Definitely winter conditions this past week and now into the weekend. The predictions for snow between Saturday evening and Monday range from 8-18", but either amount will change whatever is reported below.
Most importantly, the new snow in whatever amount will create avalanche conditions on any slides that one might think of skiing. Secondly, while skis or snowshoes are now required by regulation for any travel in the High Peaks (and needed everywhere else), this new snow will end any hope that one can still walk on trails packed by earlier snowshoers or skiers.
AS OF THURSDAY:
JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS
- Base depth: 4-6"
- Surface Conditions: Powder on frozen granular
- Km Open - 50
- Remarks - Caution still required on any downhill as cover may not be perfect, but otherwise good conditions.
- BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS
- Snow depth at Lake Colden: 37"
- Snow depth at 4,000 feet - 3-4 feet
- Hiking trail from Adirondak Loj again skiable. Truck trail likely better skiing
- Avalanche Pass skiable, and only a bit rough on the trail from Marcy Dam to Avalanche Camp. Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are crossable with care, but still stay well away from the outlet on Avalanche Lake.
- Marcy and Wright Peak were skiable higher up and still have a base once we get more snow. Should be fully skiable after these weekend storms.
- All of the truck trail skis (Connery Pond, Hays Brook, Fish Pond, etc.) are recommended.
- Whiteface Highway - Still being plowed
- Keene Valley/Garden Parking - Finally skiable, but still a few rough spots.
- Lake Road to Lower Ausable Lake: Good cover. Some snowmobile traffic
- Newcomb area had 4-6 inches of snow as of last week, so Newcomb Lake Road to Camp Santanoni is in great shape.
- Gulf Brook Road to Boreas Ponds has good cover. The parking area was being plowed, but currently not.
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) -4" - Off track snow depth - 12"
Inches New Snow -4
Surface Conditions - Powder on frozen granular - Km Open - 50
Km Tracked 50 - Remarks - All trail open, groomed and track-set.
- 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 - 12"
Inches New Snow - 4"
Surface Conditions - Powder on frozen granular
Km Open - 15
Km Tracked - 10
Remarks - - Paul Smith's VIC: www.trailhub.org/trail/generatepdf?orgid=TXpFMA==&actid=TVRVPQ==
- 30 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241,
Base Depth (packed) - 12"- Off track snow depth: 18"
Inches New Snow: 5
Surface Conditions - Powder on frozen granular
Km Open - 30
Km Tracked -
- Off track snow depth: 18"
Dewey Mountain - Saranac Lake
- 13 km of trails, open daily (including nights until 7PM Tue. - Fri.), rentals, 891-2697 http://www.deweymountain.com
Remarks - Lower trails groomed and in good shape. Upper trails ungroomed with still some thin spots.