Conditions 3/22/13

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS:  Winter is back for a while. but in the end the great "winter storm  warning" only produced 5-6" of new, light snow.  Falling on top of the snow we already had, however means a definite improvement in conditions for this weekend and into next week.    Meanwhile,  additional snow flurries will continue through Friday night with temperatures at or just below freezing. Then some sun Saturday and Sunday with temperatures in the upper 30s.  Next week will be a bit warmer, but no major meltdown in sight.  And don't forget that last year on this date was the third day of record-setting high temperatures with the mercury hitting 81 degrees.  Conditions will not be changing over the weekend.  Next update on Monday, 3/25 when we have a better idea of next week's weather.

JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:

•               Base Depth - 4-16 inches

              Surface Conditions - powder          
              Km Open - 50

        Remarks - The new snow has brought the whole trail back to skiable condition.

BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
              Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 40" 
              Snow Depth at 4,000 feet: 4-1/2 - 5 feet 
              Surface Conditions:  powder
              Remarks:  New snow has put a nice surface on trails that were already skiable, and we again have mid-winter conditions - just too bad we had to wait until it was officially spring.  Brooks that went out in last weeks thaw (e.g. Marcy Brook at Indian Falls) may remain difficult to cross.  Marcy trail still a bit rough for the 1.2 mi. above Marcy Dam, but overall very skiable.  No recent report on the hiking trail part of Wright Peak Ski Trail, but that is probably still unskiable.  Hiking trail from ADK Loj better, but not really recommended yet. Truck trail is in good shape. Calamity Brook approach is skiable, and tracks lead to the one good crossing of the Opalescent River in Flowed Lands.

     *  Skis and snowshoes still 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 again solid after the cold weather since last Thursday with the exception of the south (outlet) end of        Avalanche Lake that has weak ice into which a few have apparently fallen.  Use caution.
  •      *  All other popular tours (Connery Pond, Hays Brook, Raquette Falls, Fish Pond, Newcomb Lake, Moose Pond, Ausable Lake Road, Whiteface Highway) still have cover.   
  __________________________________________________________________
  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 - 1
                Surface Conditions - powder
                Km Open - 50
                Km Tracked -  40
•               Remarks - Excellent winter conditions
•      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 -  8" (packed)   
                Inches New Snow - 1
                Surface Conditions -  powder
                Km Open - 15
                Km Tracked - 10
                Remarks -  Restaurant closed as of last weekend, but excellent winter conditions
  
           Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
•     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun.  rentals, 518-523-2551, www.whitefaceclubresort.com
•               Base Depth -    
                Inches New Snow - 
•               Surface Conditions -   
                Km Open -  
                Km Tracked - 
                Remarks - Closed for the season

           Paul Smith's VIC:
           15 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                       Base Depth - 2-12" (packed)
                        Inches New Snow -  2
                       Surface Conditions - powder
                       Km Open - 15
                       Km Tracked - 
                       Remarks -   All trails open.  12-18" 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 - 
                        Inches New Snow - 
                        Surface conditions -powder
                        Km Open -  13
                        Km Tracked -
                        Remarks -  Lower trails good skiing with the new snow.  Upper trails again skiable.

                 Tupper Lake free x-c ski trails
             10 km of groomed trails starting from Tupper Lake Golf Course 
             http://www.skitupperlake.blogspot.com

                       Still grooming and track setting for at least another week. All trail have a good base.