National Weather Service Forecast for the Lake Placid region
UPDATE - This just in from Marcy Dam - skiers report doing the "one legged ski dance" on some sections of the trail with lots of rocks still poking through. Snow is wet and sticky and the trail saw a lot of foot traffic over the holiday week. About 12" deep off trail, noticeably colder & drier as you approach Marcy Dam. Water crossings are still open and flowing hard. Beyond Marcy Dam trails are passable but not recommended until we get more snow.
Jackrabbit Trail Conditions
Keene/Rock & River to Cascade XC Ski Center - Not recommended, conditions marginal.
Cascade XC Ski Center to Whiteface Inn Rd - a busy week at Cascade left a solid, packed powder base on the trails and skiers will find 4-6" of wet slushy snow with a good track all the way through to Whiteface Inn Rd. Some walking required on Bird Song Way down to River Road.
Whiteface Inn Rd to Saranac Lake (NCCC) - Probably your best bet for enjoying the Jackrabbit for the next few days. Good coverage above Whiteface Inn Rd. and still 6-10" of wet snow higher on the pass. Long downhill to McKenzie Pond turn-off is in great shape but use caution as some rocks and culverts will still be exposed. Skiers - be advised on the Lake Placid side of McKenzie Pass there is a new owner of the private property that extends from just above the DEC trail register to the state line above Fallen Leaf Pond. The owner uses an ATV on his property and skiers will likely encounter tire tracks on this portion of the Jackrabbit. Also a reminder that there are several trails that leave the Jackrabbit and travel uphill into this property - these trails are posted and off-limits to skiers and hikers. Please comply with all posted signs and respect the owners wishes.
Saranac Lake (NCCC) to Paul Smiths VIC - 4-6" of wet, slushy snow. Streams and other wet areas still not frozen. Skiers may encounter blowdown, especially between Rt. 86 in Paul Smiths and Lake Clear. Logging activity has concluded between Jones Pond Rd. and Rt. 86. The railroad corridor is skiable.
**See links on sidebar for Nordic center conditions**