Another warm week with no snow even on the higher summits. It will turn colder for the weekend after some heavy rain, so the higher summits could again have snow and ice that will impact hiking for the coming weekend. We will also be having a work day on the Jackrabbit Trail on Sunday, 11/3, to clean the all-important drainage on the McKenzie Pass section of the trail. Meet at the Jackrabbit Trail start on Whiteface Inn Lane. More information at www.betatrails.org.
10/24/19 post: Since last weekend, we have seen many sunny days and generally warmer than average temperatures. Consequently, the snow has melted back to 4,500 feet or above for the coming weekend - way too high to make it worthwhile to walk up the Whiteface Highway. That still means snow and ice likely on the highest peaks. Snowshoes won't be necessary, but traction aids (read "microspikes") will likely be essential to keep you on the trail and not trampling on the vegetation on the side in order to gain traction.
Next week does not now look like it will produce any skiable snow, but we'll be watching and post again next week.