday, 3/14 after we've been able to evaluate just how much snow has fallen and where. Let the trail breaking begin!
Don't put those skis away just yet! The conditions reported below continue with another inch of snow to freshen the surfaces. More snow Monday night with a chance for some more significant snow on Wednesday and Wednesday night. It will again be a coastal storm, so how much we actually get is still in question; but with a base finally in place anything will help to carry the good skiing through the coming weekend. Next update on Wednesday, 3/12 when we should have a better idea of how much snow we will actually get.
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