Conditions 1/25/13

DON'T FORGET,  21st ANNUAL SKI & SWIM PARTY FUNDRAISER THIS SUNDAY, 1/27, 3-6PM AT THE CROWNE PLAZA RESORT IN LAKE PLACID.  SKI IN FROM CASCADE X-C SKI CENTER STARTING AT 12:30 OR JUST COME FOR A SWIM.  FOOD, DRINK, DOOR PRIZES.  $15 DONATION FOR ADULTS/$5 FOR CHILDREN.  MONEY RAISED SUPPORTS MAINTENANCE OF THE JACKRABBIT AND OTHER X-C TRAILS PLUS THIS CONDITIONS PAGE.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS:  With some new snow but also some settling we now have 4-5" of powder on a firm base of 2-4".  Warming to 10 on Friday and then highs in the teens for the weekend.  No significant new snow in the forecast, but conditions are good even without any new snow.  With no change anticipated over the weekend, next update on Monday, 1/28, when we have a better idea of just how warm it will get on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Cooler later in the week with more snow predicted.

• JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:

•               Base Depth - 4-12 inches

•               Surface Conditions -  powder
•               Km Open - 50

              Remarks -  Entire trail skiable, but caution still advised on the steeper hills.

BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
              Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 28 inches
              Snow Depth at 4,000 feet: 4 feet
              Surface Conditions: powder
              Remarks: Another four inches of new snow at Lake Colden this week along with some settling leaves the overall depth the same - just a bit denser and therefore better cover. Still, only the smoother terrain can be recommended.  Hiking trail from ADK Loj to Marcy Dam better but still not all that skiable. (Caretaker won't use his new skis on it.)  Truck Trail is skiable.  Avalanche Pass  has good cover as far as the top of the pass.  Past the height of land, the new snow and some shoveling has brought that section back to skiable (with more caution than usual) condition. Still some rocks to dodge between the dam and Avalanche Camp.  Calamity Brook Trail had many long wet areas, and was not recommended for skiing. No  report of anyone skiing it to confirm whether this cold weather has improved conditions there.  After last Friday's cold snap and with little snow insulating the ice, lakes are now skiable with mercifully little chance of slush problems. 

• • • • Avalanche Lake blown completely clear of snow, but safe.  Lake Colden  crossable with caution around the edges, inlets and outlets.
• • Marcy still has good cover above 50 meter bridge. Below that point, probably not skiable even with fresh snow.   Wright Peak also still has cover above the junction with the hiking trail.  
• Skis and snowshoes required in the High Peaks Wilderness Area 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 (lake ice on all ponds is now thick enough and free of slush), Raquette Falls, Ausable Lake Road, and Hays Brook have skiable cover. 15" in Newcomb. Newcomb Lake Road and side road to Moose Pond are in good condition.    Trail to Johns Brook Lodge still not really 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 - 8" (packed)  
                Inches New Snow - 
                Surface Conditions -  powder
                Km Open - 47
                Km Tracked -47
                Remarks - All open except for outer loop of Ladies 5km.
• 
       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 - 6"      
                Inches New Snow - 
                Surface Conditions -  powder
                Km Open - 15
                Km Tracked - 10
                Remarks - Full Moon party on Saturday, 1/26.  7:30-?. Bonfires, hot dogs, drinks, band
  
       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 -  2-4"     
                Inches New Snow - 
                Surface Conditions -  powder
                Km Open -?
                Km Tracked - 
                Remarks -  
  
       Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
•     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. (daily during holiday weeks), rentals, 518-523-2551, www.whitefaceclubresort.com
                Base Depth - 8"       
                Inches New Snow - 
                Surface Conditions -  powder
                Km Open -  10
                Km Tracked - 10
                Remarks -  

           Paul Smith's VIC:
           15 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                       Base Depth - 8" 
                        Inches New Snow - 2"
                       Surface Conditions - powder
                       Km Open - 15
                       Km Tracked - 10
                       Remarks - All trails open except Esker Trail


               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 - 4"
                        Inches New Snow - 1"
                        Surface conditions - powder
                        Km Open -  8
                        Km Tracked - 
                        Remarks - All lower trails open.  Upper trails closed due to washouts.