Update 10/31/19:
     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.

The nor'easter that blew through on Thursday dropped considerable snow at the higher elevations.  At least one skier checked out the Whiteface Highway where there was over 6" near the summit.  We'll get a reading on what elevation the snow starts at and post an update this evening.  While this is primarily a ski condition report, this snow will have a major effect on anyone's hiking plans for the weekend.  Saturday and Sunday will be sunny with temperatures in the 50s, so there will be some melting; but it is unlikely to be all melted above 4,000 feet by Sunday.  More normal October temperatures return next week with more rain in the middle of the week, so this doesn't appear to be the beginning of the ski season - just the season when each weekend's hiking may or may not be impacted by snow and ice.  Whiteface Highway selfie by Ron Konowitz below.
Friday evening update:
There is skiable snow on the Whiteface Highway starting two-1/2 miles up at about 3,500 feet.  Snow depth at the top of the highway (4,500 feet) is over one foot, and that should "translate" to snow depth at similar elevations in the High Peaks.  Saturday and Sunday will be mostly sunny, so the snow line will melt back progressively during the weekend.  Even so, Sunday snow depths will still be significant at 4,000 feet.  Plan your hike or ski accordingly.  Photo of snow (and snowman on picnic table) at 3,500 feet below.