Conditions 1/31/13

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS:  Our hope that we would only lose the new snow was not to be.  Temperatures over 50 for 24 hours accompanied by high winds and intermittent rain have conspired to significantly reduce the snow cover.  We'll be gathering reports during the day, Thursday, but it appears it will take more than the few snow showers predicted for tonight, Friday and Saturday to produce any decent skiing. 

• JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:

•               Base Depth - 0-6 inches

•               Surface Conditions -  granular - frozen as soon as the temperature drops
•               Km Open - ?

              Remarks -  Evaluating

BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
              Snow Depth at Lake Colden: ?
              Snow Depth at 4,000 feet: ?
              Surface Conditions:  granular - frozen as soon as the temperature drops
              Remarks:  Hiking trail from ADK Loj to Marcy Dam again not skiable. Truck Trail was skiable, but likely has bare spots.  Avalanche Pass  had good cover as far as the top of the pass, but the drainages going down to the lake have likely reopened. In general, all brooks are likely flowing again, and there will be many places where the snow has been washed away in the trail.  And with winds hitting 60 mph Thursday, downed trees will also be an issue.  Lakes should be safe once temperatures again drop.

• • Marcy still has good cover above 50 meter bridge. Below that point not skiable. 
• Skis and snowshoes still required in the High Peaks Wilderness Area as there remains more than 8" of snow beyond Marcy Dam. 
• Meadow Lane has been blocked off for the winter, adding 3/4 mile to approach of Marcy Dam.  
• Otherwise, of the early season favorites, only the Newcomb Lake Road and side road to Moose Pond likely have any skiable snow left as there was about 20" in Newcomb before the thaw.
  
  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 - Evaluating
• 
       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 - Evaluating
  
       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 -      
                Inches New Snow - 
                Surface Conditions -  
                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 -      
                Inches New Snow - 
                Surface Conditions -
                Km Open -  
                Km Tracked - 
                Remarks -  

           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 - 


               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 - All lower trails open.  Upper trails closed due to washouts.