Skiing Again

1/19 UPDATE:

     In the end, only 2-3"of new snow, but conditions now are good on any place except the low-lying routes that are particularly rough like Raquette Falls.  Other minor updates are included below.

1/18/20 UPDATE:

      The chance for some more significant snow has increased with perhaps 4-6" now possible by Sunday at noon. If that actually happens, most of the trails that still had a few rocks showing will be fully covered, and rougher trails such as Raquette Falls will finally be skiable.  Stay tuned.

INTRODUCTION

      Yesterday the area picked up 4-6" of somewhat dense powder snow.  Where there was still a base, this wet snow will tend to stick to the base and make for some good skiing for the weekend. While it will be cold and blistery today, temperatures will moderate to the 20s and near 30 on Sunday before dropping back to the teens for highs Monday through Wednesday.  Skiers should be aware that the thaw finished with high winds on Sunday, and we weren't able to get out and check every trail for blowdown during the "window" before yesterday's snow.

         JACKRABBIT TRAIL
        The smoother sections close to Lake Placid are again very skiable, the Old Mt. Road  section can be recommended with caution because there was very little base left after the thaw.  Craig Wood Golf Course to River Rd., River Rd. to the Lake Placid Club Golf Courses, and the Peninsula Section are again in good shape.  The section heading toward Saranac Lake from Whiteface Inn Lane held a base and is good skiing to the top of the pass.  The upper part of the descent to mcKenzie Pond is probably fine, but there was virtually no base left on the trail in from McKenzie Pond Rd,, so be aware that there are likely hazards on the lower third of the descent. It is thin but skiable in as far as the pond. Update: If we get the predicted4-6", all will be skiable. 

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTERS
          CASCADE X-C SKI CENTER:  
          Km Open and Groomed: 15   KmTrack Set: 10
          New snow:  3".    Base Depth: 5"  Off Track 9"
          Surface Conditions:  Packed powder 
          Remarks:  Restaurant and ski shop open

          MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG:
          Km Open and Groomed:  49    Km Track Set: 30
          New snow:  3".    Base Depth: 5"  off Track 12"
          Surface Conditions:  Packed powder 
          Remarks: Everything except the outer loop of the Ladies 5 km. Track set everywhere except East Mt. and Porter Mt.
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           PAUL SMITHS VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER:
           Km Open and Groomed:  37  
           New Snow:   3".    Base Depth: 8"
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder
       Remarks:  All trails groomed with some track-setting planned for Friday.

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 24" at Lake Colden and 3-4 feet at 4,000 feet. 

WHITEFACE HIGHWAY:  Skiable all the way to the Castle.

MARCY DAM TRUCK TRAIL:  Just enough cover to ski with caution. The rocks are still not really "covered", just "disguised".

HIKING TRAIL FROM ADK LOJ:  Possibly skiable, but not recommended.

AVALANCHE PASS:  Still somewhat rough past Marcy Dam, but the pass itself is in good shape.  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:  Skiable with caution as not all rocks are covered.  Some washouts, but all are easily crossable. 
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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.  

GULF BROOK ROAD TO BOREAS PONDS: Parking area has been plowed, but not after this recent snowfall. Still doable with 4WD, and just a bit harder with 2WD.  Some culverts washed out in the Halloween storm, but the first is crossable, and the second only requires a short detour.  Trail broken as far as the inner gate.

NEWCOMB LAKE ROAD TO CAMP SANTANONI: 6" new snow on a 6" base. Definitely still the best skiing. 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 4" of new snow on an icy base.