Current Conditions in the High Peaks Region
Compiled on February 16, 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.

Busy Holiday Weekend: Due to the good amount of snow on the ground, the great weather forecast, and the three-day holiday weekend, expect to encounter larger than usual numbers of people on trails.

Snow: Deep snow is present at all elevations with 20-30 inches (51-76 cm) at low elevation trailheads up to 6 feet (185 cm) or more on high elevation summits. National Weather Service NERFC Snow Information Page provides additional information on snow conditions. There is 57 inches (145 cm) of snow at the stake at the Lake Colden Caretaker’s Cabin (2,775 feet (846 m) elevation).

Snowshoes or Skis: Snowshoes or skies are required on all trails in the High Peaks Wilderness – and strongly encouraged elsewhere. Forest Rangers are turning hikers back who don’t have snowshoes in the High Peaks Wilderness.

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.

Avalanche Risks: 18 to 26 inches of new snow in the past two weeks on top of the previous snowpack which has distinct layers formed by rain and melt/freeze cycles. Due to high winds, snows depths are deeper on leeward slopes or areas of snow deposits, such as gullies. Snow depths in the mountains range from 32 to 46 inches. Lower snow layers may be reactive to the added stresses of the recent snows creating conditions conducive to avalanches. Back country winter recreationists to take the following precautions when traveling in avalanche prone terrain:

• Cross-country skiers and snowshoers should stay on trails and away from steep slopes on summits.
• Know the terrain, weather and snow conditions.
• Dig multiple snow pits to conduct stability tests – do not rely on other people’s data. 
• Practice safe route finding and safe travel techniques.
• Never ski, board, or climb with someone above or below you - only one person on the slope at a time.
• Ski and ride near trees – not in the center of slides or other open areas. 
• Always carry shovel, probes and transceiver with fresh batteries. 
• Ensure all members of the group know avalanche rescue techniques.
• Never travel alone.
• Let someone know where you are going.
• Know and be prepared for avalanche conditions

Summits: Check the National Weather Service Mountain Point Forecasts for selected summits. Conditions on high elevation summits are worse than conditions encountered in the lower elevations.

• Temperatures are colder
• Winds are stronger
• Snow is deeper.
• Whiteout conditions from blowing snow are common on high elevation open summits.
• Carry a map and compass and know how to navigate without the ability to see land marks, cairns, or your tracks!
• Better yet, do not summit mountains when whiteout conditions exist.

Ice on Trails: Thick ice is present at some locations on summits, exposed bedrock and other open areas. Carry crampons on all hikes and use when conditions warrant.

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 slush or water on the surface of the ice under deep snows. Due to periods of thaw and the lack of extremely cold temperatures, ice on ponds and lakes is thinner than usual. Practice ice safety at all times.

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. 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 port-a-johns. Parking is still available.

Skiing Conditions: Trail conditions are excellent for skiing.

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

• Whale’s Tail Notch Ski Trail;
• Mr. Van Ski Trail;
• Avalanche Pass Ski Trail;
• Wright Peak Ski Trail; and
• Van Hovenberg Ski Trail

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: The 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.