Continued improvement

UPDATE 1/4/2020​
       Two days of warm temperatures have again reduced the available terrain, but snow (3-5") is forecast for tonight and tomorrow.  That should allow the X-C Ski centers to get more than the 5km they have open right now.  Paul Smith's VIC still reports over 30km open, but surfaces are hard and fast as the temperatures dropped below freezing after the warm weather Friday.  So for today, it will be the flatter, smoother terrain that's skiable.

​          Continued cold with additional snow during the week, but Friday is again predicted to be above freezing, so we'll have to watch that for next weekend.

INTRODUCTION

      Continued light snow and a few snow squalls on Wednesday further improved conditions for skiing, but the pond skating is over for the moment. 

      Temperatures will remain warmer than normal through Saturday, and now there could be periods of rain.  Whether that will reduce what we have on the ground remains to be seen.  And be aware that many hiking trails are still quite icy with traction aids (Microspikes or crampons) pretty much mandatory. 

JACKRABBIT TRAIL
        The smoother sections close to Lake Placid are again skiable, but neither the Old Mt. Road or the McKenzie Pass sections can be recommended at this time.  Specifically, Craig Wood Golf Course to River Rd., River Rd. to the Lake Placid Club Golf Courses, and the Peninsula Section.  The section heading toward Saranac Lake from Whiteface Inn Lane will be rough for the first half-mile, but good skiing from there to the top of the pass.  All of these sections still demand caution as not every rought spot is likely covered.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTERS
          CASCADE X-C SKI CENTER:  
          Km Open and Groomed: 8   KmTrack Set: 3
          New snow:  3".    Base Depth: 3"
          Surface Conditions:  Packed powder with icy spots
          Remarks:  Restaurant and ski shop open

          MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG:
          Km Open and Groomed:  30    Km Track Set: 30
          New snow:  3".    Base Depth: 3" 
          Surface Conditions:  Packed powder with icy spots
          Remarks: All trails except Ladies 5 km, East Mt. and Porter Mt.
           PAUL SMITHS VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER:
           Km Open and Groomed:  37  
           New Snow:   4-5".    Base Depth: 6"
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder
           Remarks:  Grooming in progress, and skiing is again recommended.

BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
            Snowshoes or skis are required in the High Peaks when there is 12" or more of snow on the ground.   There is again about 12" at Lake Colden and 2-3 feet at 4,000 feet. As noted above, traction required on most trails and summits.

WHITEFACE HIGHWAY:  Skiable all the way to the Castle, but there may be windblown stretches.

MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL:  Just enough cover to ski with caution. 

HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ:  Not yet skiable.

AVALANCHE PASS:  Not yet really skiable past Marcy Dam.  Lake ice on Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden is being crossed. Be cautious around all inlets and outlets - especially the outlet to Avalanche Lake where the safest course is to exit on the western shore and cross the outlet on the bridge.

CONNERY POND TO WHITEFACE LANDING:  May finally be skiable.

HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL:  Definitely skiable to both Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow,  Some blowdown past the crossing of Hays Brook.  Two of the trees are a bit of an effort to get around, but they don't detract from the overall experience.  Use caution on the steep hill that descends to Hays Brook.

FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL:  Definitely fully covered from the parking area.  A comment on an earlier report says that the big hill two miles in from the register is now skiable, and that the downed trees that were a hazard have been cleared. No report of conditions beyond the side road to St. Regis Pond outlet.

GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS: Parking area still hasn't been plowed as of 12/31, and parking on Blue Ridge Rd. is not ideal. Some culverts washed out in the Halloween storm, but they are crossable and will be more easily negotiated as we get more snow.

NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: 2" new snow on a 6" base. Definitely still the best choice for this week. Trees downed by the icing of the past few days had been cleared as far as the Moose Pond junction as of 12/31. Moose Pond Trail also has good cover, but there is an undetermined amount of  uncleared blowdown.

AUSABLE LAKE ROAD:  Now can be recommended for skiing with 2-3" of new snow on a thin but firm base. 

BURN ROAD IN THE WHITNEY WILDERNESS AREA NEAR BIG TUPPER LAKE:  Skiable with new snow on a firm 2" base.