At Least It's White

UPDATE 12/30:  

   We thank Dave for his comments - see below.  Good to know that there is some more snow west of Lake Placid/Saranac.  With the warm conditions, the Lake Road to the Lower Ausable Lake is again skiable, but it will be very rough and choppy when it's below freezing. Additionally, the DEC report as of today rates the Marcy Dam Truck Trail as skiable, but there will still be rocks to avoid on several of the downhills. 2-1/2 feet of snow at timberline, and 13" at Lake Colden. There are online reports that the lakes, Avalanche and Colden, are being crossed; and people are skating on the Cascade Lakes. However, with only 13" at Lake Colden, Avalanche Pass can't really be considered "skiable".

    Forecast is for warm temperatures and some rain through Saturday evening, but then cooling so that Monday's highs will only be near 20. Unfortunately, no significant new snow predicted with the cool down

UPDATE, 12/26 EVENING:

 Newcomb Lake Road is definitely skiable, but conditions are very fast. Anything steeper than that will be a challenge since the breakable crust isn't conducive to easy turns or snowplowing.

​Original Post 12/26:

Christmas Eve and Day saw some light freezing rain which has resulted in less than ideal surface conditions. We can expect some snow showers today that may help, but probably not much.  Going forward, not much new snow in sight.

However, as of Monday, 12/27, the Mt. Van Hoevenberg report only says that the competition trails are open, not any of the flatter, smoother terrain. This terrain remains covered, but is icy and too thin to groom. Mt. Van Hoevenberg has great conditions on the man-made snow on the intermediate and expert competition trails. Paul Smith's VIC reports 18 km of their easier trails open with some grooming possible. And the nearby Hays Brook trail remains skiable to the Sheep Meadow and Grass Pond.

No current report from the DEC of snow depth at Lake Colden; but Avalanche Pass, while it can probably be negotiated on skis, isn't recommended.  Ice on Lake Colden and Avalanche Lake is crossable, but use caution around any inlets or outlets - especially the outlet to Avalanche Lake.

Otherwise, many of the other ponds are now skateable, but it is entirely up to each individual to judge the safety for themselves. Comments either confirming or refuting this quick post-freezing rain analysis.