snow

Entries Tagged as 'snow'

New Snow Means Winter Fun in the Adirondacks

February 24th, 2012 · No Comments · Adirondack News

LAKE PLACID, NY – The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) urges winter sports enthusiasts to dust off their cross-country skis and snowshoes and head for the Adirondack High Peaks.

More than 6 inches of new snow fell Wednesday night at ADK’s Heart Lake property near Lake Placid, and more snow was falling on Friday, creating great conditions for winter fun.

“Winter is definitely here in the High Peaks,” said Ryan Doyle, ADK’s outdoor leadership coordinator. “If you’ve been waiting all winter to get outside and play in the snow, now is your chance.”

ADK offers a variety of winter recreation programs for all ages and skill levels, from beginner snowshoe and cross-country skiing workshops to winter hikes up trailless high peaks. All ADK outdoor workshops are conducted by our experienced, highly trained staff, who can help you develop the confidence and skills you’ll need for safe and rewarding winter adventures in the backcountry.

If you are looking for a chance to get outdoors with the kids or grandkids, join ADK for Family Snowshoe Day on Saturday, March 3. Spend the day snowshoeing on the beautiful trails at our Heart Lake property while learning about natural history and winter ecology. ADK will provide the snowshoes and instruction. Kids under 6 are free.

For more information about ADK’s winter outdoor workshops, visit our website at www.adk.org or call (518) 523-3411.

ADK also offers incomparable lodging at the historic Adirondak Loj, 8 miles south of Lake Placid and as close as you can get to the East’s greatest wilderness. Accommodations include private rooms, bunkrooms and a loft, and meal plans are available. For reservations, call (518) 523-3441.

For current information on weather and trail conditions, contact the High Peaks Information Center at (518) 523-3441 Ext. 21.

Tags: essex county·events·high peaks·snow·snowshoe

DEC Warns Of Avalanche Danger in the Adirondacks

February 3rd, 2011 · No Comments · News

Back Country Visitors Cautioned About Snow Conditions

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today warned Adirondack back country visitors to be aware of the danger of avalanches and take necessary precautions. Snows have accumulated to sufficient depths on Adirondack Mountain slopes to create conditions conducive to avalanches.

While avalanche danger increases during and immediately after major snowfalls, as well as during thaws, avalanches can occur in any situation where snow, slope and weather conditions combine to create the proper conditions.

The majority of avalanches in the United States occur in the western mountains. However, avalanches do occur in New York and can have dire consequences.

DEC reminds back country winter recreationists to take the following precautions when traveling in avalanche prone terrain:

know avalanche rescue techniques;
practice safe route finding;
carry safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel);
never travel alone;
know the terrain, weather and snow conditions; and
inform someone where you plan to go and when you expect to return.

Information on avalanche danger and safety precautions is available on the DEC website. A brochure titled “DEC Avalanche Preparedness in the Adirondacks Brochure” (231 kb pdf) is available for download or by contacting the DEC Region 5 office at (518) 897-1200.

Skiers and snowshoers are reminded that the Avalanche Pass Slide is closed to public recreation of any type during the winter.

Current general trail information, seasonal conditions, specific notices on closures and facilities can be found on the DEC website at: Adirondack Trail Information.

Tags: dec·high peaks·snow

Ascent of Mountains in Winter

December 1st, 2010 · No Comments · Adirondack Life

“The ascent of these steep mountain slopes in winter is frequently both dangerous and exhausting. The paths, which in summer ascend the glacial-polished slopes of the mountains, called “slides,” are now covered with ice on which–treacherously–there is often a thin layer of snow or an accumulation which only needs a footstep to bring down a genuine avalanche. The safest way to proceed in such mountain climbing, has been found to keep along the margin of the slides, where the young trees and brush crowd closely up to the edge of the steep slopes, out of the ravines. Here, by clutching the young trees and bushes, or holding to one another, the steepest places may be safely passed with no greater danger than an occasional bruise or tumble; and chilling cold from the snow, in which the men are compelled at times to wade, and for which they prepare themselves by extra underclothing and by wearing moccasins of buckskin covering sheepskin boots or the more common lumbermen’s felted boots with “arctic” shoes.” — Colvin 1897.