We can't think of a better way to start the New Year. We picked up 2-4" today and its still snowing hard. National Weather Service forecast calls for another 2-4" by tomorrow morning and it will just keep coming after that, with another 3-5" by Saturday night. Skiing is going to be great pretty much anywhere you go. We're already getting positive reports from various sections of the Jackrabbit, Whiteface Landing and Hayes Brook and its getting better every minute. Skiers should continue to use caution on steeper descents as this terrain was still thin and icy as of a few days ago. Some rocks and open drainages may still be encountered.
We didn't make it into the High Peaks today as planned, but certainly the South Meadow Rd and Marcy Dam Truck Trail will be fantastic by tomorrow morning, and conditions will continue to improve on the Avalanche Pass and Whales Tail ski trails, which are already in good shape. With this snow skiing will vastly improve on most of the commonly used hiking trails. We hope to get out to Avalanche Pass and Lake Arnold on Sunday and will post photos and more detailed information then. Current snow depth is generally 6-12 inches at lower elevations. Two feet of snow is reported at the Lake Colden and more than three feet above about 3,500 feet.
The Adirondack Almanack has posted a great summary of snow depths across the Adirondacks.
Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden have been crossed, as have the beaver ponds on Old Mountain Rd on the Jackrabbit Trail, but we continue to urge caution and common sense when considering ice crossings....see PSA below:
Skiing over a frozen body of water is a cross-country skiing past time; it can access you to areas not seen by most in the summer. With that being said it is a dangerous activity to cross frozen water bodies and should be done with care and respect for your environment. Know the ice conditions and be prepared for anything including heavy winds, snow drifts, whiteouts, slushy conditions, and thin ice.
We've been out clearing blowdown this week, and finally got to this guy on the bottom of the big downhill when returning from Whiteface Landing (see photos below). If you enjoy the trails and enjoy reading these reports, please consider supporting the trail stewardship work of the Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA) by becoming a member. Click Here to Join Today