Weekend Update 1/6/22

ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENT DURING THE WEEK, BUT ICY PRECIP. ON 1/9:

No great amount of snow over the past few days, but the periodic flurries have definitely improved conditions over the past few days.  The Jackrabbit Trail is now fully skiable, although caution is still advised on any downhill - especially the descent to McKenzie Pond. The Old Mountain Road section in Keene has the best conditions. Some icy precipitation today, but no loss of snow. Colder on Monday, then very cold on Tuesday with some additional flurries. The rest of the week will be warmer, but remain a bit below seasonal normals through the week and into the weekend.   So, plan on good conditions on everything except for the steeper mountain routes (Avalanche Pass, Wright Peak, Mt. Marcy) for the coming weekend.


ORIGINAL POST

During the past week, conditions have improved slightly due to a few flurries, but no significant change from the report and updates below.  Read them as well.

DEC backcountry now reports 19" at Lake Colden, but confirms the report below that Avalanche Pass is still not skiable.  The DEC does report that Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are frozen.  Still, caution is always necessary at the outlet to Avalanche Lake. To be sure, get on the trail and then cross the outlet on the bridge.

Jackrabbit Trail from Whiteface Inn Lane to McKenzie Pass is just barely skiable to the flats leading to the lean-to, but good from there to the top of the pass.  Snow cover diminishes as one approaches McKenzie Pond, but is still "negotiable".  Old Mountain Road section mostly in good shape, but Chimney Hill and some of the approach from Lake Placid still have some exposed rocks.

Otherwise, truck trail to Marcy Dam is good, and Hays Brook to the Sheep Meadow and Grass Pond are very good with, as reported below, plowed parking.

​Saturday will be a bit on the cold side, but Sunday will be warmer. Hopefully not too much of that "other precipitation" on Sunday before next week brings in a few days of really cold conditions.