Thanks for the condition report PDA, but back to work tomorrow. Sunny, mid 40s to mid 50s over the next few days, we'll have a guick corn cycle then full on spring melt. Next opportunity to ski for me, may mean heading further north later in the week.

Could this be the last day in the Catskill BC? I don't think so. Three crag rats hit Balsam Mtn today from Rider Hollow. It was expected to find some thin cover under a grove of hemlocks half way to the ridge between Balsam and Haynes, but everywhere else was good to go. We dropped down on the Haynes side of the ravine enticed by what looked like a specacular glade on the side opposite the up trail. Lots of saplings, and whips etc. But, along with the rest of the trail a real hoot from summit to car with great snow conditions for nearly all of it. The downside, the stream crossings are too many and the water was flowing.

Thanks Rickster, I was hoping for snow on Balsam Mtn Saturday, but I will rethink.

There is a strong chance there will be snow enough at Balsam, but be prepared to boot some when it gets thin down low. The only real challenge will be the numerous stream crossings. Big advantage with modern plastic ski boots, just walk across the shallows, as long as it doesn't go over the boot tops, your golden.

I and a friend did Vly today, just east of Bearpen. The first mile from Jaeger Rd, off of RT. 3 is mud and dirt. Then great coverage to the summit and back along the old tote roads and eventually the hiker's herd path. We also explored some of the tote roads on the north slope of the peak, but they abruptly stopped, leaving us with a horribly steep and tightly wooded bushwhack. However, snow coverage was good with pockets of pow here and there, but mostly wet loose snow. I also did Sherrill two days ago from Shaft Rd off of RT. 42, and found the same conditions with a bit more powder as it was snowing at the time.

Enjoy it while you can, this snow cover is not long for this world.