Current Interior Conditions in the Adirondack High Peaks Region

Compiled on Thursday February 2, 2011

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, with a high near 25. North wind between 3 and 5 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 2. Light north wind.
Friday: A chance of snow showers, mainly after 2pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 30. Wind chill values as low as -2. East wind at 8 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Friday Night: A chance of snow showers, mainly before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 9. North wind around 7 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 22. North wind 6 to 8 mph becoming south.
Saturday Night: A chance of snow showers, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday: A chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 27. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 34.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 18.
Tuesday: A chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 33. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday Night: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 6. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 27.

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.

Winter Conditions: Currently there are 2 to 8 inches of snow on the ground in the lower elevations, with 20 inches or more in the higher elevations. Day time temperatures remain below freezing most of the time, however, a day or two of temperatures in the high 30s or low 40s have become common. Night time temperatures remain below freezing. Always check weather forecasts and conditions before entering the backcountry. See below for more information on conditions and how to prepare for them.

Prepare for the Cold: Dress in layers of wool, fleece and other non-cotton clothing. Wear a hat and gloves or mittens. Drink plenty of water as dehydration can lead to hypothermia and eat plenty of food to maintain energy levels and body core warmth.

Prepare for Snow and Ice on Trails: The caretaker reports 20 inches of snow at the Lake Colden Interior Cabin. However, trails in lower elevations have little to no snow cover – hard snow and ice is prevalent. Carry and use traction devices and crampons where warranted. Cross country skiing is not recommended. The use of snowshoes is required in the High Peaks Wilderness, and recommended in other areas, wherever snow depth exceeds 8 inches – the use of snowshoes prevents post holing, reduces injuries and eases travel through the snow. Due to the recent rain many drainages and brooks that were frozen over have now opened up, use caution crossing these areas.

Summit Conditions: Conditions on summits are more extreme – lower temperatures, more snow & ice and stronger winds.

Ice on Water: Ice has formed on lakes and ponds. Many waters such as Lake Colden and Avalanche Lake have water and slush on the surface. Avoid areas around inlets, outlets and along shorelines as the ice is often thin or non-existent. As always, check the depth of ice before crossing and avoid ice on or near running water. Ice that holds snow may not hold the weight of a person.

Hurricane Irene Damage to Trails: Hikers may encounter missing bridges and eroded trails. Many trails have been rerouted to avoid heavily damaged sections. Low water crossings have been created near the location of missing bridges. Caution: Eroded drainages can be mistaken for trails. The ability to navigate by map and compass is essential.

Hunting Seasons: Hunting seasons for small game and waterfowl are open. Hikers should be aware that they may meet hunters bearing firearms or archery equipment while hiking on trails. Please recognize that these are fellow outdoor recreationists with the legal right to participate in these activities on the Forest Preserve. Hunting accidents involving non-hunters are extremely rare.

NOTE: Fires are prohibited in Eastern High Peaks Wilderness

NOTE: Group size regulations are in effect throughout the High Peaks Wilderness. Group size for overnight campers is 8 or less and for day use it is 15 or less.

Bear Canisters: The use of bear-resistant canisters is required for overnight users in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness, and recommended throughout the Adirondacks, between April 1 and November 30. All food, toiletries and garbage must be stored in bear-resistant canisters.

Be Prepared Before Entering the Back Country:

Check (before entering the backcountry)

Local Forest Ranger for current information.
Current weather conditions and short-term forecast

Wear

Appropriate outer wear and foot wear
Layers of non-cotton clothes

Carry

Map and compass and know how to use them and use them!
Flashlight and extra batteries
Plenty of food and water

Pack

Extra clothes and socks
Rain gear
Ensolite pad to rest on and insulate your body from cold surfaces
Bivy sack or space blankets for extra warmth

Always inform someone of your itinerary and when you expect to return

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).

NOTICES

Closed Trails:

Eastern High Peaks Wilderness

The Southside Trail from the Garden Trailhead to John’s Brook Outpost
The Cold Brook Trail between Lake Colden and Indian Pass

Dix Mountain Eastern High Peaks Wilderness

The Colvin Range Trail from the summit of Blake Peak south to Pinnacle and beyond to the Mt. Marcy-Elk Lake Trail

Adirondack Mountain Reserve

The northernmost cross-over trail between the East River Trail and the West River Trail. The other four cross-over trails are open and may be used to travel between the East River and West River Trails

Corey’s Road: Logging operations will occur throughout the winter at Ampersand Park which is located at the very end of the road which is a popular entrance to the Western High Peaks Wilderness. Visitors should use caution and be aware of logging trucks. Corey’s Road will remain open for hikers, snowshoers and skiiers to access forest preserve lands, including the Seward Trailhead. The road will be open to the Raquette Falls parking lot, the gate there will be closed for safety reasons. Vehicles should park at designated parking areas and avoid blocking the road. Vehicles blocking the road will be towed.

Marcy Brook Crossings: The footbridge over Marcy Dam was washed away during Hurricane Irene. A reroute has been created downstream of the dam (the Squirrel Crossing) which currently consists of well-packed snow and is usable. Crossing the ice above the dam is not recommended at this time as the ice remains thin due to the brook’s current. Another option is to use the Marcy Dam Truck Trail from South Meadows Trailhead to access the trails on the east side of Marcy Brook.

South Meadow Road: The road is closed to motor vehicles at this time. Vehicles may be parked at the end of the road by the barriers, but do not block entryways as emergency equipment may need to access the road.

Elk Lake Trailhead: The trailhead and the trails accessed from it once again open to the public however the Clear Pond gate is closed. Hikers, skiers, and snowshoers must park in the area near the gate which is 2 miles from the trailhead.

Elk Lake-Marcy Trail: The bridge is out in Marcy Swamp and there is light blowdown between Marcy Swamp and Panther Gorge Lean-to.

Calamity Brook Trail: A reroute has been created around two former bridge crossings over Calamity Brook.

East River Trail: The bridge over the Hudson River is out, use the nearby flagged ford (low water crossing).

Hanging Spear Falls Trail: A 1/3 mile reroute has been created near the campsite, north of the state land boundary.

Duck Hole-Henderson Lake Trail: The bridge over Roaring Brook Bridge near Duck Hole is out.

Indian Pass Trail: The Wall Face Bridge is out and the Henderson Bridge is damaged, the trail between the two bridges contains blowdown.

Klondike Trail: The bridge over South Meadow Brook is out. The Mr. Van Trail and the Marcy Dam Truck Trail can be used as a detour to reach South Meadow Road.

Calkins Creek Horse Trail: Two bridges are out, the trail is impassable for horse drawn wagons and difficult for horses.

VanHovenburg Trail: A reroute has been created below the Phelps Trail to bypass a heavily damaged section.

Avalanche Pass Trail: Heavy cobbles, debris or mud can be found at various locations between Marcy Dam and Avalanche Lake is quite deep in spots. Hikers may need to leave the trail to avoid problem areas.
Courtesy of DEC Region 5