Thanksgiving weekend report/predictions

UPDATE 11/27/24
      Cold weather has produced an inch or so more on the Whiteface Highway.  Unfortunately, some vehicular traffic to the summit observatory has made the surface conditions less than optimal.  Still, it's white and you can slide on it; and it's still November, so just deal with it.  
      Lake Colden reports about 7" of snow, so no skiing there just yet, and ice conditions on the lakes are not yet safe. 
      Thanksgiving day may well produce some more significant snow. We'll look for reports on whether others early season favorites like the truck trails will be skiable for later in the weekend.

Since the last report, there has been a wintry mix of precipitation, but the result has been a slight gain of snow on the Whiteface Highway. There is now has thin cover down to the Toll House with over a foot above the 4,000-foot level. Otherwise, no other terrain can be recommended for skiing.

As for hiking, be prepared to need snowshoes above 4,000 feet with good traction required to reach the point where snowshoes are needed. So far, not much snow below 2,000 feet, so the lower trails will remain hikeable without equipment.

The  forecast indicates continued cloudy with chances for more precipitation through the weekend. Some sun on Friday and Saturday, but still some chance of rain nor snow on those days. Also, a slow cooling trend so that high temperatures by the end of the weekend will only be in the low 30s - and obviously much colder on the summits, so be prepared.