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Conditions 12/31/2017

12/31/2017

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No update since 12/26 since really about the only condition to report is the temperature.  With temps near zero and no new snow, what could possibly change?  Well, maybe more lakes are now safe to cross, but the only ones we try to assses on a regular basis are Avalanche and Colden, and they were safe as of the earlier report.  

So, still not enough snow for the rougher trails like the approaches to Marcy and Wright Peak to be really skiable, but Avalanche Pass is good as is Connery Pond to Whiteface Landing; and of course the Hayes Brook and Fish Pond truck trails.  Marcy Dam truck trail still has rocks that are covered with snow and definitely a hazard, but one that is easily avoided.  

Forecast for the coming week calls for a warm-up to the mid teens by Wednesday, but then falling back by Friday.  No significant new snow in sight, so no much change except for how many layers you wear to get out and ski.   
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Conditions 12/26/17

12/26/2017

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  • INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
      •  While the "winter storm warning" for Christmas only produced about 3" of new snow in most places, that combined with Friday's snow means we are in pretty good shape for Christmas/New Years week.  Unfortunately, the temperatures are predicted to be very cold for that period, but with the right clothing, moving along on x-c skis will be a lot warmer than riding some lift and then sliding down.  No significant new snow in sight.
      JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
      •               Base Depth - 4-8" 
      •               Surface Conditions - Powder
                             Km Open - 50 km
  •                        Remarks -  Hills still require some caution. All rocks are covered, but not always by very much snow - particularly in the first 1/2 mile above Whiteface Inn Lane and at the Keene end of the Old Mt. Road section.  

    • BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                    Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 24"
                    Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  3-4'  
                    Surface Conditions: Powder
              Meadow Lane now closed for the winter.  Adds nearly a mile each way on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail.  Skis or snowshoes required in the High Peaks, needed elsewhere.  Good traction still required for the steeper mountain trails.           
      • Truck trail still the recommended choice over the hiking trail to Marcy Dam, but hiking trail can be skied, starting on the Old Marcy Dam Trail.  Boulders below Avalanche Camp now mostly covered. Overall, good skiing.
      • Wright Peak and Marcy need a bit more new snow to be really skiable. 
      • Road to Newcomb Lake good skiing with now 10" of cover.  Moose Pond now probably good skiing. 
      • Fish Pond and Hays Brook truck trails skiable.   
      • Connery Pond to Whiteface Landing skiable. 
      • Lake Colden and  Avalanche Lake crossable, Given the temperatures and the wind predicted for this week, crossing these lakes will likely require a face mask and goggles since the conditions there will be much like the alpine summits.
      • Whiteface Highway skiable from the Toll House, but not all that enjoyable given the wind and temperature predictions.
      • Keene Valley/Garden Parking has about 8" of cover and not really skiable to JBL.
      • Lake Road to Lower Ausable Lake a bit thin at the very beginning, but otherwise very skiable.
      • ___________________________________________________________________
        • 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 - 8"
                          Inches New Snow - 2
                          Surface Conditions - Powder
                          Km Open - 50
                          Km Tracked - 15
          •               Remarks -  
          •      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 - 8"
                          Inches New Snow - 2
                          Surface Conditions -  Powder 
                          Km Open -13
                          Km Tracked - 8
                          Remarks - Narrow wind-sheltered trails will be the best choice for the coming weeks and weekend.  Also, a nice big fireplace with bar/restaurant to help with the warm-up after sk 
        •            Paul Smith's VIC:  www.trailhub.org/trail/generatepdf?orgid=TXpFMA==&actid=TVRVPQ==
                     15 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, 
                                 Base Depth (packed) - 7"
        •                        Off track snow depth:  10"
                                  Inches New Snow 6
                                 Surface Conditions - Powder
                                 Km Open - 15
                                 Km Tracked - 10
                                 Remarks - All trails open and packed.   
        •                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) - 3-5"
                                  Inches New Snow - 3
                                  Surface conditions - Powder
                                  Km Open -10
        •                         Km Tracked - 8
                                  Remarks -  Good skiing with track set on the lower trails.  Upper trails now open with some thin spots.

                           Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
                       10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
                       http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
        • All trails groomed with track set where the snow is deep enough
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Conditions 12/23/17

12/23/2017

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CHRISTMAS EVE UPDATE:

     We are now predicted to get some significant snow on Christmas Day.  May only be 3-5 inches in Lake Placid, but other areas are supposed to get more. Even just the 3-5 in the somewhat firm base (but no breakable crust)will put all popular routes in goo shape for the week - assuming you want to brave the very frigid temperatures.   Highs after Tuesday will only be in the single digits, if that, and only a slow warming to 10 degrees by Sunday.  

     We'll check in with Lake Colden after he storm, so we will be able to pass along those conditions as well.


Saturday afternoon update:  Friday's storm did drop 5-7 inches of snow, but it is still quite thin under any thick conifers.  Saturday has seen, so far, about six hour of just above freezing temperatures with light rain, and still just above freezing as of 5 PM.  So, we go from 5-7 inches of nice fluffy powder to 4-5 inches of wet miserable powder.  Once it does cool off tonight tis will turn to breakable crust, so the best skiing will be at the groomed centers.  Christmas day may see four more inches of new snow, which should make the breakable crust site skiable, so stay tuned.  Otherwise, the coverage as reported yesterday remain basically unchanged.  

Skis or snowshoes now definitely recommended for any backcountry travel and required in the High Peaks.  No report yet from Lake Colden, but 2-3 feet at 4,000 feet.

​
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Conditions 12/22/17

12/22/2017

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We're definitely getting the snow, and no question we'll get more than the 5" originally predicted.  At least that much on the ground and still snowing at 2 PM on Friday.  This looks to be enough to make all of the Jackrabbit Trail skiable along with all popular ski routes.  The only exceptions may be some of the rougher trails in the High Peaks - particularly the lower approaches to Marcy and the Wright Peak ski trail.

Tomorrow looks a bit questionable with temperatures predicted to hit the mid-30s with a short period of rain, but after that the temperatures slowly drop until Thursday's high is only predicted to be around 5 degrees.  So, we're in for a snowy, if a bit cold, Christmas week.  Next update Saturday afternoon when we know how much of the unwelcome precipitation we actually get.  
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Ski Conditions 12/19/17

12/19/2017

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PictureJackrabbit Trail near McKenzie Pond, Saranac Lake. Dec 18, 2017
UPDATE 12/20/17
     The good news is that yesterday's rain didn't melt all of the snow.  Unfortunately, not that much new snow at the tail end of the storm.  Cold on Thursday with maybe an inch, followed on Friday with a chance of as much as four inches.  Saturday, however, may see a few hours of rain in the afternoon before again turning colder.  So not easy to keep up with the conditions as they will be changing rapidly, but at least there is enough cover that at least the smoother flatter terrain will remain skiable - even if surface conditions aren't ideal.  One new area that's been checked out is Gulf Brook Rd. to Boreas Ponds.  6-7 inches on Monday at the parking area, and a bit more at the height of land.  No evidence of any plowing yet this season.  




After a pretty terrific weekend of skiing and a little new snow on Monday, today we're getting a light but steady rain throughout the region.  This should turn back to snow as temperatures drop tonight, hopefully producing 1-3" inches of new white stuff overnight.  National Weather Services is calling for a chance of show showers on Wednesday morning as well, followed by sun and colder temps on Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday.  Then another chance for snow accumulation starting on Friday.  

Conditions on backcountry ski trails improved considerably on Monday.  Skiing was quite enjoyable on the Jackrabbit Trail on both sides of McKenzie Pass, though some rocks and roots remained exposed and caution was needed on steep downhills and when approaching bridges and water bars.  The same could be said for other trails in the vicinity of Lake Placid as well, but much better snow coverage remains on trails to the north of Saranac Lake.   

But now with the warm-up and rain, some trail sections will again be too thin and rocky for enjoyable skiing.  "At least we're getting some base...." - every backcountry skier in the Adirondacks has uttered that phrase at one time or another.  The wet snow from last night, combined with rain today and more new snow tonight will help to establish a base.  Hopefully then we'll be set up nicely for the next storm, which may happen this weekend in time for Christmas. 

We'll post an update tomorrow after we see how much it snows tonight.  

Stay tuned...

Picture
Above Whiteface Inn Rd on the Jackrabbit Trail, Lake Placid. Dec 18, 2017
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Ski Conditions - 12/15/17

12/15/2017

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PictureGrassy Pond Trail, off Hayes Brook truck trail, Dec 14, 2017
We didn't quite see the accumulation that was predicted with the storm earlier this week, but the extra snow improved conditions to some degree.  On average there is 6-10 inches of snow at lower elevations in the region, with a foot or more at higher elevations.

Snow showers forecasted for Friday and Saturday may produce a few inches and that may be enough to improve some trails considerably...time will tell.  Brief warm up early next week, which might just be good to settle the snow we have into a firmer base, after which colder (but not quite as cold) temperatures return with the chance for additional snow.

For this weekend the best un-groomed trail skiing will be in the Paul Smiths area.  Hayes Brook and Fish Pond truck trails are in great shape, as is the side trail out to Grassy Pond at Hayes Brook.  Some blowdown remains in this area but it is easily passed on skis.  The section of the Jackrabbit Trail from the VIC to Jones Pond Rd. and onto Rt. 86 is skiable with caution on the downhills (and watch for wet spots near drainages).  

Of course the Whiteface Toll Road remains a reliable option as well.  

The rest of the Jackrabbit Trail cannot be recommended though we're sure a few die hards will break out the rock skis and go for it anyway.  The recent snow will help form a base but we'll need another 6" to make skiing worthwhile.  Old Mt. Road is “skiable with caution” as there are still rocks showing.  Same goes for the section from McKenzie Pond Rd. to the pond.  We don't recommend going over the pass quite yet.  Golf courses sections of the Jackrabbit Trail are still the best option.  

No skiing yet recommended in the High Peaks Wilderness, but the 
use of snowshoes or skis is now required in the High Peaks.  On South Meadow Lane the snow is thin enough that skiers will hit the occasional bit of gravel.  Past the gate it gets rougher with rocks hidden under the snow.  Nevertheless, it is “passable on skis” to get to Marcy Dam, but please take the less-than-ideal conditions into account before committing to a tour here.   

At the VIC in Paul Smiths, Andy Testo reports "Trails are shaping up nicely here, everything is rolled. Jenkins Mountain side of Logger's has rocks still, and a few wet spots on the far end, but everything else is beautiful for the amount of snow we've got."

At Mt. Van Hoevenberg, the report is "All of the flat terrain is groomed. Tracks set on the 1 km man-made loop and in the stadium only. Packed powder conditions!  Rock skis still recommended on the non-man made loops open on the flats. Snow in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow, so with a little luck that could change, along with the possibility of adding some hillier trails!"

Ausable Lake Road is now skiable.  Very thin at the gate under the hemlocks, but better after the first 1/4 mile.  A few shorter thin areas afterwards, and still not a lot of additional snow as one approaches the lake. Remote sensing equipment in the Huntington Forest in Newcomb indicates 4-5" of snow, which is just enough to make the Newcomb Lake road skiable to Camp Santanoni.

At Dewey Mountain Recreation Center, the report is "We have received 4” of snow over the past 48 hours. We hope with a predicted drop in temperatures and a few more inches to be able to pack lower mountain trails.  Ski tracks have been spotted on lower mountain trails. If you choose to ski, please use caution. We will open for day light hours as soon as conditions improve and grooming starts. Light skiing will start in the new year."


SAFETY ON THE ICE
Most low-water backcountry river and stream crossings are still open.  Smaller ponds and lakes are covered with ice, but no ice should be considered safe without using extreme caution.

Finally, if you're in the Lake Placid region this weekend, check out the Annual BETA Ski Movie Fundraiser at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts.  BETA is hosting a premier of the film "Rogue Elements" by Teton Gravity Research.  Tickets are $15 at the door (free for kids).  All proceeds support BETA's trail construction and stewardship work, including our ongoing maintenance of the Jackrabbit Trail.  Doors open at 6:30pm.  Great raffle prizes and beer will be served by Big Slide Brewery & Public House.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.

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Ski Conditions - 12/12/17

12/12/2017

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Picture




We started the week by picking up another 4-6" of new snow on Sunday night and Monday night at lower elevations.  As of this morning it is snowing steadily.  The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Tuesday and Wednesday covering the entire North Country. "Moderate to heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 7 inches are expected in Advisory areas with 6 to 10 inches in the warning with localized higher amounts possible."

UPDATE 12/13/17


Total snowfall amounts varied from 3-7" as predicted, but today's windy conditions may skew what actually sticks around.  Nevertheless, we seem to be on our way to a good Christmas for skiing.  Hayes Brook Truck Trail was definitely skiable on Monday before the new snow, so that's surely in good shape by now.  A few new trees down, but we should be able to get them cleared fairly soon.  Weather will remain cold through Friday before starting a slow warm-up with temperatures in the low 30s on Monday and Tuesday.
 GROOMED AREAS REPORTING SO FAR:

Mt. Van Hoevenberg:  6" of snow and 6 km open with 1 km of set track on the Mini Loop.

​Tupper Lake Golf Course:  1-4" packed base and 5 km open.  
On Monday afternoon we did some recon on the trails around Lake Placid  Most had enough snow cover to make them passable but remained quite thin with almost no base.  Conditions will improve steadily throughout the day on Tuesday and overnight.  Wednesday will be a great day for skiing in the region.  

The Jackrabbit Trail on either side of McKenzie Pass is still very thin and cannot be recommended yet, although we did see one lonely track heading toward McKenzie Pond.  Not enough snow yet to cover the rocks in most places.  We skied the first 1/2 mile above Whiteface Inn Rd yesterday and spent most of the short trip dodging rocks and wet spots.  The Peninsula Trails section is a little better but nothing to brag about.  Golf courses are still the better option for Tuesday.

On South Meadow Road the snow has barely covered the sand/dirt.  Skiing might be possible by the end of the day on Tuesday on South Meadow Road and the Marcy Dam truck trail.    

Heaven Hill trails in Lake Placid are mostly skiable, with caution, especially on the main trail from the parking lot (still some gravel poking through).

Trails in the Paul Smiths area are the best bet for today.  Fish Pond and Hayes Brook truck trails are reported to be in great condition.  The Paul Smiths section of the Jackrabbit Trail should also be in decent shape. 

Photos below are from Monday, December 11.  We're out in the woods again today checking conditions and will post another update late tonight or Wednesday morning.  Stay tuned....

Picture
Jackrabbit Trail at McKenzie Pond Rd, 12/11/17
Picture
South Meadow Rd at intersection w/ Adirondack Loj Rd, 12/11/17
Picture
Jackrabbit Trail at Whiteface Inn Rd, 12/11/17
Picture
Big Field Loop at Heaven Hill Trails, Lake Placid. 12/11/17
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Ski Conditions - 12/7/17

12/7/2017

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SATURDAY 12/9 UPDATE

The Whiteface Highway has 3" at the Toll House with more as one moves up.  So pretty much the best skiing so far this season on that early season favorite.  Also, Paul Smiths VIC reports 5" of snow.  No base, but their smoother trails have been rolled.  This would also make the adjacent Hayes Brook Truck Trail a possibility, but bear in mind that there is no base, so walking down to Hayes Brook on the return would probably be the more prudent choice.   Otherwise, no report on the Fish Pond Truck Trail, but it is a possibility as well.  Finally, lots of lake effect snow starting west of Tupper Lake so anything in Tug Hill would be skiable as would the smooth trails leading along the Oswegatchie from Wanakena.  The automated weather station in the Huntington Forest in Newcomb does not indicate enough snow there just yet.  But there are chances for at least flurries each day through Wednesday with some good, cold temperatures that will get the lake ice thickening and freeze up some of the little trickles that plague us in warmer years.  

Over the last 5 days we've seen warm temps and then heavy rain on Tuesday obliterate the minimal snow we had, but it started snowing again last night and continued into Thursday morning.  We picked up about 2-3" of new snow but that mostly fell on bare ground so its going to take a bit more to make skiing worthwhile on the usual early season spots.  Though we haven't set eyes on the Whiteface Toll Road yet today, its likely skiable but use caution as you're going to encounter barely covered pavement in spots.  Local golf courses are probably okay as well, and Mt. Van Hoevenberg continues to keep open a short loop near the stadium with the help of their Snow Factory equipment.  

Patience is the name of the game today.  According to the National Weather Service, "lake effect snow will continue across southern Saint Lawrence and Franklin counties of New York through tonight. Plan on slippery road conditions. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches, with localized amounts of 8 to 12 inches, are expected mainly south and east of Highway 11 and in areas along Route 3."  

In the Lake Placid - Saranac Lake region we could see as much as 4-6" of accumulation by Friday morning, with significantly more snow falling in the Cranberry Lake area and points west.  Sunny on Saturday with temps in the low 30s.  
​
We'll post another update on Friday morning.  


Picture
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Conditions 12/2/2017

12/2/2017

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On Friday, 12/1 an inch or so of new wet snow fell at the Toll House, so that is again skiable without a hike.  Cloudy with temperatures just below freezing at that elevation through the weekend, but then it warms up.  And then even warmer with rain on Tuesday into Wednesday before cooling down again before next weekend.  So, this weekend "ski it while you can".    Should also mention that Mt. Van Hoevenberg has the 1 km Mini Loop open on their "Snow Factory" snow.
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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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    ​Paul Smith's College VIC


    Guide Services
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    ​
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