Current Conditions in the High Peaks Region
Compiled on December 8, 2016

Please be advised of the following conditions and prepare for them
to ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor recreational experience.

See the Backcountry Information for the High Peaks Region web page for more information.

Weather forecasts and conditions can and do change quickly. Check the current National Weather Service Forecast and prepare for the forecasted conditions. Carry extra clothing, equipment, and supplies to be prepared for an unplanned night in the woods.

Snow and Ice: Snow and ice are present at all elevations.

• Snow depth at the Lake Colden Caretaker’s Cabin (elevation 2,775 feet) is 23 inches.
• Snow is deeper in the higher elevations.
• Spikes should be worn in the lower elevations.
• Snowshoes should be worn in the higher elevations.
• Wear proper footwear and stay on trails.
• South Meadow Lane and the Marcy Truck Trail are skiable.
• National Weather Service NERFC Snow Information Page provides additional information on snow conditions.

Ice on Water: Ice has formed on high elevations ponds and lakes including Lake Colden and Avalanche Lake but the ice is thin and not able to bear the weight of people at this time.

Summits: Temperatures will be colder, winds will be stronger, and snow will be deeper. Sight distance can be limited by clouds and snow. Check the National Weather Service Mountain Point Forecasts for selected summits.

Avoid Hypothermia: Some of the coldest temperatures of the season so far are forecast through the next few days. Stay warm and dry to avoid hypothermia: 

• Wear waterproof outer layers.
• Wear layers of fleece, wool, and other non-cotton clothing.
• Pack extra clothing including a fleece, wool or other non-cotton jacket or sweater.
• Add or remove layers to maintain a comfortable body temperature.
• Wear a cold weather hat and gloves (or mittens).
• Eat, drink, and rest often.

Short Days: Sunset will occur around 4:15 pm. The sun will set earlier in deep valleys and on northern and eastern facing slopes. It will become darker sooner when cloudy. Plan to return to the trailhead by sunset but always carry a flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries just in case.

Hunting Seasons: Big game, small game and waterfowl hunting seasons are open. Hikers should be aware that they may meet hunters bearing firearms or archery equipment while hiking on trails. Please recognize that these are fellow outdoor recreationists with the legal right to participate in these activities on the Forest Preserve. Hunting accidents involving non-hunters are extremely rare. Hikers can wear bright colors as an extra precaution if it makes them more comfortable.

NOTICES

Elk Lake Trails and Road: Trails from the Elk Lake Trailhead through the privately-owned Elk Lake Easement Lands to the High Peaks Wilderness and the Dix Mountain Wilderness are open. Elk Lake Road is closed to public motor vehicle access beyond the Clear Pond Gate until the end of the spring mud season. Park in the parking area at the Clear Pond Gate and hike, ski, or snowshoe two (2) miles to Elk Lake Trailhead.

High Peaks Information Center: High Peaks Information Center at Adirondak Loj is closed for renovations until late December. Adirondack Mountain Club is operating out of a heated tent to snowshoe and microspike rentals, along with some retail merchandise. The flush toilet and shower facilities are not available, though there are porta-johns. Parking is still available.

South Meadow Lane: The lane is closed to public motor vehicle traffic until the end of spring mud season. Vehicles may park at the barrier at the intersection with the Adirondak Loj Road but should not block the opening to ensure emergency vehicles may access the lane.

Lake Arnold/Feldspar Brook Trail: The trail is flooded and the bog bridging cannot be crossed. Alternate routes using other trails in the area can be used to avoid the trail. DEC is working to find a permanent solution to this section of trail in the near future.

Garden Trailhead Parking Area: The town of Keene operates the Garden Parking Area and charges a $7/day fee for parking. Hikers should use an envelope and the collection slot to pay all other times.

Blueberry Hiking Trail: The first 1,500 feet of this trail in the Western High Peaks has been closed. The trail now connects with the Blueberry Horse Trail approximately 0.3 mile east of the previous location (0.8 mile from the Seward Trailhead). This reroute eliminates the need to hike through a large wet area and avoids hiking (and maintaining) more than 120 feet of bog bridging.

Blueberry Horse Trail: The trail between the Calkins Creek Horse Trail and Ward Brook Horse Trail in the Western High Peaks contains extensive blowdown, is grown in with vegetation and is poorly marked. The trail is impassable to horses making it impossible to complete the Cold River Horse Trail Loop. DEC worked in the fall of 2016 to open up about 75% of the trail.  During the spring of 2017 work will continue to open the trail back up.

Phelps Trail: The high water bridge over Slide Mountain Brook between the Garden Trailhead Parking Area and Johns Brook Lodge broke in spring of 2016 and the remains were removed.  Materials were flown to the site so a new bridge can be built in 2017.

Whiteface Landing Trail: The trail has been rerouted to avoid private camps on Connery Pond. The new trail route starts at the small parking area just before the private gate. Please respect the private property and stay on the trail.

Bradley Pond Trail: The first and second foot bridges on the Bradley Pond Trail are damaged and unusable. The stream can be forded /rock hopped on the downstream side of the bridge sites.