Conditions 2/8/13

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS:    The "winter storm watch" has become a "warning, and  predictions of total snowfall have settled in the 8-12" range. If we get the higher amount, then even Marcy, Wright Peak and the rougher backcountry routes will be skiable for the first time since Christmas. Looking further ahead, temperatures early next week will be near or slightly above freezing, but currently any threat of rain has dropped out of the forecast.

• JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:

•               Base Depth - 2-8 inches

•               Surface Conditions - powder
•               Km Open - 50

              Remarks -  Entire trail will be skiable after the storm.  We'll pass along reports of sections that have been broken out.

BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
              Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 18 "
              Snow Depth at 4,000 feet: 3-1/2 feet 
              Surface Conditions:  frozen granular and powder
              Remarks: New snow will change everything.  With at least 12" now seemingly assured in the mountains, all popular ski routes including Marcy and Wright Peak will be skiable.  

• 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.
• 
  
• 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 -  3"
                Inches New Snow - 5"
                Surface Conditions -  powder 
                Km Open - 50
                Km Tracked - 
                Remarks - Grooming will be ongoing.  Entire system should be open by Saturday afternoon.
• 
       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 - 6"
                Surface Conditions -  powder 
                Km Open - 10
                Km Tracked - 5
                Remarks - 6" new snow as of 8 AM! Grooming will be ongoing
  
       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 - All loops except Esker and Fox Run open. 

               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 -