Conditions 1/28/13

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS:  We still have 4-5" of powder on a firm base of 2-4", but that will change - first to the good, and then back the other way.  Monday afternoon could see as much as 6" of new snow, but that will be followed by warmer temperatures and rain on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday.  Cooler by Thursday with snow showers predicted each day through Saturday.  So, we get 6", lose most of it, and then get some snow on top to soften the surfaces for the coming weekend.  Stay tuned.  Next substantive update on Thursday, 1/31, when we see what this weather pattern has done. 

• 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:  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, and just a few rough spots going down to the lake. Still some rocks that can be easily dodged between the dam and Avalanche Camp.  Calamity Brook Trail had many long wet areas, and still has some rough spots, but is skiable with caution.  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 has cover above the junction with the hiking trail, but not really skiable below that point.  
• 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 - 
  
       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 - 
                       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 - 
                        Surface conditions - powder
                        Km Open -  8
                        Km Tracked - 
                        Remarks - All lower trails open.  Upper trails closed due to washouts.