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Snow depth (33"at Lake Colden and 5' at 4,00 feet) is not an issue as far as skiing goes, but surface conditions are not quite as nice as we would like due to the rain and sleet that fell at the end of Tuesday's storm. The snow depth is sufficient to make it mandatory to be wearing skis or snowshoes anywhere in the High Peaks, and they should be worn elsewhere.
Because of the rain/sleet on Tuesday, there is now a breakable crust on most, if not all, of the areas where we report. Any travel on areas that had not been previously broken out will now be very difficult due to the crust. Most of the trails reported on below had been broken out before Tuesday's storm, but the surfaces are now a very fast loose granular with crusty deep snow on the side. As long as one can stay in the broken track, no problem; but a ski out of the broken track will be very problematic. The ski route to Avalanche Pass had been broken out wide, so plenty of room to maneuver there (metal-edged skis preferred), but trails with lesser hills that earlier didn't require turning or at least snowplowing will be a problem now that the loose granular surfaces will result in increased speed. We apologize for this somewhat "generic" report, but we don't yet have reports from all of the trails aside from the ever-popular Avalanche Pass trail. The weekend weather will start out with some light snow and temperatures in the low 20s. We expect a warming trend into next week with some additional light snow and temperatures warming to mid-30s. Mercifully, so far no rain in sight.
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ADDITIONAL TUESDAY EVENING UPDATE
While only a bit or rain in Keene, and temperatures in the mid-30s; initial reports from ADK Loj and at higher elevations indicate even warmer temperatures and more rain. Not a good way for this storm to end; and we'll wait for additional reports on the higher surface conditions. The brief warming and rain will not affect the overall snow depth. In the end, we only picked up another 4-5" of somewhat dense snow. There was some mixing of sleet with the snow, and one report from Newcomb said there was a light crust on the snow. So, not ideal surface conditions, but the trail breaking won't be a difficult as it would have been had we received the full promised 10". Even before this storm, the DEC had issued an avalanche warning, and this heavy new snow creates another potentially unstable layer. There is no avalanche danger on any of the routes whose conditions we report on, but any slide skiing should not be approached without a great deal of caution. Otherwise, the conditions reported below remain essentially unchanged - just with a few more inches on top of what was already there. INTRODUCTION
Continued great conditions. Glad to see so many getting out and enjoying the good snow. Definitely much colder Friday and Saturday with highs only around 10, and below zero at night. Warming to 15 on Sunday, and then close to 20 for highs into next week. Some additional light snow predicted, but for now, nothing that will require any serious new trail breaking on the routes that have already been skied. JACKRABBIT TRAIL Entire trail is skiable, and all sections between Keene and Saranac Lake have ben broken out. Paul Smiths section has great cover, but no reports of what stretches have been broken out. Those skiing the Old Mountain Road starting from Rock and River in Keene should use the "Additional Parking" area on the right just before the lodge. CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTERS CASCADE X-C SKI CENTER: Km Open and Groomed: 15km Track Set: 10 km New snow: 2" last 48hrs Base Depth: 15" Off Track 18" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Ski shop open MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: Km Open and Groomed: 54km Track Set: 53 km New snow: 2" last 48 hrs Base Depth: 22" on man-made trails. 15" on natural snow. Off Track 18" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: PAUL SMITHS VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: 40 km Open. Most all trails groomed, many with set track. New Snow: 2" -72 hours Base Depth: 20" Surface Conditions: packed powder Remarks: BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: With this snow, pretty much everything is now skiable, and skis or snowshoes are now required by regulation for travel in the High Peaks. In other areas they are needed and should be used. Avalanche Pass definitely skiable, and most rocks to avoid between Marcy Dam and Avalanche Camp are now covered. Avalanche Lake is crossable. Wright Peak Ski Trail skiable, and approach on the hiking trail now much improved. Marcy trail now totally skiable. Whales Tail Ski Trail also reported in good shape and broken out. Random notes from the field: 1) Botheration Pond Loop is skiable despite the loss of the 55-foot bridge over the East Branch of the Sacandaga Riveras snow on top of ice makes an easy crossing. 2) Southern approach to Hoffman Notch is difficult due to no bridge over the West Branch of Trout Brook. Northern approach is fine. Between the earlier cold weather and the new snow, most lakes no longer have problems with slush. Still, no guarantees-carry a scraper. Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 33" Snow Depth at 4,000 feet (est.): 4-5 feet. WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: Skiable all the way to the Castle. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Definitely skiable. A better choice than the hiking trail as far as surface conditions go, but over a mile longer than the Loj approach. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Skiable. Old Marcy Dam approach is the better start, but both approaches are skiable. AVALANCHE PASS: Broken out and skiable through to Avalanche Lake. Avalanche Lake is frozen crossable. CONNERY POND TO WHITEFACE LANDING: Skiable. Hills just past the summer parking are improved with the new snow. Connery Pond again skiable with the new snow. HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: Definitely very skiable to both Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow. Parking area continues to be plowed. FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: Definitely skiable, and loop back on the ponds now very doable. RAQUETTE FALLS: Fully skiable. Plowing ends one mile from the parking area at the Corey's Road gate (now closed), but vehicles were being driven that far before the latest snow. GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS: Parking area is now being plowed! Washed out culvert at 1/2 mile is a bit of an obstacle, but can be easily negotiated on skis, and there is track broken to the ponds. NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: Good skiing to both Camp Santanoni and Moose Pond. AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: Fully skiable. Some snowmobile traffic along with the foot traffic. We are now enjoying about the longest stretch of powder conditions most of us can remember. And these conditions continue through the rest of the week and into the coming weekend. Temperatures will be cold starting on Friday with highs only around 10, and warming only to highs around 15 through the weekend and on Monday, Washington's Birthday. So, look at the earlier report for the current trail conditions. Beyond the trails already reported as broken out, recent experience out on the trails indicates that most all popular routes have been skied. So, get out and take advantage of the skiing that we have.
INTRODUCTION
No accumulation of snow since last Tuesday's big storm two weeks ago, but the Lake Placid area now has 2 or more feet of snow on the ground - just as it is supposed to be in mid-winter. This makes for very nice surfaces and conditions pretty much everywhere. Skis or snowshoes are now required by regulation for travel in the High Peaks. In other areas they are needed and should be used. Temperatures this weekend will remain below freezing, but not too much below, so just about ideal for getting out. Somewhat cooler going in to next week, but no deep freeze, and more importantly, no thaw in sight. JACKRABBIT TRAIL Entire trail is now skiable, and all sections between Keene and Saranac Lake have ben broken our. Paul Smiths section has great cover, but no reports of what stretches have been broken out. Those skiing the Old Mountain Road starting from Rock and River in Keene should use the "Additional Parking" area on the right just before the lodge. CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTERS CASCADE X-C SKI CENTER: Km Open and Groomed: 15km Track Set: 10 km New snow: 12" last 48hrs Base Depth: 15" Off Track 18" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Ski shop open MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: Km Open and Groomed: 54km Track Set: 53 km New snow: 12" last 48 hrs Base Depth: 22" on man-made trails. 15" on natural snow. Off Track 18" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: PAUL SMITHS VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: 40 km Open. Most all trails groomed, many with set track. New Snow: 12" -72 hours Base Depth: 20" Surface Conditions: packed powder Remarks: BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: With this snow, pretty much everything is now skiable, and skis or snowshoes are now required by regulation for travel in the High Peaks. In other areas they are needed and should be used. Avalanche Pass definitely skiable, and most rocks to avoid between Marcy Dam and Avalanche Camp are now covered. Avalanche Lake is crossable. Wright Peak Ski Trail skiable, and approach on the hiking trail now much improved. Marcy trail now totally skiable. Whales Tail Ski Trail also reported in good shape and broken out Between the earlier cold weather and the new snow, most lakes no longer have problems with slush. Still, no guarantees-carry a scraper. Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 27" Snow Depth at 4,000 feet (est.): 4-5 feet. WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: Skiable all the way to the Castle. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Definitely skiable, and still a slightly better choice than the hiking trail. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Skiable. Old Marcy Dam approach has some water, but is the better approach. AVALANCHE PASS: Broken out and skiable through to Avalanche Lake. Avalanche Lake is frozen crossable. CONNERY POND TO WHITEFACE LANDING: Skiable. Hills just past the summer parking are improved with the new snow. Connery Pond again skiable with the new snow. HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: Definitely very skiable to both Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow. Parking area continues to be plowed. FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: Definitely skiable, and loop back on the ponds now very doable. RAQUETTE FALLS: Fully skiable. Plowing ends one mile from the parking area at the Corey's Road gate (now closed), but vehicles were being driven that far before the latest snow. GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS: Parking area is now being plowed! Washed out culvert at 1/2 mile is a bit of an obstacle, but can be easily negotiated on skis, and there is at least some old track broken to the ponds. NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: Good skiing to both Camp Santanoni and Moose Pond. AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: Fully skiable. Some snowmobile traffic along with the foot traffic. Just a brief report to say that, as of Wednesday morning, the Lake Placid area has received a foot or more of snow. It's nice powder and will make everything reported in the earlier report below fully skiable. The only question will be what trails are broken out. We'll report what we know before the weekend. Happy winter!
INTRODUCTION
No major accumulation of snow since the big storm two weeks ago, but the Lake Placid area has picked up another 6-8" of light snow in a succession of light flurries. This makes for very nice surfaces pretty much everywhere. Skis or snowshoes are now required by regulation for travel in the High Peaks. In other areas they are needed and should be used. After the very cold temperatures Friday and Saturday, Sunday warmed into the teens; and Monday's high will be near 20. The big news is that we now have some more significant snow forecast for Tuesday, 4-8" possible. This may be enough to make some rougher terrain including the Marcy trail fully skiable. Stay tuned. So far, the forecast doesn't call for a big drop in temperatures after the storm with highs in the 20s, warming to 30 by the end of the week, then a bit cooler over the coming weekend. JACKRABBIT TRAIL Entire trail is now skiable. Both the Old Mt. Road and McKenzie Pass sections have been broken out. Paul Smiths section has great cover, but no reports of what stretches have been broken out. CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTERS CASCADE X-C SKI CENTER: Km Open and Groomed: 15km Track Set: 10 km New snow: 2" last 48hrs Base Depth: 9" Off Track 15" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Ski shop open MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: Km Open and Groomed: 54km Track Set: 53 km New snow: 2" last 48 hrs Base Depth: 12" on man-made trails. 9" on natural snow. Off Track 15" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: PAUL SMITHS VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: 40 km Open. Most all trails groomed, many with set track. New Snow: 3" -24 hours Base Depth: 15" Surface Conditions: packed powder Remarks: BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: With this snow, pretty much everything is now skiable, and skis or snowshoes are now required by regulation for travel in the High Peaks. In other areas they are needed and should be used. Avalanche Pass definitely skiable, although still a few rocks to avoid between Marcy Dam and Avalanche Camp. Avalanche Lake is crossable. Wright Peak Ski Trail skiable, but approach on the hiking trail still rocky. Marcy trail still likely somewhat rough for the first 1.5 mi. up to the bridge, but skiable cover beyond. Whales Tail Ski Trail also reported in good shape. Reports indicate that lakes that had been good skiing before all the heavy, wet new snow now are compromised with slush under the snow. This problem may improve with the very cold weather this weekend, but for now no lake crossing can be assumed to be free of slush. (You won't fall through, but you'll have very wet feet and iced up skis.) Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 27" Snow Depth at 4,000 feet (est.): 4-5 feet. WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: Skiable all the way to the Castle. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Definitely skiable, and still a better choice than the hiking trail. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Skiable. Old Marcy Dam approach has some water, but is the better approach. Current hiking trail has some roots showing, but the bypass after the long bridge is in good shape AVALANCHE PASS: Skiable through to Avalanche Lake. Avalanche Lake is frozen crossable. CONNERY POND TO WHITEFACE LANDING: Skiable. Hills just past the summer parking are improved with the new snow. Connery Pond no longer skiable due to slush under the snow. HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: Definitely very skiable to both Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow. Parking area was plowed after the first storm. We can hope that happens again FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: Definitely skiable, but loop back on the ponds likely not recommended to the above-mentioned slush condition. RAQUETTE FALLS: No report, but should be skiable to the falls without having to walk down both "Hemlock Hill" and the final switchbacks. Plowing ends one mile from the parking area at the Corey's Road gate (now closed), but vehicles were being driven that far before the latest snow. GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS: Parking area is now being plowed! Washed out culvert at 1/2 mile is a bit of an obstacle, but can be easily negotiated on skis, and there is at least some old track broken to the ponds. NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: Good skiing to both Camp Santanoni and Moose Pond. AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: Fully skiable. Some snowmobile traffic along with the foot traffic. Aside from a few inches of new snow, conditions have not changed much from last week. Mt. Van Hoevenberg, Cascade, Paul Smiths VIC, and Dewey Mt. all report full, or nearly full, operation. On the Jackrabbit Trail and in the backcountry, the new snow has "refreshed" the surfaces, but not allowed any new routes to be recommended. The only true news is that the parking for Boreas Ponds is now being plowed, and there is a good broken track on Gulf Brook Rd.
Significantly colder Friday and Saturday, but warming to 20 on Sunday followed by a milder, but not too mild, beginning of next week. INTRODUCTION
Since the big storm last weekend, the Lake Placid area has picked up another 3-4" of light snow in a nearly continuous series of light flurries. This makes for very nice surfaces pretty much everywhere. Skis or snowshoes are now required by regulation for travel in the High Peaks. In other areas they are needed and should be used. Friday and Saturday will see continued occasional light snow. Friday will be warmer with a high near 30, but temperatures plunge by the weekend with highs only single digits or maybe 10 on Saturday and Sunday. Starting Monday, highs will be in the teens, but no chance of any more snow through to the end of the week. JACKRABBIT TRAIL Entire trail is now skiable. Both the Old Mt. Road and McKenzie Pass sections have been broken out. Paul Smiths section has great cover, but no reports of what stretches have been broken out. CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTERS CASCADE X-C SKI CENTER: Km Open and Groomed: 15km Track Set: 10 km New snow: 9" last five days Base Depth: 8" Off Track 14" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Ski shop open MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: Km Open and Groomed: 55km Track Set: 53 km New snow: 9" last five days Base Depth: 12" on man-made trails. 8" on natural snow. Off Track 14" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: PAUL SMITHS VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: 40 km Open. Wider trails groomed with some set track. New Snow: 3" -24 hours Base Depth: 12" Surface Conditions: packed powder Remarks: BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: With this snow, pretty much everything is now skiable, and skis or snowshoes are now required by regulation for travel in the High Peaks. In other areas they are needed and should be used. Avalanche Pass definitely skiable, although still a few rocks to avoid between Marcy Dam and Avalanche Camp. Avalanche Lake is crossable. Wright Peak Ski Trail skiable, but approach on the hiking trail still rocky. Marcy trail still likely somewhat rough for the first 1.5 mi. up to the bridge, but skiable cover beyond. Whales Tail Ski Trail also reported in good shape. Reports indicate that lakes that had been good skiing before all the heavy, wet new snow now are compromised with slush under the snow. This problem may improve with the very cold weather this weekend, but for now no lake crossing can be assumed to be free of slush. (You won't fall through, but you'll have very wet feet and iced up skis.) Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 27" Snow Depth at 4,000 feet (est.): 4-5 feet. WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: Skiable all the way to the Castle. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Definitely skiable, and still a better choice than the hiking trail. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Skiable. Old Marcy Dam approach has some water, but is the better approach. Current hiking trail has some roots showing, but the bypass after the long bridge is in good shape AVALANCHE PASS: Skiable through to Avalanche Lake. Avalanche Lake is frozen crossable. CONNERY POND TO WHITEFACE LANDING: Skiable. Hills just past the summer parking are improved with the new snow. Connery Pond no longer skiable due to slush under the snow. HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: Definitely very skiable to both Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow. Parking area was plowed after the first storm. We can hope that happens again FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: Definitely skiable, but loop back on the ponds likely not recommended to the above-mentioned slush condition. RAQUETTE FALLS: No report, but should be skiable to the falls without having to walk down both "Hemlock Hill" and the final switchbacks. Plowing ends one mile from the parking area at the Corey's Road gate (now closed), but vehicles were being driven that far before the latest snow. GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS: Parking area is not being plowed this winter, but for now at least some vehicles can access the parking area. Washed out culvert at 1/2 mile is a bit of an obstacle, but can be easily negotiated on skis. NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: Good skiing to both Camp Santanoni and Moose Pond. AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: Sufficient cover even at the start under the thick hemlocks. Some snowmobile traffic along with the foot traffic. INTRODUCTION
Over the weekend, the Lake Placid area has picked up a total of 8-12" of snow. The first 6" was very dense and wet, but additional snowfalls have been of lighter snow - a near perfect combination of a solid base with softer snow on top. With this snow, pretty much everything is now skiable, and skis or snowshoes are now required by regulation for travel in the High Peaks. In other areas they are needed and should be used. The coming week will see occasional light snow, even a bit of sun, and temperatures remaining at or slightly below normal for mid-January. Temperatures could be even colder by the coming weekend, but we'll report on that on Thursday, 1/22 when the forecast for the weekend is clearer. JACKRABBIT TRAIL Entire trail is now skiable. Both the Old Mt. Road and McKenzie Pass sections have been broken out. No report on the Paul Smiths section. CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTERS CASCADE X-C SKI CENTER: Km Open and Groomed: 15km Track Set: 15 km New snow: 11" storm total Base Depth: 7" Off Track 12" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: Ski shop open MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG: Km Open and Groomed: 54km Track Set: 53 km New snow: 11" storm total Base Depth: 12" on man-made trails. 7" on natural snow. Off Track 12" Surface Conditions: Packed powder Remarks: PAUL SMITHS VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER: Km Open and Groomed: 35 New Snow: 12 storm total" Base Depth: 10"" Surface Conditions: packed powder Remarks: Most terrain groomed, some track set BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS: With this snow, pretty much everything is now skiable, and skis or snowshoes are now required by regulation for travel in the High Peaks. In other areas they are needed and should be used. Avalanche Pass definitely skiable, and Avalanche Lake is crossable. No report yet on the Marcy or Wright Peak ski trails. Marcy trail still likely somewhat rough for the first 1.5 mi. up to the bridge, but skiable cover beyond. The caveat is that it is likely there is a breakable crust under the lighter snow. WHITEFACE HIGHWAY: Skiable all the way to the Castle. MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL: Definitely skiable, and still a better choice than the hiking trail. HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ: Skiable. AVALANCHE PASS: Skiable through to Avalanche Lake. Avalanche Lake is frozen crossable. CONNERY POND TO WHITEFACE LANDING: Skiable. Hills just past the summer parking are still a bit thin, but can be avoided by skiing across Connery Pond. Look for the Connery Pond Access sign just before the summer parking. Once at the pond, ski at a magnetic bearing of 350 degrees to reach the best exit from the lake to the trail HAYS BROOK TRUCK TRAIL: Definitely very skiable to both Grass Pond and the Sheep Meadow. Parking area was plowed after the first storm. We can hope that happens again FISH POND TRUCK TRAIL: Definitely skiable, and loop back on the ponds no also skiable. RAQUETTE FALLS: No report, but should be skiable to the falls without having to walk down both "Hemlock Hill" and the final switchbacks. Plowing ends one mile from the parking area at the Corey's Road gate (now closed), but vehicles were being driven that far before the latest snow. GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS: Parking area is not being plowed this winter, but for now at least some vehicles can access the parking area. Washed out culvert at 1/2 mile is a bit of an obstacle, but can be easily negotiated on skis. NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: Good skiing, to both Camp Santanoni and Moose Pond. AUSABLE LAKE ROAD: Sufficient cover even at the start under the thick hemlocks. Some snowmobile traffic along with the foot traffic. |
Trail Conditions 101Trail 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. Archives
April 2021
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