Jackrabbit Trail near McKenzie Pond, Saranac Lake. Dec 18, 2017 UPDATE 12/20/17
The good news is that yesterday's rain didn't melt all of the snow. Unfortunately, not that much new snow at the tail end of the storm. Cold on Thursday with maybe an inch, followed on Friday with a chance of as much as four inches. Saturday, however, may see a few hours of rain in the afternoon before again turning colder. So not easy to keep up with the conditions as they will be changing rapidly, but at least there is enough cover that at least the smoother flatter terrain will remain skiable - even if surface conditions aren't ideal. One new area that's been checked out is Gulf Brook Rd. to Boreas Ponds. 6-7 inches on Monday at the parking area, and a bit more at the height of land. No evidence of any plowing yet this season.
After a pretty terrific weekend of skiing and a little new snow on Monday, today we're getting a light but steady rain throughout the region. This should turn back to snow as temperatures drop tonight, hopefully producing 1-3" inches of new white stuff overnight. National Weather Services is calling for a chance of show showers on Wednesday morning as well, followed by sun and colder temps on Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday. Then another chance for snow accumulation starting on Friday.
Conditions on backcountry ski trails improved considerably on Monday. Skiing was quite enjoyable on the Jackrabbit Trail on both sides of McKenzie Pass, though some rocks and roots remained exposed and caution was needed on steep downhills and when approaching bridges and water bars. The same could be said for other trails in the vicinity of Lake Placid as well, but much better snow coverage remains on trails to the north of Saranac Lake.
But now with the warm-up and rain, some trail sections will again be too thin and rocky for enjoyable skiing. "At least we're getting some base...." - every backcountry skier in the Adirondacks has uttered that phrase at one time or another. The wet snow from last night, combined with rain today and more new snow tonight will help to establish a base. Hopefully then we'll be set up nicely for the next storm, which may happen this weekend in time for Christmas.
We'll post an update tomorrow after we see how much it snows tonight.
Stay tuned...
The good news is that yesterday's rain didn't melt all of the snow. Unfortunately, not that much new snow at the tail end of the storm. Cold on Thursday with maybe an inch, followed on Friday with a chance of as much as four inches. Saturday, however, may see a few hours of rain in the afternoon before again turning colder. So not easy to keep up with the conditions as they will be changing rapidly, but at least there is enough cover that at least the smoother flatter terrain will remain skiable - even if surface conditions aren't ideal. One new area that's been checked out is Gulf Brook Rd. to Boreas Ponds. 6-7 inches on Monday at the parking area, and a bit more at the height of land. No evidence of any plowing yet this season.
After a pretty terrific weekend of skiing and a little new snow on Monday, today we're getting a light but steady rain throughout the region. This should turn back to snow as temperatures drop tonight, hopefully producing 1-3" inches of new white stuff overnight. National Weather Services is calling for a chance of show showers on Wednesday morning as well, followed by sun and colder temps on Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday. Then another chance for snow accumulation starting on Friday.
Conditions on backcountry ski trails improved considerably on Monday. Skiing was quite enjoyable on the Jackrabbit Trail on both sides of McKenzie Pass, though some rocks and roots remained exposed and caution was needed on steep downhills and when approaching bridges and water bars. The same could be said for other trails in the vicinity of Lake Placid as well, but much better snow coverage remains on trails to the north of Saranac Lake.
But now with the warm-up and rain, some trail sections will again be too thin and rocky for enjoyable skiing. "At least we're getting some base...." - every backcountry skier in the Adirondacks has uttered that phrase at one time or another. The wet snow from last night, combined with rain today and more new snow tonight will help to establish a base. Hopefully then we'll be set up nicely for the next storm, which may happen this weekend in time for Christmas.
We'll post an update tomorrow after we see how much it snows tonight.
Stay tuned...
Above Whiteface Inn Rd on the Jackrabbit Trail, Lake Placid. Dec 18, 2017
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