But is Mirror Lake ready?

According to newly appointed North Elba Park District Manager Matt St. Louis, going out on Mirror Lake is “not recommended at this time.” On Tuesday — before the storm that brought a lot of rain to the Adirondacks later that night — he said the lake had 4.5 inches of ice on Wednesday, Jan. 3, which was the last time he checked the thickness. The Park District operates the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute on Parkside Drive, which sends sledders onto the Mirror Lake ice below, and town employees plow skating and hockey rinks in front of the beach house every winter. When the ice cooperates, they also plow an ice-skating path around the lake.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation cites 3 to 4 inches of solid ice as a general safety guideline for foot travel. At 5 inches, snowmobile and ATV use becomes acceptable.

The much popular Mirror Lake dog sledding has begun, according to Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort Guest Experience Coordinator Maureen Ahl. Behind the hotel, a rink is plowed and maintained daily for skating and hockey; fresh snow from the weekend was plowed Monday morning for the rink.

According to St. Louis, 6 inches of ice is preferred to start setting up the Toboggan Chute, and 12 inches is required before opening to the public. Last year, the Toboggan Chute opened for the season on Feb. 5.

With recent heavy snow insulating the ice, its progress may slow. This insulation makes shale ice, which is far less sturdy.

“You always have to deal with Mother Nature,” St. Louis said. “We’re building at a steady pace.