Backcountry and Water Recreation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) notes that the combination of heavy rains and significant snowmelt has brought high water levels throughout the region resulting in conditions that are not conducive to hiking, camping, boating and paddling. Despite the good weather forecasted for this weekend DEC is discouraging the public from entering the woods or accessing the waters of the Adirondacks for the following reasons:

• Many roads in the Adirondacks have been closed due to flooding and washouts.
• Streams are very high and most stream crossings that don’t have a foot bridge are impossible or dangerous to cross.
• Many trails and campsites adjacent to streams, and other waters, are flooded. Other trails in lower elevations are very muddy and wet.
• High winds moved through the area. Due to soils being saturated with water these winds may result in numerous trees being toppled. Trails and campsites may be covered and blocked by fallen trees.
• The danger of landslides on mountain slopes is high due to saturated soils.
• Snow is still present above 2600 feet, the snow is soft and slushy. Snowshoes are required to prevent “post holing”, avoid injuries and ease travel.
• Water levels are high and water temperatures are low, rivers and streams are running swiftly.
• Waters may contain logs, limbs and other debris.
• High waters also conceal navigation hazards such as boulders, rock shelves, docks and other structures that normally are easily seen and avoided.