The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today warned Adirondack back country visitors to be aware of the danger of avalanches. Recent snowstorms have brought a significant amount of new snow to the Adirondack Park. The new snow resting on top of previous accumulations create conditions conducive to avalanches, particularly on steep, open slopes. Back country users should take necessary precautions.
Two skiers triggered an avalanche on Wright Peak on Saturday. Neither of the skiers was injured, but the incident underscores the risk of current conditions.
The threat of avalanche typically increases during and immediately after major snowfalls, as well as during thaws. But avalanches can occur in any situation where snow, slope and weather conditions combine to create the proper conditions. DEC reminds back country users to take the following precautions when traveling in avalanche-prone terrain:
We did our traditional birthday hike on Sunday up Noonmark. I love this peak for it’s epic views. When we arrived at the top, it was totally socked in by clouds. Just as we decided to descend, the clouds parted and we were able to enjoy The Great Range, Dix, Round Mt, Dial, and “look down” on those Ausable Club folks.
Park at the Round Pond trailhead parking area on Route 73. Then it’s 3.4 miles to the top via Round Pond and the Felix Adler trail.
Eh, it’s really not that savage, rather nice actually. We had never done this climb and thought it would make an easy weekend overnight trip. I don’t really like to do the High Peaks during Summer because I have a slight allergy to people when I head into the woods. This one is off the beaten path and definitely sees less traffic. Probably, the day-use fee also deters folks as most of the people we saw were staying in the campground.
From the Meacham Lake Campground trailhead, it is 3.7 miles to the summit. Just before the really steep final ascent, there is a rather worn Lean-to where we spent the night.
If you are planning to recreate in the Adirondacks this Victoria Day weekend, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation asks you to please remember the following:
HIGH USAGE LEVELS: Visitors to the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness should be aware that trailhead parking lots and interior campsites will often fill to capacity on Victoria Day weekend. Please plan accordingly and seek backcountry recreation opportunities in other areas of the Adirondack Forest Preserve.
"Obviously given the state's severe economic crisis, tough choices need to be made, but to cut funding that is actually proven to stimulate economic activity and generate revenue not only for business and local government, but also state government, seems to be the wrong approach."
"In the late 1970s, Woody Cole was also the executive director of the New York State Sports and Winter Olympics Commission for the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics, serving under then-Secretary of State Cuomo."
"The Obama administration will accept no more public input for a federal strategy that could prohibit U.S. citizens from fishing the nation's oceans, coastal areas, Great Lakes, and even inland waters. "
"If there's one thing I truly hope comes out of this medal, I hope more kids and more people get out and try these sports that we love to do here in the North Country."
"The four persons who contributed to the 20 natural history posts to-date on this blog decided to contribute their blog writing time to other more established blogs."
"Past the small Adirondack towns of Wilmington and Ausable Forks, awaiting those who maintain the vision and possess the desire for true traditional ascents, stand the granite playgrounds of Potter and Silver Lake Mountain."
"When we reached the mountain, the temperature was in the low-30s but the rain had not quite turned to snow (as the forecast had predicted) and we were stuck with a wet, sleet-filled, pea soup kind of afternoon ahead of us."
"The problem is the United States has the reputation of being among one of the most unfriendly countries when it comes to international visitors, so this almost seems like one more way we are unwelcoming."
"The fee element of the plan is controversial as some business travel organizations argue that imposing a fee would dissuade, rather than promote, inbound travel."
Memorial Weekend is the traditional beginning of our Summer travel season here in the Adirondacks.
