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Entries from August 31st, 2011

DEC Warns Hikers About Hazardous Conditions

August 31st, 2011 · No Comments · Adirondack News

Many Backcountry Trails in Adirondacks and Catskills Closed Due to Hurricane Irene Impacts

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today issued a warning that unsafe conditions will remain in much of the backcountry of the Adirondacks and Catskills through Labor Day Weekend. Several trail areas are closed or inaccessible due to Hurricane Irene storm damage include flooding, bridge wash outs, trail wash outs and blow down of trees and other debris.

“We are asking the public’s cooperation in coping with the devastating effects from Hurricane Irene,” said Commissioner Martens. “In the interest of public safety, we have closed several backcountry trail areas in the Catskills and Eastern Adirondacks due to extensive damage and hazardous conditions. We encourage the public to check the DEC website for current trail conditions and campground closures before planning their travels this coming holiday weekend.”

Adirondacks

Due to the extent of the damage and to ensure public safety, DEC has closed the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness, Giant Mountain Wilderness and Dix Mountain Wilderness through Labor Day Weekend and beyond. Over the next several weeks DEC will be evaluating the conditions of all trails in the closed areas, prioritize work to rehabilitate trails and determine what trails may be reopened for public use.

Many mountain areas have been impacted by landslides. Mt. Colden, Trap Dike, Wright Peak, Skylight, Basin, Armstrong, Upper and Lower Wolf Jaws, Dix, Macomb, Giant and Cascade Mountains and many existing slides widened and/or lengthened. The threat of additional slides exists on these and other mountains remains in effect.

Although a full assessment of the recreational infrastructure in all areas of the Adirondacks has not been completed, the following hazards are confirmed:

  • The footbridge over Marcy Dam has washed away and the flush boards have been damaged;
  • Marcy Dam Truck Trail has 4 major washouts;
  • The first bridge on the western end of the Klondike Notch Trail washed downstream to South Meadows Trail;
  • Washouts on the Van Hoevenberg (Mt. Marcy) trail are 1 to 3 ft deep;
  • Along the Avalanche Pass Trail from Marcy Dam, Marcy Brook jumped its banks and caused widespread damage to the trail;
  • One side of the Duck Hole Dam has washed away and the pond has dewatered;
  • Calamity Trail from Lake Colden is impassible south of McMartin Lean-to.

Lesser amounts of damage can be found on Adirondack Forest Preserve lands south and north of these areas. However, hikers and campers should expect to encounter flooding, bridge wash outs, trail wash outs and blow down when entering the backcountry. Plan accordingly and be prepared to turn back when conditions warrant. Updated information on trail closures and trail conditions in the Eastern Adirondacks can be found at: Adirondack Trail Information

Areas in the Western Adirondacks are reported in fairly good condition though some flooding and blowdown can be expected. Most DEC campgrounds in the Adirondacks are expected to be open for Labor Day Weekend with many available sites.

Catskills

Trails in the Catskill backcountry have also been impacted and the public is advised to avoid the backcountry at this time. Due to damage to roads, many trailheads and other access points to the backcountry are inaccessible.

Campgrounds

Many DEC Campgrounds in the Adirondacks and the Catskills experienced significant damage from the storm including flooded areas, road destruction, and loss of electric and water service. Despite progress in restoring services, a number of campgrounds may be closed or have limited availability of campsites over Labor Day Weekend.

The following temporary campground closures are in effect:

Catskill Preserve: Mongaup Pond, Kenneth Wilson, Woodland Valley, Bear Spring Mountain, Devils Tombstone (closed until 9/14/2011), and Beaverkill (Closed for remainder of the season).

Adirondack Preserve: Little Sand Point, Poplar Point, Point Comfort, Lake Durant, Ausable Point, Paradox Lake, and Putnam Pond. All other campgrounds are open and operating.

A complete, updated list of closed campgrounds can be found on the DEC website at: Hurricane Irene Safety and Cleanup Information.

The public should be aware that many state and local roads may be inaccessible to travel and access to campground areas could be limited. Those planning to visit the Adirondack or Catskill regions this weekend call ahead or check for road closure information at the Department of Transportation’s webpage: http://www.511ny.org/.

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Hurricane Irene – Recreational Facility Status – Region 5

August 29th, 2011 · 2 Comments · News

This is the status of Adirondack facilities as of August 29, 2011.

Latest Updates Here: Adirondack Trail Information

TRAIL ADVISORY: Hurricane Irene has created dangerous conditions across most of the Eastern Adirondacks including flooding, bridge wash outs, trail wash outs and blow down of trees and other debris. Back country travel is difficult, if not impossible, throughout much of the backcountry of the Eastern Adirondacks. Hikers and campers should expect to encounter flooding, bridge wash outs, trail wash outs and blow down when entering the backcountry. Plan accordingly and be prepared to turn back when conditions warrant.

TRAIL CLOSURES: ALL trails in the Eastern Zone of the High Peaks Wilderness, Giant Mountain Wilderness and Dix Mountain Wilderness have been closed indefinitely due to extensive damage to trails and interior infrastructure. The trails will remain closed through Labor Day Weekend.

CAMPGROUND CLOSURES: The following campgrounds remain closed at this time due to the extensive damage roads, lack of electricity and or numerous trees down or damaged:

  • Ausable Point Campground
  • Buck Pond Campground
  • Eagle Point Campground
  • Hearthstone Point Campground
  • Lake Durant Campground
  • Lake George Battlefield Park
  • Lake George Battleground Campground
  • Lake George Beach
  • Lake George Islands Campground
  • Little Sand Point Campground
  • Luzerne Campground
  • Meacham Lake Campground
  • Moffit Beach Campground
  • Northampton Beach Campground
  • Paradox Lake Campground
  • Point Comfort Campground
  • Poplar Point Campground
  • Putnam Pond Campground
  • Rogers Rock Campground
  • Scaroon Manor Campground
  • Sharp Bridge Campground

DEC staff are working hard to open the campgrounds before Labor Day but public roads and power to some of the campgrounds are also damaged, as it is not known if all of the campgrounds will be open. Check this list daily for updates. It is also suggested that you phone either the campground or Regional Office to confirm that the facility is open. A list of phone numbers for all campgrounds and their associated Regional Offices can be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/permits_ej_operations_pdf/2011facilityinfo.pdf

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Mammals of Shingle Shanty (camera-trap)

August 25th, 2011 · 3 Comments · Adirondack Life

I love this.

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