Thursday night into Friday was a true “variable outcome” event through the Adirondacks.
Reports ranged from only an inch or two of glop for the Route 8 corridor in southern Adirondacks to 3-4 inches of snow around Indian Lake and up to around a half-foot in Newcomb.
Over the western Adirondacks, the temperatures nosed above 32*F for much of Thursday night with some dreaded rain. Friday only saw enough snow to paste it white over there.
In essence, the heart of ilsnow land did OK with this weather system, while the edges didn’t do so well. Honestly, I’m just happy I didn’t get another inch of rain to shove me closer to the abyss.
This weekend
I’m thinking that Perkins Clearing from Mason Lake parking lot and toward the back side got at least a few inches of snow, being 7 miles north of Speculator Village with higher elevation. I’d say you could roll off a few dozen miles starting from Mason Lake parking lot, if you’re willing to do some exploring on the side trails. I’m sure you’ll find some washout mess by the Miami River bridge as you head toward the back.
As for Moose River Plains, you should be able to roll into MRP from Brown’s Farm parking lot near the end of Cedar River Road. But conditions will thin out in places past the Big-T and it’ll probably get really scratchy those final 2 miles to Limekiln Road – typical of marginal low snow conditions. Inlet did not get the amount snow that Indian Lake got, so it might become really threadbare if you want to make the run to Ole Barn or Screamen Eagle.
Snowmobiling conditions would be marginal – even in those places.
Don’t even bother with the narrow woods trails. Here’s a reminder of what they looked like in Indian Lake before the new snow.
Decision making time…
- If you’re waiting for perfect conditions, you’ve already decided not to ride this weekend. I’m surprised that you haven’t sold your snowmobile and that you’re reading this. Thanks for sticking with me through tough times, YOU’RE AWESOME!
- If you’re desperate to ride and ANYTHING will do, Perkins Clearing (from Mason Lake parking lot) and Moose River Plains (entering from Brown’s Farm parking lot in Indian Lake) are two of the few places you can snowmobile ride in New York State right now.
You can even park at the Northville/Lake Placid trailhead near Lake Durant and worm your way through S84 to hit the Newcomb (Old 538) Trail. That does hold snow pretty well. - If you’re going to be here anyway and have your snowmobile already in tow. Maybe you say “SCREW IT! I’m gonna try it.” Or maybe not…
- If you have doubts, you’re better off waiting for more snow. We’ll have at least 2 snow opportunities this upcoming week that I will follow on my weather page.
There’s no wrong. Just what’s right for YOU. It’s sad to have such limited options into late January. But this is where we’re at.
For the ilsnow nation,
Darrin
This report is brought to you by Sportline Power, recognized as one of the largest and most completely stocked retailers of Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kymco, Polaris, Sea-Doo, CFMoto, Trition and pre-owned products in the region. Whether it is a new vehicle, maintaining or customizing your current vehicle, or a need for new riding gear you will find the staff at Sportline eager to meet your needs.
