weekend conditions 1/10-1/13 with more snow and less cold

INTRODUCTION
As the wind howled and the temperature barely made it out of the single digits this week, we did manage to pick up 4-8" of new snow. Now with the wind finally predicted to drop and for temperatures to maybe reach 20 or even 25 this weekend, this is the time to get out and enjoy the snow.  And so far, no thaw in sight.
Given the continuous high winds this past week, it is also worth noting that there is a good possibility of fresh blowdown on both the Jackrabbit Trail and the backcountry routes. Reports welcome so we can work to take care of the problems. 

JACKRABBIT TRAIL
The McKenzie Pass Section: Now skiable from Whiteface Inn Lane, with most rocks are fully covered on the hill, and very good cover as one approaches the lean-to. With the new snow, the ski down toward the pond should be possible, but caution would still be advised - especially as one approaches the bottom where the snow would not be as deep. Enough snow (8-10") now at McKenzie Pond Road that it's possible to ski right from the road. Very thin at the start under the thick trees and at a few points getting to the road at about the half-way point, but otherwise finally skiable.  
Old Mountain Road Section: Still a bit thin, but fully skiable. Some lumps on the hills and watch the beaver areas for wet areas.
Paul Smiths Section: So far, no reports on exact conditions, but good snow from Lake Clear to the VIC.
Other sections: No reports on the Craig Wood to Lake Placid Club section, but this section should be  skiable, although the steeper hills near the Lake Placid Club could still be a problem.

GROOMED CENTERS

        ADK CASCADE WELCOME CENTER (PREVIOUSLY: CASCADE CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTER)
         https://adk.org/cascade-welcome-center/   518-837-5047
           Km Open and Groomed:  15  Track Set:  15 
          New snow: 2"  Packed Base Depth: 3-5"   Off Track: 12"   
          New Snow last 72 hours: 9"
          Surface Conditions: Packed powder on hardpack.
          Remarks: All trails open.  And the Full Moon Party tradition returns: Don't forget about our Wolf moon celebration and night skiing under the light of the full moon on Saturday 11th from 5pm to 9:30pm with a bonfire, music, food, and hot chocolate! All ages are welcome.

         SCOTTS COBBLE NORDIC CENTER - NEW
         10 km of groomed trails on Craig Wood Golf Course - rentals, lessons operated by High Peaks Cyclery. Trail fee of $15/day - $10/half-day. Residents of the Tri-Lakes area ski for free (Donations appreciated)       scottscobblenordic.com.
518-523-9811 or 518-523-3742
          KM Open and Groomed: 10  Track Set: not yet 
         New snow:  2"  Packed Base Depth:  3"   Off track: 8"   
          New snow past 72 hours:  6"
          Surface conditions:     Packed powder 
          Remarks:  May be able to set track tomorrow after the newly-packed snow firms up.

          MOUNT VAN HOEVENBERG:
        https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/daily-update/   518-523-2811
          Km Open and Groomed: 40  Track Set: 15 km  
          New snow:  2"  Packed Base Depth:  3-5" on Legacy trails   Off track: 9" 
          New snow past 72 hours:  7"
          Surface Conditions:   Packed powder. 
         Remarks:  Set track on the flatter Legacy trails plus Inner Loopen and East Mountain  on south side (a.k.a. cross-country side). Most trails on the north side (a.k.a. biathlon side) also open but no track set. Porter Mt. Loops reported good as far as jct. 42.

​           PAUL SMITH'S VISITOR INTERPRETIVE CENTER:
         https://www.paulsmithsvic.org/trailconditions/  518-327-6241
           Km Groomed and Open: 20 km  Track Set:  10 
           New Snow:  2" Packed Base Depth: 6-8"   Off track:  10" 
           New snow past 72 hours:  6"
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder. 
​           Remarks:  There is now a current online report, but a phone call might be best to determine the exact conditions.
            DEWEY MOUNTAIN:
           https://www.facebook.com/deweymountainrecreationcenter  518-891-2697
            Km Open:  5   Track set: none
           New Snow:  3"  Packed Base Depth: 2"  Off Track:  
           New snow past 72 hours:  5"
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder
           Remarks: Lower mountain trails open on thin cover.

           TUPPER LAKE X-C SKI TRAILS
           https://www.facebook.com/Tupper-Lake-Groomed-XC-Trails-102907273119538/  518-359-8370
            Km Open: 10   Track set:   10
           New Snow:     Base Depth:      Off track:    
           New snow past 72 hours:  
           Surface Conditions:  Packed powder
​        Remarks:  The system mostly held a good base. No specifics on snowfall or overall snow depth, but the photos online indicate this remains the best groomed skiing in the area. 

BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS
While not yet true mid-winter conditions, there is more skiing to be had than we've had yet this season, although caution still advised on any hills as not all hazards are 'guaranteed' to be fully covered.  Thursday, 1/9 report from Lake Colden says 22" at the cabin, but more snow Thursday night would have increased the depth. An additional note of caution about fresh blowdown given the high winds we experienced this past week.

Whiteface Highway: As has been the case for nearly a month, the highway is fully covered, but many sections may be narrow or bare given the high winds. 
Marcy Dam, Truck Trail: Skiable with most, but not all rocks covered. Meadows Lane now blocked off for the winter. Park on the left to leave room for ranger vehicles with snowmobile trailers in the event of an emergency. 
Fish Pond Truck Trail: No reports, but surely very skiable. Lake ice may be safe after the cold weather this past weekend, but definitely make your own assessment for the alternate return.
Hays Brook Truck Trail: Definitely skiable to both the Sheep Meadow and Grass Pond.  Parking lot now being plowed, We can hope that continues.
Newcomb Lake Road: As usual, the best skiing.  No report on any blowdown on the road to Moose Pond.
Gulf Brook Road to Boreas Ponds: Good coverage and some broken track. Initially, North Hudson said they had no intention of plowing any parking at Gulf Brook, but as of Saturday, 1/4, there is parking for a few cars at the base of the hill. No report whether the plowing has continued with this new snow. Parking on the shoulder is legal, just not all that desirable. Additionally, the Ragged Mt. Road parking was also plowed. This is the access to Hoffman Notch.
Avalanche Pass: Skiable past Marcy Dam, but still with a few rocks to dodge as far as Avalanche Camp.  With all the new snow, the pass is now in good shape.  Lake Colden now has overt 20" of snow.  Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are crossable. Caution is always advised near the outlet to Avalanche Lake. If in doubt, take to the trail on the west side about 50 yards before the outlet and cross on the bridge. Also a report of a problem on Lake Colden near Beaver Point.
​Ausable Lake Road: With the new snow, now just barely skiable, but not the best choice for the weekend. 
Wright Peak Ski Trail:  Skiable after it diverges from the hiking trail.
Mt. Marcy Ski Trail: No report, but there likely needs to be more snow for the trail from Marcy Dam to the Phelps Mt. trail jct. to be easily skiable.  After that, the trail is definitely skiable