Current Conditions in the High Peaks Region
Compiled on January 19, 2017

Backcountry Information for the High Peaks Region

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

Weather forecasts and conditions can and do change quickly. Check the current National Weather Service Forecast and be prepared for the forecasted conditions. Carry extra clothing, equipment, and supplies in case of an overnight stay.

Snow & Ice:

• Trailhead and trails below 1,500 feet in elevation have little to no snow
• Trailheads and trails between 1,500 feet and 2,200 feet have 1 to 6 inches of snow.
• Ice is present at all trailheads and low elevation trails.
• Snow depths range up to 5 feet or more on high elevation summits.
• There are 37 inches (95 cm) of snow at the stake at the Lake Colden Caretaker’s Cabin (2,775 feet elevation).
• National Weather Service NERFC Snow Information Page provides additional information on snow conditions.

Snowshoes or Skis: Snowshoes or skies are required in the High Peaks Wilderness – and strongly encouraged elsewhere – wherever snow depths exceed 8 inches. Snowshoes should be carried on all hikes in the area and used when conditions require or warrant. Forest Rangers are turning hikers back who don’t have snowshoes.

The use of snowshoes prevents "post-holing" (deep footprints in the snow), avoids injuries, and eases travel on snow-covered trails. Post-holing makes trails more difficult to use and more hazardous for others to use.

Crampons/foot spikes: Summits are thick with ice, crampons should be carried and worn when conditions warrant. Lower elevation trailheads and trails may be icy, use foot spikes and other tractions devices as warranted.

Ice on Water: Ice remains on high elevations ponds and lake, including Lake Colden and Avalanche Lake – avoid areas around the inlets and outlets. Lower elevation lakes and ponds may have water or slush layers under the snow and ice.

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

Winter Conditions: Be prepared for snow, ice, cold temperatures, and short days:  

• Wear water and wind resistant 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.
• Carry snowshoes and foot spikes, and wear when warranted.
• Always carry a flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries.

NOTICES

High Peaks Information Center: The High Peaks Information Center (aka the HPIC) at Adirondak Loj remains closed until February. Adirondack Mountain Club is operating out of a heated tent for snowshoe and microspike rentals and some retail merchandise. The flush toilet and shower facilities are not available, though there are porta-johns. Parking is still available.

Problems Caused by Thaw and Rain:

• Many drainages are now free of snow.
• Trail between Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden has little to no snow
• River crossings south of Lake Colden have variable amounts of ice.

Ski Trails: Trails designated as Ski Trails can only be used by people wearing skis. Snowshoeing or walking on Ski Trails is prohibited.

Skiing Conditions:

• South Meadow Lane – Good
• Marcy Truck Trail - Good
• VanHovenburg Trail (Adirondak Loj Trailhead to Algonquin Junction) – Poor
• VanHovenburg Trail (Algonquin Junction to Marcy Dam) – Fair
• VanHovenburg Trail (past Marcy Dam) – Good to Excellent
• Ski Trails – Good to Excellent
• Avalanche Pass – Good but with some obstacles exposed.

Corey’s Road: The town of Harrietstown does not plow the road beyond the bridge over Stony Creek. Plan accordingly. Do not park in the snowplow turnarounds.

Elk Lake Road: 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.

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.

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.