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.   

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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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.  

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...

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.