Conditions 12/26/20

12/26/2020

Christmas eve and day saw significant rain, high winds, and temperatures soaring to near 60 in the area. So no snow on the ground here in the Lake Placid area. Very little left even above 4,000 feet. Temperatures have cooled down, so all that water has turned to ice, making good traction (Microspikes or better) required right from the trailhead.

Lapland Lake did retain some cover and is reporting that, with some work, they will be able to offer some skiing starting Sunday. No report as of this morning from Garnet Hill, Also, no report as to whether the man-made snow at Mount Van Hoevenberg survived the thaw.

The coming week unfortunately doesn't look very good for skiing. 1-3" of new snow are possible today, Saturday, but that's about it. Monday will again rise above freezing, but Tuesday and Wednesday will be cold with highs in the 20s. Then a repeat of sorts for this past week with temperatures in the mid-40s Thursday and Friday and a 70% chance of more rain, followed by cooler temperatures on Saturday. Given the severity of yesterday's thaw, no lake ice can be assumed to be safe - even if it was a few days ago.

UPDATE 12/27 Garnet Hill is closed, Lapland Lake is very limited, so it doesn't appear that there is any skiing to be found if these two areas didn't survive the Christmas rain. Still only a few flurries predicted early this week, and then again rain on Thursday into Friday. Sorry. 2021 has to get better, doesn't it?

2 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.

Ron Ellard

12/27/2020 11:03:29 pm

Late sunday afternoon skiing the lake placid golf course was very good, on 2 inches of new snow!

Dave

12/30/2020 11:56:41 am

Hi All. Fish Pond is great. I skied there yesterday and the day before. At least 5" as you get into the trail. A few sketchy areas on the hills, but for the most part great skiing. Went all the way to Fish Pond. The little surrounding trails on the right are great too.

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