An apparent early meltdown

3/7/2024

With continued warm temperatures, there isn't much left for cross-country skiing except on the man-made snow at Mt. Van Hoevenberg and at elevations above at least 2,500 feet. Still 18" of snow at Lake Colden, but the skiing doesn't start until above Avalanche Camp.

Hiking options will generally include mud at the beginning but grading to a ribbon of ice in the trail before finally reaching snow somewhere above 2,500 feet - depending on local snowfall history and aspect with regards to the sun.

And your regular reporter is leaving for two weeks in Norway where there is snow, so I won't be able to report if by some miracle winter returns. Comments can be left with this report, but please only report conditions you have personally experienced. And maybe there will be something to report when I return. Cheers, Tony Goodwin

One more report to pass along: Boreas trailhead remains plowed, and 4WD vehicles can probably make it up to the main parking area. 4-5" of snow on the road at the start, so worth checking out as it should be skiable through the weekend at least.

19 Comments

Trail Conditions 101

Trail condition reports are posted frequently during the ski season. The Adirondack backcountry can be a hard place to predict with weather and trail conditions that often change rapidly. We can't offer the same detailed descriptions of trail conditions as groomed nordic centers.

Always plan ahead for your outing, be prepared with proper clothing, equipment, maps and emergency supplies, and check local weather conditions as well before departing on your trip.

Maps - don't leave home without them!

For trails in the High Peaks Wilderness area, we recommend purchasing the High Peaks Adirondack Trail Map from the Adirondack Mountain Club.

For trails outside of the High Peaks area, we recommend purchasing the Lake Placid & Saranac Lake Winter Trails Map from Green Goat Maps, which covers the Jackrabbit Ski Trail and other adjacent ski touring opportunities.

Dave

3/7/2024 04:25:59 pm

Thanks for all the reports Tony, and have a great trip!

Steve (:{)

3/8/2024 03:43:37 pm

Keep your XC fingers cross as a winter storm watch has been issued for a fair amount of the north country . It could be a mix / heavy wet snow / all snow … we’ll just have to see how it all develops but some models have over 12 inches coming (!)

Madeleine McGinley

3/10/2024 02:46:18 pm

Whiteface Toll Road has good snow!

Michael Battisti

3/11/2024 12:01:36 pm

10" of new snow at cascade welcome center(Monday 3/11). All trails groomed, most trackset.

3/12/2024 04:16:21 pm

March 12, 2024

Road to Santanoni Camp was nice - good coverage but clear we are in spring conditions (e.g., a bit sticky, slow on the downhills, etc.) A few trees down but passable - caution on the last downhill as a tree down just as the trail curves.

Gulf Brook Rd. Not really plowed for parking as I drove by today and no visible tracks.

Ski while it lasts ... temps coming up this week.

Ian Ellbogen

3/12/2024 06:03:18 pm

Sorry to be mean but the Green mountains were amazing today. Climbed Sutton our powder but changing fast

Nancie

3/14/2024 07:02:28 am

Boreas: definitely skiable. Yesterday, Wednesday, plenty of snow cover the whole way. A few downed trees to ski over, under, around or through. Likewise a gauntlet of many fallen twigs and branches. One drainage wet spot easily stepped over, although it may grow. Snow was firm earlier in the day under clouds, then skiing out with sun and temps in the 50's made for some slogging. Parking: a small area was plowed along the road. Enough space to park parallel to the road for two, maybe three small cars. Not plowed deep enough to park perpendicular to allow for more vehicles. Good! Better'n nothing.

Kaley Basile

3/14/2024 09:25:03 am

3/13 McKenzie Pond rd section of the Jackrabbit was rocky and thin for the first 1/4 to 1/2 mile but then had 4-5" of good snow. I turned around half way down the McKenzie Pond side due to rocks and thin cover. It was worth it, but won't be for long!

3/19/2024 08:23:10 am

Hi all,
Any updates on local snowfall totals throughout this week would be much appreciated! Fingers crossed.

Michael

3/19/2024 05:19:59 pm

Hola, Pinkham Notch in New Hampshire has a 7 in of snow on the ground and they are around the same elevation as the Adirondack Loj. so they have better coverage. How much snow did the high peaks get in the last few days ? Does anyone know if the Marcy damn truck Road is skiable?
Also please check out this skiing video footage of avalanche pass and Avalanche Lake.
https://youtu.be/6XUf77p7sR0?si=XCW8kmTr60NgZ7K6

3/20/2024 09:39:46 am

It looks like by some miracle winter has returned! NWS says 2 to 4 inches snowfall expected around the Adirondak Loj tonight thru tomorrow, then 80% chance of snow Friday night thru Saturday.

Is there any snow there now? Decent snow cover on the Marcy Dam Truck Trail, or on the trails above Marcy Dam? I know there's snow cover up high, but is there snow on the approach trails, or are hiking boots + microspikes pretty much required? Thanks.

3/21/2024 07:50:36 am

There is skiable snow on South Meadow Lane, skied there late afternoon yesterday Wednesday. Big downed trees there have been cleared. Not sure of conditions up the truck trail nor how the water crossings might be. Ice has been melting and water has been flowing. Water bodies not safe per DEC. Flurries continue in LP today and there is a forecast of more snow through Friday/Sat. Cold temps have returned and any new snow should hold over the weekend. Bare-booters walked in the ski tracks yesterday so snow at 2-4 inches then was deep enough for them to posthole ;-), ;-(. More flurries, more snow, but windy areas and under tree canopies are thin. Snow on tote roads in Newcomb may be revived as well...?

3/22/2024 07:31:13 am

22MAR24/ *** snow on the way ***
If you believe the forecast , 8-17 inches predicted by NOAA.

3/23/2024 12:14:24 pm

March 23- 12noon
15+ inches and still snowing

Trevor

3/23/2024 07:52:27 pm

Paul Smiths VIC in beautiful condition today.

Rob

3/25/2024 12:21:03 pm

Toured Marcy yesterday 3/24. Snow on ground the whole way. Truck trail to the Dam was in but melting in the afternoon sun on the return. And the second stream crossing before Marcy Dam is out. Both the Phelps and Indian Falls brook crossings were in. The section between the Dam and the Corkscrew was bony and required some taking off skis. Corkscrew and above was deep powder, 1-3ft up to the summit. Get it while you can!

3/25/2024 06:21:11 pm

Skied Road to Santanoni Camp today (3/25)
Coverage was good in the am though as we came out in mid-afternoon, after a day of brilliant sunshine and 49F temps, a number of open spots appeared and snow became mushy in the sunny spots. . Classic spring skiing. “It ain’t gonna last long”

Julie

3/25/2024 08:54:54 pm

Gulf Brook Rd to Boreas ponds was nice today! Yesterday the trail was broken by snowshoers and skiers. Skiers turned around (with their postholing dogs thankfully) at 3 miles. Snowshoers turned around at 4 miles, ugh. So I broke the rest myself. Tons of snow! Some thin spots but you can get around them. Hopefully someone will enjoy it tomorrow and all that work won’t just melt away!

Philip Maynard

3/26/2024 08:59:14 am

Wright peak ski trail is excellent. Plan on hiking pretty much all the way from the Loj to the ski trail itself, unless you really hate your skis.

South meadows to avy pass is great. A few thin spots and rocks to dodge, but wonderful skiing all things considered.

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