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Conditions 12/31/2014

12/31/2014

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    INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
      • As of Wednesday morning we can finally see some hope of improvement.  A bit of new snow overnight will be followed by some more this afternoon. Significant lake effect snow predicted for Tug Hill and Watertown with lesser amounts making it to the Lake Placid area. 2-3" possible on Thursday with more on Thursday night and Friday.  So far not the 5-6" really needed to cover up all the frozen ruts, but stay tuned.
      • After cold temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday, it will again warm up with temperatures now predicted to be just above freezing by next Saturday and maybe some freezing drizzle before again cooling down on Sunday and more light snow possible.  
      • The only good that may come out of this thaw is that it will "reset" the process of ice formation on area lakes.  We thus may get some good thick ice before the next big snow, and this will minimize the chance of slush under the snow on lakes.

      JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
      •               Base Depth - 4-8" (except less as one heads toward Paul Smiths)
      •               Surface Conditions -  Frozen Granular 
                             Km Open - 30 km have sufficient cover, but surface conditions are not skiable.
                       Remarks -  Peninsula and Fawn Ridge sections cleared of blowdown, and coverage is near 100%. Trail above Whiteface Inn Lane has washouts in the first half mile, but then has good cover and has been cleared to the lean-to and the top of the pass.   
        BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                      Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 10"
                      Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  15" - 20"  
                      Surface Conditions: Frozen Granular
                Meadow Lane now closed for the winter.  Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail.  Skis or snowshoes still required in the High Peaks, needed elsewhere.  Good traction required for the steeper mountain trails.
      • All popular backcountry routes were skiable, but now only the gentler terrain can be recommended after the thaw. Trail to Marcy Dam from the Loj described as a "frozen sidewalk with muddy areas."  Truck trail better, but not much.  Caretaker reported walking as much as skiing to get to the Colden cabin on Sunday,  Well, you get the picture.
      • Wright Peak and Marcy were skiable, but definitely need a lot of new snow to again be skiable.  For hikers, Marcy Brook at Indian Falls is probably "out" and could be difficult to cross.  
      • The Calamity Brook Trail was skiable, now too rough - especially at the beginning.  
      • Road to Newcomb Lake still skiable, but just barely.  Hills going to Moose Pond will be fast. 
      • Connery Pond to Whiteface Landing remains skiable but fast on the downhills
      • Lake Colden remains crossable, but avoid all inlets and the outlet.  Avalanche Lake can be crossed, but there was open water at the edges and at the outlet, so the trail is the safer choice.  Old Norse proverb: "Praise not the ice until it is crossed."
      • Whiteface Highway requires walking to get to the snow, and is then crusty and fast above.
      • __________________________________________________________________________
        • 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) -  2-5" 
          •               Off track snow depth - 6"
                          Inches New Snow - 
                          Surface Conditions - Frozen Granular with a light coat of powder
                          Km Open - 45
                          Km Tracked - 25
          •               Remarks -   New set track on the flatter terrain.  All but Ladies 5 km reported as skiable.  Some bare spots 
          •      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) -   3" 
          •               Off track snow depth - 5"
                          Inches New Snow - 1
                          Surface Conditions -  Frozen Granular with a light coat of powder 
                          Km Open -15
                          Km Tracked - 15
                          Remarks -  Ski shop open daily.  Bar and restaurant open weekends and Christmas week.  

          •          Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
          •     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. Rentals, 518-523-2551,
          • www.whitefaceclubresort.com
          •  Base Depth (packed) - 
                          Inches New Snow - 
          •               Surface Conditions -  Frozen Granular
                          Km Open -  7
                          Km Tracked - 
                          Remarks - Open and reporting fast conditions but no evidence of much grooming.
          •              
          • Lake Placid Club Nordic Center  -  Open for Christmas week 12/26-1/4
          • 15 km of trails   518-523-2556
          •  Base Depth (packed) - 
                          Inches New Snow - 
          •               Surface Conditions -   
                          Km Open -  
                          Km Tracked - 
                          Remarks - Closed.  Still cover in the wooded areas below Rt. 86.

                     Paul Smith's VIC:
                     20 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                                 Base Depth (packed) - 2-4"
                                 Off track snow depth:  4"
                                  Inches New Snow 
                                 Surface Conditions - Frozen Granular
                                 Km Open - 15
                                 Km Tracked - 
                                 Remarks - 12/30 report says trail not recommended for skiing.  Esker and Loggers reported as closed.  Area could benefit from lake effect snow on Wednesday and Thursday.

                         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 (packed) - 
                                  Inches New Snow - 
                                  Surface conditions - Frozen granular
                                  Km Open - 
                                  Km Tracked - 
                                  Remarks -  12/29 report says lower trails are fast but skiable.  Upper trails closed until we get 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
                    Current report:  "The Grinch stole our snow."
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Update 12/30/2014

12/30/2014

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Much colder on Tuesday morning, but no new snow, so conditions as reported on 12/28 remain pretty much the same.  Best skiing remains at the groomed centers with Mt. Van Hoevenberg now reporting 40 km open with 25km of new set track on the cross-country side and old set track on the biathlon side. Cascade continues to offer 15km of good groomed skiing.

Lake ice is again firm with Avalanche and Lake Colden again crossable - just be cautious at the Avalanche Lake outlet.  Mirror Lake is good for skating, so other lakes should be safe as well - just stay well away from any inlets or outlets.
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Conditions update 12/29/2014

12/29/2014

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The temperatures finally dropped below freezing on Sunday night with a dusting of new snow overnight.  Not enough new snow to change the conditions as reported below.  Cold through Friday and then warming up to the low 30 on Saturday and Sunday, but no significant new snow is forecast for this area.

Best skiing remains at the groomed centers with Mt. Van Hoevenberg reporting 50 km open and 30 km set track on the cross-country side including the Porter Mt. Loops.
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Conditions 12/28/2014

12/28/2014

0 Comments

 
    INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
      • The thaw unfortunately continued through Saturday and into Sunday morning.  Cooler temperatures promised by Sunday evening and then quite cold Monday night and Tuesday, but no significant new snow with the cooler temperatures.   Surfaces will not be ideal for skiing except at the groomed centers.  
      • After cold temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday, it will again warm up with temperatures now predicted to be above freezing by next Saturday.  Oh well, we had a nice start to the winter.
      • The only good that may come out of this thaw is that it will "reset" the process of ice formation on area lakes.  We thus may get some good thick ice before the next big snow, and this will minimize the chance of slush under the snow on lakes.
      • Surface conditions are "granular" which will be loose if the temperature is above freezing and frozen if below freezing. 
      JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
      •               Base Depth - 4-8" (except less as one heads toward Paul Smiths)
      •               Surface Conditions -  Granular 
                             Km Open - 30
                       Remarks -  Peninsula and Fawn Ridge sections cleared of blowdown, and coverage is near 100%. Trail above Whiteface Inn Lane has washouts in the first half mile, but then has good cover and has been cleared to the lean-to and the top of the pass.   Surfaces will be fast once the temperature drops, and the steeper sections such as the hill above McKenzie Pond are not recommended.
        BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                      Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 10"
                      Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  15" - 20"  
                      Surface Conditions: Granular
                Meadow Lane now closed for the winter.  Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail.  Skis or snowshoes still required in the High Peaks, needed elsewhere.  Good traction required for the steeper mountain trails.
      • All popular backcountry routes were skiable, but now only the gentler terrain can be recommended after the thaw. 
      • Avalanche Pass was in good shape thanks to some shoveling by the Lake Colden caretaker, but it won't be much fun on skis until we get more snow.  Caretaker skied to Marcy Dam and back on Friday, but said do it "only if you are getting paid to do it".
      • Wright Peak and Marcy were skiable, but definitely need a lot of new snow to again be skiable.  For hikers, Marcy Brook at Indian Falls is probably "out" and could be difficult to cross.  
      • The Calamity Brook Trail was skiable, now too rough at the beginning.  
      • Road to Newcomb Lake still skiable, but just barely.  Hills going to Moose Pond will be fast. 
      • Connery Pond to Whiteface Landing remains skiable but fast on the downhills
      • Lake Colden remain crossable.  Avalanche Lake can be crossed, but there is open water at the edges and at the outlet, so the trail is the safer choice.  Old Norse proverb: "Praise not the ice until it is crossed."
      • Whiteface Highway requires walking to get to the snow, and is then crusty and fast above.
      • __________________________________________________________________________
        • 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) -  2-5" 
          •               Off track snow depth - 6"
                          Inches New Snow - 
                          Surface Conditions -  Granular
                          Km Open - 45
                          Km Tracked - 15
          •               Remarks -   New set track on the flatter terrain.  All but Ladies 5 km reported as skiable.  Some bare spots developing
          •      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) -   3" 
          •               Off track snow depth - 5"
                          Inches New Snow - 
                          Surface Conditions -  Granular 
                          Km Open -15
                          Km Tracked - 15
                          Remarks -  Ski shop open daily.  Bar and restaurant open weekends and Christmas week.  

          •          Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
          •     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. Rentals, 518-523-2551,
          • www.whitefaceclubresort.com
          •  Base Depth (packed) - 
                          Inches New Snow - 
          •               Surface Conditions -  Granular
                          Km Open -  7
                          Km Tracked - 
                          Remarks - Open. Reporting fast conditions but ok on the gentler terrain.
          •              
          • Lake Placid Club Nordic Center  -  Open for Christmas week 12/26-1/4
          • 15 km of trails   518-523-2556
          •  Base Depth (packed) - 
                          Inches New Snow - 
          •               Surface Conditions -   
                          Km Open -  
                          Km Tracked - 
                          Remarks - Closed.  Still cover in the wooded areas below Rt. 86.

                     Paul Smith's VIC:
                     20 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                                 Base Depth (packed) - 2-4"
                                 Off track snow depth:  4"
                                  Inches New Snow 
                                 Surface Conditions - Granular
                                 Km Open - 15
                                 Km Tracked - 
                                 Remarks - Latest report is as of 12/24.  Esker, Loggers then reported as closed.

                         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 (packed) - 
                                  Inches New Snow - 
                                  Surface conditions - 
                                  Km Open - 
                                  Km Tracked - 
                                  Remarks -  12/27 report says lower trails are "firm" but skiable.

                           Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
                       10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
                       http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
                    Current report:  "The Grinch stole our snow."
0 Comments

Conditions 12/27/2014

12/27/2014

0 Comments

 
    INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
      • After two days of thaw and high winds on Christmas Day, we still have snow.  Surfaces will not be ideal for skiing except at the groomed centers.  The first significant chance for new snow appears to be on Sunday, but still not that much unfortunately.  Next week the temperatures return to seasonal normals, but still no significant new snow in sight.  As noted below, there will be branches and trees down on most trails.
      • The only good that may come out of this thaw is that it will "reset" the process of ice formation on area lakes.  We thus may get some good thick ice before the next big snow, and this will minimize the chance of slush under the snow on lakes.
      • Surface conditions are "granular" which will be loose if the temperature is above freezing and frozen if below freezing. 
      JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
      •               Base Depth - 4-8" (except less as one heads toward Paul Smiths)
      •               Surface Conditions -  Granular 
                             Km Open - 30
                       Remarks -  Peninsula and Fawn Ridge sections cleared of blowdown, and coverage is near 100%.  Surfaces will be fast and the steeper sections such as the hill above McKenzie Pond are not recommended.
        BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                      Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 14"
                      Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  18" - 24" feet 
                      Surface Conditions: Granular
                Meadow Lane now closed for the winter.  Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail.  Skis or snowshoes still required in the High Peaks, needed elsewhere.  Good traction required for the steeper mountain trails.
      • All popular backcountry routes were skiable, but now only the gentler terrain can be recommended after the thaw. 
      • Avalanche Pass was in good shape thanks to some shoveling by the Lake Colden caretaker, but it won't be much fun on skis until we get more snow.  Caretaker skied to Marcy Dam and back on Friday, but said do it "only if you are getting paid to do it".
      • Wright Peak and Marcy were skiable, but definitely need a lot of new snow to again be skiable.  For hikers, Marcy Brook at Indian Falls is probably "out" and could be difficult to cross.  
      • The Calamity Brook Trail was skiable, now too rough at the beginning.  
      • Road to Newcomb Lake still skiable, but just barely.  Hills going to Moose Pond will be fast. 
      • Connery Pond to Whiteface Landing skiable but fast on the downhills
      • Lake Colden remain crossable.  Avalanche Lake can be crossed, but there is open water at the edges and at the outlet, so the trail is the safer choice.  Old Norse proverb: "Praise not the ice until it is crossed."
      • __________________________________________________________________________
        • 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 - 10"
                          Inches New Snow - 
                          Surface Conditions -  Granular
                          Km Open - 45
                          Km Tracked - 15
          •               Remarks -   New set track on the flatter terrain.  All but Ladies 5 km reported as 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(packed) -   5" 
          •               Off track snow depth - 8"
                          Inches New Snow - 
                          Surface Conditions -  Granular 
                          Km Open -15
                          Km Tracked - 15
                          Remarks -  Ski shop open daily.  Bar and restaurant open weekends and Christmas week.  

          •          Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
          •     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. Rentals, 518-523-2551,
          • www.whitefaceclubresort.com
          •  Base Depth (packed) - 
                          Inches New Snow - 
          •               Surface Conditions -  Granular
                          Km Open -  7
                          Km Tracked - 
                          Remarks - Open. Reporting fast conditions but ok on the gentler terrain.
          •              
          • Lake Placid Club Nordic Center  -  Open for Christmas week 12/26-1/4
          • 15 km of trails   518-523-2556
          •  Base Depth (packed) - 
                          Inches New Snow - 
          •               Surface Conditions -   
                          Km Open -  
                          Km Tracked - 
                          Remarks - Closed.  Still cover in the wooded areas below Rt. 86.

                     Paul Smith's VIC:
                     20 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                                 Base Depth (packed) - 2-4"
                                 Off track snow depth:  4"
                                  Inches New Snow 
                                 Surface Conditions - Granular
                                 Km Open - 15
                                 Km Tracked - 
                                 Remarks - Latest report is as of 12/24.  Esker, Loggers then reported as closed.

                         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 (packed) - 
                                  Inches New Snow - 
                                  Surface conditions - 
                                  Km Open - 
                                  Km Tracked - 
                                  Remarks -  No current report, but unlikely they survived the thaw.

                           Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
                       10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
                       http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
                    Current report:  "The Grinch stole our snow."
0 Comments

Conditions 12/26/2014

12/26/2014

0 Comments

 
    INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
      • After two days of thaw and high winds on Christmas Day, we still have snow.  Surfaces will not be ideal for skiing except at the groomed centers.  The first significant chance for new snow appears to be on Sunday, but still not that much unfortunately.  Next week the temperatures return to seasonal normals, but still no significant new snow in sight.  As noted below, there will be branches and trees down on most trails.
      • The only good that may come out of this thaw is that it will "reset" the process of ice formation on area lakes.  We thus may get some good thick ice before the next big snow, and this will minimize the chance of slush under the snow on lakes.
      • LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IDEA:  LOST SKI AREAS OF THE NORTHERN ADIRONDACKS  by Jeremy Davis.  Learn that there were once 14 ski areas in or near Lake Placid, and another 13 between Tupper Lake, Paul Smiths, Saranac Lake, Wilmington, and Jay.  Available at the Bookstore Plus in Lake Placid and The Mountaineer in Keene Valley. 
      JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
      •               Base Depth - 4-8" (except less as one heads toward Paul Smiths)
      •               Surface Conditions -   Frozen granular 
                             Km Open - 30
                       Remarks -  All sections will have branches and trees down until we get out and clear.  Surfaces will be fast and the steeper sections such as the hill above McKenzie Pond are not recommended.
        BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                      Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 14"
                      Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  18" - 24" feet 
                      Surface Conditions: Frozen granular
                Meadow Lane now closed for the winter.  Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail.  Skis or snowshoes still required in the High Peaks, needed elsewhere.  Good traction required for the steeper mountain trails.
      • All popular backcountry routes were skiable, but now only the gentler terrain can be recommended after the thaw. 
      • Avalanche Pass was in good shape thanks to some shoveling by the Lake Colden caretaker, but it won't be much fun on skis until we get more snow.  
      • Wright Peak and Marcy were skiable, but definitely need a lot of new snow to again b skiable.  For hikers, Marcy Brook at Indian Falls is probably "out" and could be difficult to cross.  
      • The Calamity Brook Trail was skiable, now too rough at the beginning.  
      • Road to Newcomb Lake still skiable.  Hills going to Moose Pond will be fast. 
      • Connery Pond to Whiteface Landing skiable but fast on the downhills
      • Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden have been crossable, but not so until it cools down and freezes all the water that accumulated on the surface of the snow. Caretaker says the outlet to Avalanche Lake likely went out and likely took the trails with it. No other lakes or rivers are safe to cross.  The only good that may come from next week's thaw is that we can start over building up a decent thickness of ice on the lakes so that there isn't "terminal slush" that prevents crossing any lakes without icing up.
      • __________________________________________________________________________
        • 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 - 10"
                          Inches New Snow - 
                          Surface Conditions -  Frozen granular
                          Km Open - 50
                          Km Tracked - 50
          •               Remarks -   Snacks and rentals now available.  Area will start tilling the flatter terrain and setting new track where possible
          •      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 - 8"
                          Inches New Snow - 
                          Surface Conditions -  Frozen granular 
                          Km Open -15
                          Km Tracked - 15
                          Remarks -  Ski shop open daily.  Bar and restaurant open weekends and Christmas week.  

          •          Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
          •     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. Rentals, 518-523-2551,
          • www.whitefaceclubresort.com
          •  Base Depth (packed) - 
                          Inches New Snow - 
          •               Surface Conditions -  
                          Km Open -  
                          Km Tracked - 
                          Remarks - Open for the season as of 12/20, but no report on current operations.
          •              
          • Lake Placid Club Nordic Center  -  Open for Christmas week 12/26-1/4
          • 15 km of trails   518-523-2556
          •  Base Depth (packed) - 
                          Inches New Snow - 
          •               Surface Conditions -   
                          Km Open -  
                          Km Tracked - 
                          Remarks - Dogs permitted with restrictions, but no report on current operations

                     Paul Smith's VIC:
                     20 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                                 Base Depth (packed) - 2-4"
                                 Off track snow depth:  4"
                                  Inches New Snow 
                                 Surface Conditions - Frozen granular
                                 Km Open - 15
                                 Km Tracked - 
                                 Remarks - Latest report is as of 12/24.  Esker, Loggers then reported as closed.

                         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 (packed) - 
                                  Inches New Snow - 
                                  Surface conditions - 
                                  Km Open - 
                                  Km Tracked - 
                                  Remarks -  No current report, but unlikely they survived the thaw.

                           Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
                       10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
                       http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
                    Current report:  "The Grinch stole our snow."
0 Comments

Conditions 12/24/2014

12/24/2014

0 Comments

 
    INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
      • As of Wednesday morning, the rain has arrives as predicted. Temperatures may reach 50 degrees today, slightly cooler Christmas day, and then cooler still starting on Christmas night.   Despite the warm temperatures and high winds on Christmas day, we don't expect to lose all of the snow that we have, so don't give up yet for the vacation week.  The first significant chance for new snow appears to be on Sunday, but the groomed centers should have enough snow to produce acceptable surfaces for skiing before then.  Next update on Friday, 12/26.
      • The only good that may come out of this thaw is that it will "reset" the process of ice formation on area lakes.  We thus may get some good thick ice before the next big snow, and this will minimize the chance of slush under the snow on lakes.
      • LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IDEA:  LOST SKI AREAS OF THE NORTHERN ADIRONDACKS  by Jeremy Davis.  Learn that there were once 14 ski areas in or near Lake Placid, and another 13 between Tupper Lake, Paul Smiths, Saranac Lake, Wilmington, and Jay.  Available at the Bookstore Plus in Lake Placid and The Mountaineer in Keene Valley. 
      JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
      •               Base Depth - 12-15" (except less as one heads toward Paul Smiths)
      •               Surface Conditions -   Wet powder 
                             Km Open - 50
                       Remarks -  All sections broken out.  Still a few branches on some sections.   Hills require caution as many have a broken track in the center and breakable crust on the edges.

        BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                      Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 18"
                      Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  2-3 feet 
                      Surface Conditions: Wet powder 
                Meadow Lane now closed for the winter.  Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail.  Skis or snowshoes now required in the High Peaks, needed elsewhere.
      • All popular backcountry routes are skiable, but caution will be needed as surfaces will be quite fast once the temperatures drop starting on Thursday night. If there is no new snow, only the gentler terrain will be recommended after the thaw. Additionally, many hills will have a broken track in the center and breakable crust on the sides.  Avalanche Pass is in good shape thanks to some shoveling by the Lake Colden caretaker.  Wright Peak and Marcy are skiable, but caution is needed as it isn't quite mid-winter conditions yet.  The Calamity Brook Trail is skiable but rough as Newcomb only got 12" - plenty for Newcomb Lake and Moose Pond - but rough for the start from Upper Works.  Connery Pond to Whiteface Landing broken out and all downed branches removed.
      • Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden have been crossable, but probably not so until it again cold down.  No other lakes or rivers are safe to cross.  The only good that may come from next week's thaw is that we can start over building up a decent thickness of ice on the lakes so that there isn't "terminal slush" that prevents crossing any lakes without icing up.
      • __________________________________________________________________________
        • 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 - 12"
                          Inches New Snow - 
                          Surface Conditions -  Wet powder and hardpack 
                          Km Open - 50
                          Km Tracked - 50
          •               Remarks -   Snacks and rentals now available
          •      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 - 10"
                          Inches New Snow - 
                          Surface Conditions -  Wet powder and hardpack 
                          Km Open -15
                          Km Tracked - 15
                          Remarks -  Ski shop open daily.  Bar and restaurant open weekends and Christmas week.  

          •          Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
          •     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. Rentals, 518-523-2551,
          • www.whitefaceclubresort.com
          •  Base Depth (packed) - 5"
                          Inches New Snow - 
          •               Surface Conditions -  Wet powder and hardpack 
                          Km Open -  10
                          Km Tracked - 10
                          Remarks - Open for the season as of 12/20
          •              
          • Lake Placid Club Nordic Center  -  Open for Christmas week 12/26-1/4
          • 15 km of trails   518-523-2556
          •  Base Depth (packed) - 4"
                          Inches New Snow - 
          •               Surface Conditions -   Powder and hardpack 
                          Km Open -  15
                          Km Tracked - 10
                          Remarks - Dogs permitted with restrictions

                     Paul Smith's VIC:
                     20 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                                 Base Depth (packed) - 3-5
                                 Off track snow depth:  6"
                                  Inches New Snow 
                                 Surface Conditions - Wet powder and hardpack
                                 Km Open - 15
                                 Km Tracked - 
                                 Remarks -  All trails except the Esker Trail packed and skiable. Some limited set track.

                         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 (packed) - 4"
                                  Inches New Snow - 
                                  Surface conditions - Wet powder
                                  Km Open - 10
                                  Km Tracked - 5
                                  Remarks - Trails packed, set track on lower trails

                           Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
                       10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
                       http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
                     3-6" of cover.  All trails packed and all but Big Tupper Trail tracked.
0 Comments

Conditions 12/22/2014

12/22/2014

0 Comments

 
    INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
      • The conditions below are as of Monday morning, but the warm up begins this afternoon and continues through Christmas day.  Temperatures may reach 50 degrees on Wednesday with rain practically assured.  Cooler starting on Christmas, and we don't expect to lose all of the snow that we have, so don't give up yet for the vacation week.  Next update on Wednesday when we know just what is happening and how much snow we are losing.  
      • The only good that may come out of this thaw is that it will "reset" the process of ice formation on area lakes.  We thus may get some good thick ice before the next big snow, and this will minimize the chance of slush under the snow on lakes.
      • Thanks to both those who attended Saturday night's movie and to the business sponsors who provided raffle prizes.  It was a very successful fundraiser.
      • LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IDEA:  LOST SKI AREAS OF THE NORTHERN ADIRONDACKS  by Jeremy Davis.  Learn that there were once 14 ski areas in or near Lake Placid, and another 13 between Tupper Lake, Paul Smiths, Saranac Lake, Wilmington, and Jay.  Available at the Bookstore Plus in Lake Placid and The Mountaineer in Keene Valley. 
      JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
      •               Base Depth - 18-24" (except less as one heads toward Paul Smiths)
      •               Surface Conditions -   Powder and crust
                             Km Open - 50
                       Remarks -  All sections broken out.  Still a few branches on some sections.   Hills require caution as many have a broken track in the center and breakable crust on the edges.

        BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                      Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 22"
                      Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  2-3 feet 
                      Surface Conditions: Powder and crust         
                Meadow Lane now closed for the winter.  Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail.  Skis or snowshoes now required in the High Peaks, needed elsewhere.
      • All popular backcountry routes are skiable, but caution will be needed as surfaces will be quite fast after the thaw. Additionally, many hills will have a broken track in the center and breakable crust on the sides.  Avalanche Pass is in good shape thanks to some shoveling by the Lake Colden caretaker.  Wright Peak and Marcy are skiable, but caution is needed as it isn't quite mid-winter conditions yet.  The Calamity Brook Trail is skiable but rough as Newcomb only got 12" - plenty for Newcomb Lake and Moose Pond - but rough for the start from Upper Works.  Connery Pond to Whiteface Landing broken out and all downed branches removed.
      • Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are crossable.  No other lakes or rivers are safe to cross.  The only good that may come from next week's thaw is that we can start over building up a decent thickness of ice on the lakes so that there isn't "terminal slush" that prevents crossing any lakes without icing up.
      • __________________________________________________________________________
        • 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) -  6" 
          •               Off track snow depth - 18"
                          Inches New Snow - 1
                          Surface Conditions -  Powder and hardpack 
                          Km Open - 50
                          Km Tracked - 50
          •               Remarks -   Snacks and rentals now available
          •      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) -   6" 
          •               Off track snow depth - 16"
                          Inches New Snow - 1
                          Surface Conditions -  Powder and hardpack 
                          Km Open -15
                          Km Tracked - 15
                          Remarks -  Ski shop open daily.  Bar and restaurant open weekends and Christmas week.  

          •          Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
          •     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. Rentals, 518-523-2551,
          • www.whitefaceclubresort.com
          •  Base Depth (packed) - 6"
                          Inches New Snow - 1
          •               Surface Conditions -   Powder and hardpack 
                          Km Open -  10
                          Km Tracked - 10
                          Remarks - Open for the season as of 12/20
          •              
          • Lake Placid Club Nordic Center  -  Open for Christmas week 12/26-1/4
          • 15 km of trails   518-523-2556
          •  Base Depth (packed) - 6"
                          Inches New Snow - 
          •               Surface Conditions -   Powder and hardpack 
                          Km Open -  15
                          Km Tracked - 10
                          Remarks - Dogs permitted with restrictions

                     Paul Smith's VIC:
                     20 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                                 Base Depth (packed) - 3-5
                                 Off track snow depth:  8"
                                  Inches New Snow 1
                                 Surface Conditions - Powder and hardpack
                                 Km Open - 15
                                 Km Tracked - 
                                 Remarks -  All trails except the Esker Trail packed and skiable. Some limited set track.

                         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 (packed) - 6"
                                  Inches New Snow - 1
                                  Surface conditions - powder
                                  Km Open - 10
                                  Km Tracked - 
                                  Remarks - Trails packed, but no set track

                           Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
                       10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
                       http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
                     4-10" of cover.  All trails packed and all but Big Tupper Trail tracked.
0 Comments

Conditions 12/19/2014

12/19/2014

0 Comments

 
    INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
      • Our brief thaw has ended as of Friday with no significant loss of snow.  Surfaces will be a bit hard and scratchy because we only got barely an inch of new snow as it cooled instead if the promised 2-4".  Sunny with high temperatures in the 20s on Saturday and then cloudy on Sunday before it again starts to warm up next week.  Forecast for Wednesday makes me think some of us x-c skiers have been really naughty because Santa may just leave slush balls in our stockings.  Cooler starting on Christmas Day, so don't give up yet for the vacation week.
      • SKI MOVIE SAT, DEC. 20:  DAYS OF MY YOUTH BY Matchstick Productions Some truly amazing skiing presented by Placid Planet - benefit of ASTC/BETA.
      • TIME:  7 PM.            PLACE:  Lake Placid Center for the Arts, Saranac Ave. Lake Placid
      • ADMISSION:  $12 Adults, $10 Children  plus Raffle Prizes from local sponsors.
      • LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IDEA:  LOST SKI AREAS OF THE NORTHERN ADIRONDACKS  by Jeremy Davis.  Learn that there were once 14 ski areas in or near Lake Placid, and another 13 between Tupper Lake, Paul Smiths, Saranac Lake, Wilmington, and Jay.  Available at the Bookstore Plus in Lake Placid and The Mountaineer in Keene Valley. 
      JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
      •               Base Depth - 18-24" (except less as one heads toward Paul Smiths)
      •               Surface Conditions -   Powder and crust
                             Km Open - 50
                       Remarks -  All sections broken out.  Still a few branches on some sections.

        BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                      Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 22"
                      Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  2-3 feet 
                      Surface Conditions: Powder and crust         
                Meadow Lane now closed for the winter.  Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail.  Skis or snowshoes now required in the High Peaks, needed elsewhere.
      • All popular backcountry routes are skiable, but caution will be needed as surfaces will be quite fast after the thaw. Avalanche Pass has been broken out, and the Lake Colden Caretaker has further improved the conditions with some shoveling.  Wright Peak and Marcy are skiable, but caution is needed as it isn't quite mid-winter conditions yet.  The Calamity Brook Trail is skiable but rough as Newcomb only got 12" - plenty for Newcomb Lake and Moose Pond - but rough for the start from Upper Works.  Connery Pond to Whiteface Landing broken out and all downed branches removed.
      • Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are crossable.  No other lakes or rivers are safe to cross.  The only good that may come from next week's thaw is that we can start over building up a decent thickness of ice on the lakes so that there isn't "terminal slush" that prevents crossing any lakes without icing up.
      • __________________________________________________________________________
        • 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) -  6" 
          •               Off track snow depth - 18"
                          Inches New Snow - 1
                          Surface Conditions -  Powder and hardpack 
                          Km Open - 50
                          Km Tracked - 50
          •               Remarks -   Snacks and rentals now available
          •      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) -   6" 
          •               Off track snow depth - 16"
                          Inches New Snow - 1
                          Surface Conditions -  Powder and hardpack 
                          Km Open -15
                          Km Tracked - 15
                          Remarks -  Ski shop open daily.  Bar and restaurant open weekends.  

          •          Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
          •     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. Rentals, 518-523-2551,
          • www.whitefaceclubresort.com
                          Base Depth (packed) - 6"
                          Inches New Snow - 1
          •               Surface Conditions -   Powder and hardpack 
                          Km Open -  10
                          Km Tracked - 10
                          Remarks - Open for the season as of 12/20

                     Paul Smith's VIC:
                     20 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                                 Base Depth (packed) - 3-5
                                 Off track snow depth:  8"
                                  Inches New Snow 1
                                 Surface Conditions - Powder and hardpack
                                 Km Open - 15
                                 Km Tracked - 
                                 Remarks -  All trails except for the Woods & Waters and the Esker Trail packed and skiable, but no set track

                         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 (packed) - 6"
                                  Inches New Snow - 1
                                  Surface conditions - powder
                                  Km Open - 10
                                  Km Tracked - 
                                  Remarks - Trails packed, but no set track

                           Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
                       10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
                       http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
                     4-10" of cover.  All trails packed and all but Big Tupper Trail tracked.
0 Comments

Conditions 12/17/2014

12/17/2014

2 Comments

 
    INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
      • No significant new snow since Thursday, but we have plenty pretty much everywhere.  Paul Smiths area only got about 6" out of last week's storm, but Keene to Saranac Lake got 18-24" of dense powder.
      • Warm on Wednesday with some light sprinkles, but no significant melting of the snow that we have. 1-2" of snow possible Wednesday night to refresh the surface.  Still warm on Thursday with possibly some mixed precipitation before again ending as an inch or so of snow.  Cooling by Thursday night, but no really frigid weather in sight.
      • SKI MOVIE SAT, DEC. 20:  DAYS OF MY YOUTH BY Matchstick Productions Some truly amazing skiing presented by Placid Planet - benefit of ASTC/BETA.
      • TIME:  7 PM.            PLACE:  Lake Placid Center for the Arts, Saranac Ave. Lake Placid
      • ADMISSION:  $12 Adults, $10 Children  plus Raffle Prizes from local sponsors
      JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
      •               Base Depth - 18-24" (except less as one heads toward Paul Smiths)
      •               Surface Conditions -   Wet powder
                             Km Open - 50
                       Remarks -  All sections broken out.  Still a few branches on some sections.

        BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                      Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 25"
                      Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  2-3 feet 
                      Surface Conditions: Wet powder         
                Meadow Lane now closed for the winter.  Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail.  Skis or snowshoes now required in the High Peaks, needed elsewhere.
      • All popular backcountry routes are skiable. Avalanche Pass has been broken out, and the Lake Colden Caretaker has been working to shovel and further improve the conditions.  Wright Peak and Marcy are skiable, but caution is needed as it isn't quite mid-winter conditions yet.  The Calamity Brook Trail is skiable but rough as Newcomb only got 12" - plenty for Newcomb Lake and Moose Pond - but rough for the start from Upper Works.  Connery Pond to Whiteface Landing broken out and all downed branches removed.
      • Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are crossable despite being slushy.  No other lakes or rivers are safety cross.
      • One comment to a report last week asked about slide conditions.  We haven't been willing to hazard a guess about slides since conditions can very tremendously from slide to slide due to the wind.  That said, this heavy snow that fell in two separate dumps is potentially very unstable. 
      • __________________________________________________________________________
          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) -  6" 
          •               Off track snow depth - 18"
                          Inches New Snow - 
                          Surface Conditions -  wet powder 
                          Km Open - 50
                          Km Tracked - 50
          •               Remarks -   Snacks and rentals now available
          •      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) -   6" 
          •               Off track snow depth - 16"
                          Inches New Snow -
                          Surface Conditions - wet powder 
                          Km Open -15
                          Km Tracked - 15
                          Remarks -  Ski shop open daily.  Bar and restaurant open weekends.  

          •          Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
          •     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. Rentals, 518-523-2551,
          • www.whitefaceclubresort.com
                          Base Depth (packed) - 
                          Inches New Snow - 
          •               Surface Conditions -    
                          Km Open -  
                          Km Tracked - 
                          Remarks - No report on grooming, but golf course is skiable

                     Paul Smith's VIC:
                     20 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                                 Base Depth (packed) - 3-5
                                 Off track snow depth:  8"
                                  Inches New Snow 
                                 Surface Conditions - wet powder
                                 Km Open - 15
                                 Km Tracked - 
                                 Remarks -  All trails except for the Esker Trail packed and skiable, but no set track

                         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 (packed) - 6"
                                  Inches New Snow -
                                  Surface conditions - powder
                                  Km Open - 10
                                  Km Tracked - 
                                  Remarks - Trails packed, but no set track

                           Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
                       10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
                       http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
                     4-10" of cover.  All trails packed and all but Big Tupper Trail tracked.
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    Trail Conditions

    Trail conditions are updated frequently during the season, but always check local weather conditions as well before departing on your trip.

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