Conditions 12/11/2013

• INTRODUCTORY REMARKS:  Still just two inches of light snow in the Lake Placid area, but the southwestern Adirondacks and Tug Hill are getting major lake effect snow, so Osceola/Tug Hill and Lapland Lake centers plus backcountry routes in these areas will be skiable this weekend.    Most days this week this area will see some snow showers along with mid-winter cold temperatures, but the next chance for any more significant snow is on Saturday night.  Lake Placid golf courses are generally skiable with the two inches of powder we currently have.  Looking at the bright side, this cold weather without snow will freeze up most water courses so that there won't be bare spots due to unfrozen water and the lake ice will get thick and thereby lessen the slush problems.  
•      
• JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:
  •               Base Depth - 0-2"
  •               Surface Conditions -            
                         Km Open - ?
                 Remarks -  Some skiers have been out on the Peninsula section, but no section can be recommended.
  
  BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
                Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 2-3"
                Snow Depth at 4,000 feet:  3-4"
                Surface Conditions: powder
                Remarks:    Whiteface Highway not skiable as it was plowed earlier this week, and plowing will continue for another two weeks to allow for surveys of the planned repairs.  As of Tuesday afternoon, a coating of snow had not been plowed, but there were vehicle tracks so it appears work is continuing.  
       Newcomb now has 5-6 inches of light snow, so road to Newcomb Lake is again skiable.
       Meadow Lane is still open and drivable, but will likely be closed when we get any significant snow.  
        Ice on Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden again safe to cross.  Snowshoes not yet required.  Traction aids - preferably crampons - definitely needed for any steep trail at any elevation.  
  
  
  
  
     Definitely be prepared for full winter weather conditions on any bare summit. 
  
  
  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 -  
                  Inches New Snow - 
                  Surface Conditions -  
                  Km Open - 
                  Km Tracked -  
  •               Remarks - Still closed as of 12/11 but could reopen with just a little more snow. 
  • 
         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 -     
                  Inches New Snow -
                  Surface Conditions - 
                  Km Open - 
                  Km Tracked - 
                  Remarks - Ski shop open daily
    
             Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
  •     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun.  rentals, 518-523-2551,
  • www.whitefaceclubresort.com
                  Base Depth -  
                  Inches New Snow -
  •               Surface Conditions -  
                  Km Open -  
                  Km Tracked -
                  Remarks - Golf course is white enough to permit sliding on your skis.
  
             Paul Smith's VIC:
             15 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                         Base Depth - 
                          Inches New Snow -  
                         Surface Conditions - 
                         Km Open - 
                         Km Tracked - 
                         Remarks - No phone report, and the web site has not been updated yet this season.
  
                 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 -
                          Inches New Snow - 
                          Surface conditions - 
                          Km Open -  
                          Km Tracked - 
                          Remarks -  
  
                   Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
               10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
               http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
                            They did groom Thanksgiving week and could groom again if the lake effect snow makes it that far.