Compiled on - Thursday May 15, 2008
Weather Forecast
The following forecast, provided by the National Weather Service (NWS), is based on conditions at low elevations. Hikers & Campers entering the High Peaks Region should expect, and be prepared for, conditions which will likely be more severe than those expressed in a general NWS forecast. Hikers & Campers should check up-to-date forecasts before entering the back country, as weather forecasts can change.
Today…Partly sunny. A chance of showers this morning. Highs in the mid 60s. Northwest winds around 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.
Tonight...Mostly clear until midnight…then becoming mostly cloudy. Areas of frost after midnight. Lows in the upper 20s. North winds around 10 mph until midnight…becoming light and variable.
Friday…Mostly cloudy. Highs around 60. Light and variable winds.
Friday Night…Mostly cloudy. A chance of rain showers after midnight. Lows in the mid 30s. Light and variable winds. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Saturday…Cloudy. A chance of showers in the morning…then showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 50s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
Saturday Night And Sunday…Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers. Lows in the upper 30s. Highs in the upper 40s.
Sunday Night And Monday…Mostly cloudy. A 30 percent chance of rain showers. Lows in the mid 30s. Highs in the mid 50s.
Monday Night Through Wednesday…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s. Highs in the mid 50s.
Interior Conditions
Wilderness conditions can change suddenly: While believed accurate, weather conditions may change at any time. All users should plan accordingly, including bringing flashlight, first aid equipment, extra food, plenty of water and clothing. Weather conditions may alter your plans; you should be prepared to spend an unplanned night in the woods before entering the back country.
Victoria Day Weekend: This weekend is a Canadian holiday - Victoria Day Weekend. Visitors to the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness should be aware that trailhead parking lots and interior campsites may be filled to capacity this weekend. Visitors should plan accordingly and are advised to seek backcountry recreation opportunities in other areas of the Adirondack Forest Preserve during these high use weekends.
Biting Insects: Black flies have begun to emerge, mosquitos, deer flies and/or midges (no-see-ums) will be follow as the summer progresses. Minimize the nuisance of biting insects by: wearing light-colored, long-sleeve shirts and long pants; tucking shirt into pants; buttoning or rubber banding sleeves at the wrist; tucking the bottom of pant legs into socks; packing a headnet to wear when insects are thick; and using an insect repellant with DEET, follow label directions.
Snow & Ice: Snow and ice are still present in significant amounts above 2800 feet in the High Peaks and surrounding areas. Snowshoes and crampons should be carried and used when warranted.
Muddy Trails: Trails in the lower elevations are sloppy, with muddy and wet spots in some locations. Wear waterproof footwear and gaiters and remember to walk through - not around - mud and water on trails.
Water Levels: Spring melt has raised water levels in streams and rivers. Be aware that water crossings may be impassable and trails along waters may be flooded.
Ice on Water: Any ice present on waters should be considered unsafe.
Effects of Ice Storm: The recent ice storm resulted in down trees and limbs, low hanging branches and a layer of hard ice in the snow cover certain areas. Be prepared to encounter these conditions - plan for trips to take longer and turn back if conditions are very poor.
Snowshoes/Skis: The use of snowshoes or skis is required in the High Peaks Wilderness and encouraged elsewhere to prevent “post-holing”, avoid injuries, and ease travel on snow.
Be Prepared for Late Winter & Early Spring Conditions:
- Check current weather conditions and short-term forecasts immediately before entering the backcountry;
- Dress properly with appropriate outer wear and foot wear; hat and gloves or mittens; layers of non-cotton clothes and pack extra clothes and socks; and
- Carry snowshoes or skis, and crampons and use when conditions warrant.
Please be aware that accessing the Forest Preserve through the rest areas is prohibited. In accordance with New York State Regulation §156.3(d), vehicles may not be left unattended in the rest area, unless the operator or passenger is within the rest area. Also parking of vehicles for longer than three hours during the hours of darkness is not permitted in accordance with §156.3(c).
CLOSURES & OTHER NOTICES
Opalescent Cable Bridge: The cable bridge over the Opalescent River on the Hanging Spear Falls trail has been washed out. The crossing will be impassable during high water periods.
Corey’s Road: The Corey’s Road after the pavement is a mix of mud and ice. Vehicles are encouraged to not travel on the non-paved portion.
Snowshoes or Skis: The use of snowshoes or skis is required in the High Peaks Wilderness (and encouraged elsewhere) where snow depths are 8 inches or deeper, to prevent “post-holing”, avoid injuries, and ease travel on snow.
Indian Pass Brook Bridge: The foot bridge, just north of the Calamity Brook Crossover trail junction, has been reconstructed and is open to foot traffic. The lower bridge has not yet been replaced.
Mt. Adams Fire Tower: The cab of the Mt. Adams Fire Tower was heavily damaged by windstorms in mid-January. The fire tower is closed to public access until DEC can make repairs to the structure.
Trail between Upper Works and Duck Hole: A footbridge on the trail between Upper Works and Duck Hole was torn off its footers by an ice jam in the recent thaw. The bridge was located 1/3 mile west of the new lean-to on Henderson Lake. The stream can be crossed by rock hopping at a site up stream of the bridge’s former location. A total of three bridges are no longer usable on this section of trail, making it all but impassable during high water conditions.
Elk Lake Lands: The trails around Elk Lake are open to public, however, the Clear Pond gate remains closed. The public must park at the Clear Pond parking lot. This adds 2 miles to a hike, so plan accordingly.
Johns Brook Bridge: The cable deck bridge crossing Johns Brook near the Interior Outpost is unpassable at this time. There is no dry crossing of Johns Brook east of Bushnell Falls, hikers intending to climb the lower Great Range will need to alter their itineraries.
Big Slide Ladder: The ladder up the final pitch is missing some steps. The ladder can still be used but please use caution.
Northville Placid Trail: Beaver activity has blocked a section between Plumley Point and Shattuck Clearing. Hikers can use a a well used, but unmarked, 1/4 mile reroute around the flooded portion of the trail.
Duck Hole: The bridge over the dam has been removed due to its deteriorating condition. A low water crossing (ford) has been marked below the dam near the lean-to site. This crossing will not be possible during periods of high water.
Roaring Brook: The footbridge on the Preston Pond Trail (.5 mile north of Duck Hole at the intersection with the Northville-Placid Trail) is washed away. Crossing at this location during periods of high water may be difficult or impossible. Bridge replacement is not yet scheduled.
Courtesy of NYS DEC Region 5.
More Info:
Bear Resistant Canister Regulation
Bear Canister Rental and Sales
Adirondack Campgrounds and Reservations
Garden Parking and Shuttle Information
Detailed Weather Forecast - Plattsburgh, Lake Placid, Tupper Lake, Old Forge, Lake George,
