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DEC Advises Backcountry Visitors of Winter Conditions Throughout the Adirondacks

December 13th, 2017 · No Comments · Adirondack News

Winter Recreational Opportunities Available with Proper Preparation and Precautions

The recent snowstorm is providing good conditions for winter outdoor recreation in the Adirondack backcountry, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today. Visitors should be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for snow, ice, and cold to ensure a safe and enjoyable winter experience.

“Now that snow has arrived in the Adirondacks, visitors can take advantage of all the winter recreation opportunities in the park,” Commissioner Seggos said. “However, winter can also present dangerous – even perilous – conditions to the unprepared. Visitors exploring the backcountry should dress for cold weather and use snowshoes and skis to navigate trails where appropriate.”

Snow depths range from two to 18 inches with the deepest snows found in the western and central Adirondacks. Snow depths are thinner in the eastern and southern Adirondacks. Snow depths are much deeper in the higher elevations like the High Peaks and other mountains over 3,000 feet. Additional 3 to 9 inches of snow is forecasted during the next several days with the deeper snows forecasted in the western Adirondacks.

Ice Safety Chart

While snow is present throughout the Adirondacks, ice has only recently begun forming on waters and is not safe. Although the ice may have snow on the surface, it is not thick enough to hold the weight of anglers, snowshoers, skiers, skaters or snowmobiles. Ice will remain unsafe until temperatures fall below freezing for a significant continuous period. Avoid ice over running water, near inlets and outlets and near boathouses and docks – especially those with “bubblers” of other ice prevention devices. Learn more about safe practices for travel on ice.

All seasonal access roads are closed to public motor vehicles at this time. Use of these roads by motor vehicles can tear up and rut snowmobile trails and even the roads themselves.

Most gates and designated snowmobile trails in the western and central Adirondacks are or will be open by the weekend including the Moose River Plains and the Seventh Lake Mountain snowmobile trail, and Lake Pleasant. Other trail systems are being checked for blowdown, washouts and other problems, and additional snow before opening. Snowmobilers should check on local trail conditions before heading out.

Skiers and snowshoers using designated snowmobiles trails should keep to side to allow safe passage of snowmobiles. Snowmobiles should slow down when passing skiers and snowshoers.

Adirondack Snow Conditions and Resources

With snow accumulations recorded at nearly 10″ for the High Peaks Region, the use of snow shoes is required in the High Peaks Wilderness. The use of snowshoes is recommended for those visiting any higher elevation trails or mountains over 3,000′ for personal safety and the safety of other backcountry users. Snowshoes or skis ease travel on snow and prevent “post holing”, which can ruin trails and cause sudden falls resulting in injuries. Ice crampons and traction devices should be carried for use on icy portions of the trails including summits and other exposed areas.

In addition, backcountry visitors should follow these safety guidelines:

  • Dress properly with layers of wool and fleece (NOT COTTON!) clothing: a wool or fleece hat, gloves or mittens, wind/rain resistant outer wear, and winter boots.
  • Carry a day pack with the following contents: Ice axe, plenty of food and water, extra clothing, map and compass, first-aid kit, flashlight/headlamp, sun glasses, sun-block protection, ensolite pads, stove and extra fuel, and bivy sack or space blankets.
  • Carry plenty of food and water. Eat, drink and rest often. Being tired, hungry or dehydrated makes you more susceptible to hypothermia.
  • Check weather before entering the woods – if the weather is poor, postpone your trip.
  • Be aware of weather conditions at all times – if the weather worsens, head out of the woods.
  • Know the terrain and your physical capabilities – it takes more time and energy to travel through snow.
  • Never travel alone and always inform someone of your intended route and return time.

Traveling through snow takes more energy and time than hiking the same distance, especially in freshly fallen snow. Plan trips accordingly.

Call the DEC Forest Ranger Emergency Dispatch at 518-891-0235 to report lost or injured people or other backcountry emergencies.

The DEC Adirondack Backcountry Information web page provides current trail condition information and links to current weather, snow cover and other important information to help ensure a safe and enjoyable Adirondack backcountry winter experience.

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Cascade Mt Trailhead and Parking – Temporary Relocation and Reroute for Columbus Weekend / Canadian Thanksgiving

September 28th, 2017 · No Comments · Adirondack News

NOTICE TO HIKERS

Temporary Major Trailhead Relocations and Trail Reroutes
Effective Columbus Day and Canadian Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend (Fri, October 6 through Mon, October 9 2017)

DEC is taking the following actions to protect public safety at a very popular trailhead parking area in the Adirondacks during the busy holiday weekend.

Trailheads and trailhead parking for Cascade Mountain, Porter Mountain, and Pitchoff (West) Mountain will be relocated to the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex at 220 Bobsled Lane, Lake Placid, NY.

Pull-offs along State Route 73 in the vicinity of the current trailhead will be blocked and roadside parking will be prohibited.

State Police and County Sheriff Deputies will enforce the parking prohibition. Drivers may be ticketed and vehicles towed.

Temporary Access to Cascade Mountain Map
Temporary Access to Cascade Mountain Map – PDF

Hiking Trails

Cascade Mountain – A 2.0-mile marked route on the Olympic Sports Complex’s cross country ski trail system will connect hikers to the Cascade Mountain Trail via a newly constructed 0.6-mile connector trail. A round-trip hike using this route to the summit of Cascade Mountain is 8.6 miles long, a round-trip hike to the summit of Porter Mountain is 9.4 miles long.

Pitchoff Mountain – A 2.0 mile marked route across much of the same ski trail system will connect hikers to State Route 73. A 0.15-mile hike along the shoulder and across Route 73 will bring hikers to the access the current trailhead. A round-trip hike to the summit of Pitchoff Mountain using this route is 8.4 miles long.

Mt. Van Hoevenberg – The 1.6-mile trail (3.2 miles round trip) through the Olympic Sports Complex ascends 840 feet to 2,940-foot summit which provides amazing views of much of the High Peaks Wilderness and its many mountains.

Hikers seeking shorter hikes can check Hikes Outside the Adirondack High Peaks for hikes that will provide a similar experience and scenic views.

Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex
In addition to a safe place to park, hikers will be able to enjoy amenities such as bathrooms, food, and drink at the Cross Country Lodge is open 9:00 am to 4:30 pm daily. Also bobsled rides, mountain biking, and bus tours of the complex are available for a fee. (Olympic Sports Complex | Whiteface Mountain).

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DEC to Reopen Lower Locks on Saranac Chain of Lakes on Saturday, July 1

June 30th, 2017 · No Comments · Adirondack News

Boaters Again Able to Access Five Lakes and 5,000+ Acres of Water Starting this Weekend

Repairs and rehabilitation work on the Lower Locks that provide passage on the Saranac River allowing boaters to access the waters between Lake Flower and Lower Saranac Lake have been completed and the locks will be open for use on July 1, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regional Director Robert Stegemann announced today.

“The Lower Locks have long been a unique and essential structure for recreating on more than 5,000 acres of water, including five large lakes, in the Saranac Lake area,” said Director Stegemann. “These improvements improve lock operations and greatly reduce the number of times, and possibly eliminate, lock closure for minor repairs.”

Improvements included:

  • Rehabilitating the fill and release doors and the wicket (main) doors, including replacing all seals and bearings;
  • Completely replacing the hydraulic system including hydraulic arms, lines and operating system;
  • Repairing concrete walls;
  • Replacing and re-equipping the Locks Operator Shed; and
  • Replacing all tie downs, ropes, and other equipment.

DEC staff will be present to operate the locks from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Site cleanup of materials and equipment associated with the repair and rehabilitation work has not been completed, boaters should remain in their boats while at locks.

Repairs were also completed this spring on a broken swing arm on the Upper Locks, providing additional access for boaters between Lower Saranac and Middle Saranac lakes.

The $1.2 million project was funded through NY Works under a New York State Office of General Services contract. CHA Companies of Albany, NY, provided the design and inspection. Friend Construction and Dow Electrical, both of Malone, NY, completed the work under DEC supervision.

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