Conditions 2/14/13

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS:   While we generally picked up 12-15 inches of very light snow in the Lake Placid area last Friday, there was a surprising amount of "shadowing" - in particular with less snow falling at ADK Loj and the approaches to the High Peaks.  Monday and Tuesday's warmer weather did not significantly diminish the snow.  Although some areas did get some sleet, this hasn't made for an icy crust  Today, Thursday, will see temperatures near freezing, but no new snow to speak of.  Friday could see more snow, possibly a bit of rain, but then followed by cooler temperatures for the weekend.   No significant new snow in the forecast for next week, but temperatures will remain at or below freezing, so no change in conditions in the offing.

• JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:

•               Base Depth - 10-20 inches

•               Surface Conditions - powder
•               Km Open - 50

              Remarks -  Entire trail skiable and major sections have been broken out. Caution still required on downhills as are still some hazards not fully covered.

BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
              Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 32"
              Snow Depth at 4,000 feet: 4-1/2 feet 
              Surface Conditions:  powder with underlying frozen granular
              Remarks: As noted above, the extreme shadowing resulted in only 4" of new snow last week ad ADK Loj.  Hiking trail not really skiable, so the truck trail is definitely the best ski approach to Marcy Dam.  Even so, some rocks still showing - especially on one corner not quite a mile from the register.  Still some rocks to dodge from Marcy Dam to Avalanche Camp, but after that Avalanche Pass is in good shape.  Still some rough spots between Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden.  Calamity Brook trail skiable with perhaps a few tricky crossings of small streams.  Northside Trail to Johns Brook Lodge passable on skis, but not recommended due to numerous rocks and roots still showing. 

Skis and snowshoes definitely 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.
• Lake ice generally safe and slush free, although care is needed at the outlet of Avalanche Lake.  Lake surfaces rough and bumpy due to drifting.
• All other popular tours (Connery Pond, Hays Brook, Raquette Falls, Fish Pond, Newcomb Lake, Moose Pond) in good shape.  Whiteface Highway reported to be very thin for about half its length due to the wind.  Especially thin or even bare above the Lake Placid Turn.  


• 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 -  6" (packed)
                Inches New Snow - 1-2
                Surface Conditions -  powder 
                Km Open - 50
                Km Tracked - 45 
•               Remarks - Outer Loop of Ladies 5km still a bit rough.
• 
       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" (packed)   
                Inches New Snow - 2
                Surface Conditions -  powder 
                Km Open - 20
                Km Tracked - 5
                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 -      
                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 -  4" (packed)   
                Inches New Snow - 2
•               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 - 4-6" (packed)
                        Inches New Snow -  2
                       Surface Conditions - powder
                       Km Open - 20
                       Km Tracked - 
                       Remarks - All loops open. 15" inches off trail depth

               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 - 5" (packed)
                        Inches New Snow - 1
                        Surface conditions -  powder
                        Km Open -  13
                        Km Tracked - 
                        Remarks -  Upper trails still have thin cover.


                 Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
             10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
             http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com
                          All trails packed.  No set track.  Traditional Lumberjack Scramble Saturday, 2/6, 10 AM