Conditions 2/2/13

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS:   There is some base left in the wooded areas, but so far not enough new snow to make for skiable surfaces.  Some additional snow, particularly lake effect snow, forecast through the weekend, but no major storm in sight. The lake effect snow may help to make some of the western terrain such as Fish Pond and Paul Smiths skiable (snowing as of 10 AM in Paul Smiths), so don't give up all hope.  Meanwhile, perhaps get out the traction aids and take a hike.  Alternatively, head out to Tug Hill or to the BREIA trail in Boonville where they already received a foot of lake effect snow.

• JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:

•               Base Depth - 0-6 inches

•               Surface Conditions -  frozen granular
•               Km Open - 

              Remarks -  No section can be recommended

BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
              Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 18 "
              Snow Depth at 4,000 feet: 3 feet (estimate)
              Surface Conditions:  frozen granular 
              Remarks:  Hiking trail from ADK Loj to Marcy Dam again not skiable. Truck Trail was skiable, but likely has bare spots.  Avalanche Pass  still has 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 again safe, but with great caution near inlets and outlets that may have opened up.

• • Marcy still has 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 can be recommended as they still have 8-10" of snow left and the grades are gentle. 
  
  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 - Closed as of Saturday - need a few more inches to reopen 
• 
       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 -  3"   
                Inches New Snow - 1
                Surface Conditions -  powder and frozen granular
                Km Open - 5
                Km Tracked - 5
                Remarks - Restaurant, bar, and ski shop open
  
       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 - 0-6"
                        Inches New Snow - 1
                       Surface Conditions - powder and frozen granular
                       Km Open - 10 but just barely
                       Km Tracked - 
                       Remarks - All loops have intermittent rough and or icy areas with skiing possible in between.


               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 -  Closed until conditions improve