Spring has Sprung - at least for most skiing

So, your usual reporter is now back, and what a change from three weeks ago!  Any X-C skiing is pretty much limited to the man-made snow on Van Ho's competition loops, the VIC at Paul Smiths, or perhaps a few other places including the Newcomb Lake Road and the terrain past Marcy Dam. The only part of the Jackrabbit Trail still skiable would be from Whiteface Inn Lane to the top of the pass, but definitely not possible to ski through on that section. Meadows Lane still has some dirty snow right from the Loj Rd,, but no guarantee that there is continuous cover all the way to Marcy Dam. The snow  depth at Lake Colden has shrunk to 30", a decline of over a foot in the past week. Above 4,000 feet, expect there to still be 4-6 feet of snow depending on drifting and aspect.

The forecast for the weekend and into next week indicates that this stretch of very warm weather is ending, but with just a bit of new wet snow forecast these conditions won't change.  For those shifting to hiking, expect any icy spine ("monorail") at the start of most High Peak trails where spikes would be handy, but transitioning to deeper snow with snowshoes needed. The cooler temperatures should at least firm up the snow so that the snowshoes aren't going in too deep.

Finally, it will likely be mostly die-hards who read this report. Going forward, you can  probably figure out on your own where to go for the best outdoor experience. I will therefore say that, unless something dramatic happens to the weather, this will be the final report for the season. It was great being able to report almost two straight months of good conditions, and we'll just have to hope for conditions as good next year.