Conditions 1/1/13

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS:  There is currently 18-24" of snow on the ground in the Lake Placid area.  The snow is light and there wasn't much of a base before that latest storm, so some backcountry trails are still a little rocky. Definitely less snow from Saranac Lake and further west. There may also be a few trees down, so caution is advised.  We do expect some flurries today, Tuesday, and maybe 2" more snow on Wednesday as a cold front comes through.  After the front,  night time temps will drop to near zero with highs Wednesday and Thursday only in the low 20s.  Warming up to highs near 30 by this coming Sunday.  Tupper Lake's free groomed trails have 6-12" of base with good skiing.

• JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
                Base Depth - 6-30 inches
                Surface Conditions -Powder
                Km Open - 50
                Remarks -Old Mountain Road has perfect cover and a good skied in track.  Over two feet of snow at the top of the pass.  Still marginal at the Saranac Lake end
  
  BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 30 inches
                Snow Depth at 4,000 feet: 45 inches
                Surface Conditions: Powder
                Remarks: Hiking trail from ADK Loj to Marcy Dam is skiable but marginal, so the Truck Trail is still the better choice.  Avalanche Pass has been skied, but is also still marginal with many rocks to dodge between the dam and Avalanche Camp.  Marcy may be skiable above 50 meter bridge, but not below that point.  Wright Peak just barely skiable above the junction with the hiking trail.  Skis and snowshoes are now required in the High Peaks and needed elsewhere. Meadow Lane has been blocked off for the winter, adding 3/4 mile to approach of Marcy Dam.  Otherwise, all the early season favorites including Connery Pond, Whiteface Highway, Newcomb Lake, Fish Pond, and Hays Brook are skiable.  Raquette Falls may still be marginal.
  
  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 - 12"   
                Inches New Snow -2
                Surface Conditions - powder
                Km Open - 50
                Km Tracked -50
                Remarks -  New Groomer makes for great skiing
  
       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 - 8"      
                Inches New Snow -1
                Surface Conditions - powder
                Km Open -All
                Km Tracked -All
                Remarks - Good skiing!
  
       Lake Placid Club Nordic Center: (part of Lake Placid Crowne Plaza)
•     10 km of trails, open holiday weeks and some weekends, rentals, 518-523-2556,  www.lakeplacidcp.com
                Base Depth -  12     
                Inches New Snow -2
                Surface Conditions - packed powder
                Km Open -10 km
                Km Tracked - 10km
                Remarks -Good Skiing       
  
       Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
•     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. (daily during holiday weeks), rentals, 518-523-2551, www.whitefaceclubresort.com
                Base Depth - 14       
                Inches New Snow -1
                Surface Conditions - Packed Powder
                Km Open -10
                Km Tracked -10
                Remarks -  It's all good!     

           Paul Smith's VIC:
           15 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                       Base Depth - 6-8"
                        Inches New Snow -1
                       Surface Conditions -Packed Powder
                       Km Open - 15
                       Km Tracked -15
                       Remarks -   Great Skiing!