Well I have to admit I've been putting off writing a report about the horrible weather this week because I just didn't want it to be true, especially since the trails were finally starting to get really good. Beginning on Sunday the entire region experienced a significant meltdown, with steady rain showers pouring salt on the wound on Wednesday.
As of this afternoon the Jackrabbit Trail and other ski trails in the region cannot be recommended for skiing. We're seeing a combination of glare ice, bare ground and wet, crusty snow conditions throughout the trail network. With colder weather returning tomorrow, we can expect to see even icier conditions going into the weekend.
Groomed ski areas took a hard hit as well - Cascade XC Center, Mt. Van Hoevenberg, Dewey Mountain and Paul Smiths VIC nordic ski trails are all closed until further notice.
At higher elevations there's still 6-12 inches of snow in the woods. 14 inches of snow is reported at Lake Colden and 18 inches on the higher summits. Backcountry skiers should be equipped for all conditions if venturing into the High Peaks, where crampons or micro-spikes may be necessary on steeper slopes...you'll definitely want to dust off those rock skis too.
Temperatures will drop again on Friday and there's some snow in the forecast, although it doesn't look like we'll get enough accumulation to bring skiing back to life. "Wait and see" is the name of the game for now. Stay tuned for an update on Sunday.
National Weather Service Forecast for Lake Placid
Upcoming Events
Feb 5-7 - Empire State Winter Games
- Winter Bike Races @ Mount Pisgah
- Snowshoe Races @ Paul Smiths' VIC
- Biathlon Races @ Mt. Van Hoevenberg
- Cross Country Races @ Mt. Van Hoevenberg
Feb 11 - Cabin Fever Cure Dance Party @ Dewey Mountain
BETA-ASTC Backcountry Ski Trips (Feb 13 and Feb 21)
XC Ski Area Conditions (click links)
Cascade XC Center
Mt. Van Hoevenberg
Paul Smiths VIC
As of this afternoon the Jackrabbit Trail and other ski trails in the region cannot be recommended for skiing. We're seeing a combination of glare ice, bare ground and wet, crusty snow conditions throughout the trail network. With colder weather returning tomorrow, we can expect to see even icier conditions going into the weekend.
Groomed ski areas took a hard hit as well - Cascade XC Center, Mt. Van Hoevenberg, Dewey Mountain and Paul Smiths VIC nordic ski trails are all closed until further notice.
At higher elevations there's still 6-12 inches of snow in the woods. 14 inches of snow is reported at Lake Colden and 18 inches on the higher summits. Backcountry skiers should be equipped for all conditions if venturing into the High Peaks, where crampons or micro-spikes may be necessary on steeper slopes...you'll definitely want to dust off those rock skis too.
Temperatures will drop again on Friday and there's some snow in the forecast, although it doesn't look like we'll get enough accumulation to bring skiing back to life. "Wait and see" is the name of the game for now. Stay tuned for an update on Sunday.
National Weather Service Forecast for Lake Placid
Upcoming Events
Feb 5-7 - Empire State Winter Games
- Winter Bike Races @ Mount Pisgah
- Snowshoe Races @ Paul Smiths' VIC
- Biathlon Races @ Mt. Van Hoevenberg
- Cross Country Races @ Mt. Van Hoevenberg
Feb 11 - Cabin Fever Cure Dance Party @ Dewey Mountain
BETA-ASTC Backcountry Ski Trips (Feb 13 and Feb 21)
XC Ski Area Conditions (click links)
Cascade XC Center
Mt. Van Hoevenberg
Paul Smiths VIC
RSS Feed