Conditions 12/30/20

12/30/2020

Still not much good skiing to report, but at least the rain earlier predicted for Thursday and Friday has been "moved back" to Saturday. There is again just enough snow for golf course skiing in Lake Placid (except for Whiteface Club which is now restricted to members). The Paul Smith's VIC reports 4-6" of new snow, while noting that the cover under thick conifers is still very thin. A comment on the previous report indicate about 5" on the Fish Pond Truck Trail, with that trail skiable to Fish Pond - albeit with some thin areas.

No recent report about the Whiteface Highway, but that should again be skiable, if thin at the start.

Going forward, there does not appear to be any "game changing" snowstorm on the way, so we'll just have to take these few opportunities to ski, continue to hike with our spikes, or seek out the smaller bodies of water that have safe ice.

UPDATE 12/31 Still no major snow in sight, but as of this morning the "R" word is no longer in the forecast - just some sleet mixing with the snow on Saturday. Total accumulation of 1-3" predicted, and sounds like pretty dense stuff, so it will be a good, if minimal, base. Then more snow showers Sunday and Monday, which will make at least golf courses and the smoother, easier terrain skiable.

Newcomb Lake Road is just barely skiable with 1-2" of base with some fluff on top.

The report from Lake Colden as of today is still only 4" as of Thursday with 4-6" up higher. Not enough to ski to Lake Colden, and snowshoes are still not required in the High Peaks. Trails are very icy, so good traction is essential.

Farther to the west, the Cranberry Lake area apparently has skiable snow, and that probably means the Old Forge area also has skiable snow.

The DEC Outdoor Recreation Bulletin this week announced that the Town of North Hudson will not be plowing the parking area for Gulf Brook Road leading to Boreas Ponds. Also no plowing for the Ragged Mt./Hoffman Notch parking.

6 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 with 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.

chuck

12/30/2020 06:02:40 pm

A thank you to the person (s) who cleared the tree fall on the Jack R below Craig Wood headed to River Road. Aye

James Reinhard

12/31/2020 09:22:32 am

I’m seeing a prediction of 3 to 5 Friday night an an additional 1 to 3 Saturday morning. All snow. Fingers crossed.

Nate

12/31/2020 01:48:00 pm

Thanks for the updates!

Sarah

12/31/2020 05:28:09 pm

Thanks!
Out in the vicinity of the VIC on the flats it wasn’t half bad... got a short ski in that was way better than nothing. There is about 5? in of slightly icy and intermittently sticky snow cover.

12/31/2020 10:48:32 pm

The VIC was quite good today. Surprised at the cover and will be a good base.

Michael Maguire

1/1/2021 11:20:47 am

It’s sad the state refuses to plow out parking.. skied Gulf Brook Road on Tuesday.. it’s beautiful.. mikes and miles of state access land, but once the snow banks grow .. well no safe parking .. just like Hayes brook horse trails. The state should be ashamed of them selves.

Ski Trail Conditions