DEC Adirondack Outdoor Recreation Bulletin
February 13, 2020

This bulletin provides only the most recent notices. Check the Adirondacks Backcountry Information web pages for more detailed information on access, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and conditions for those planning to recreate in the Adirondacks.

Emergency Situations: If you get lost or injured; keep calm and stay put. If you have cell service, call 911 or the DEC Forest Ranger Emergency Dispatch, 518-891-0235.

Check mountain weather conditions before heading out this weekend.

Hike Smart by packing the proper gear. See our recommended packing list and safety tips. 

Avalanche Safety: Know how to determine avalanche danger, avoid avalanches, and self-rescue if caught in an avalanche.

General Conditions

Learn the conditions you will encounter from the Adirondack Backcountry Information web pages.

• Travel: Check NY511 for road closures and conditions.
• Weather: Winter conditions are present throughout the Adirondacks. Check the National Weather Service or NY Mesonow for updated hazardous weather notices, current conditions and forecasts for the location where you plan to recreate.
• Snow Depth: The National Weather Service NERFC Snow Page provides maps depicting current snow depths and forecasts.
  • Snow depths range from 1 to 2 feet across most of the Adirondacks.
  • Snow depths in the High Peaks Region are up to 30 inches deep - deeper in the higher elevations.
  • Snow depths range from 6-12 inches along the eastern edge of the Adirondacks.
• Ice on Waterbodies: Ice has formed on most waterways.
• General Information: Ice Fishing
• Safety: Be safe on the ice
• A couple inches of layers of water, slush, and thin ice is present above the ice and below the snow on most water bodies.
•  Always check the thickness of ice before traveling across it, and avoid ice over running water, inlets and outlets.
• Drones: Drones are motorized equipment, and operating drones on lands classified as wilderness, primitive, or canoe is prohibited.

Hikers, Skiers & Snowshoers

• General Information:
  • Hiking 
  • Skiing and Snowshoeing
• Avalanche Risk:
  • Snow loads and recent weather have resulted in increased risk of avalanche events in the High Peaks region and other high elevation mountains.
  • Know how to determine avalanche danger, avoid avalanches, and self-rescue if caught in an avalanche.
• Trail Conditions
  • All trails are covered in deep snow - conditions are excellent for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
  • Secondary and lesser used trails may still be covered in fresh snow. It takes more time and energy to break trail through deep fresh snow – plan accordingly.
• Be Prepared:
  • You are required to use skis or snowshoes in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness, and we recommend them on all trails throughout the Adirondacks at this time.
  • Trail crampons (foot traction devices) should be carried on all hikes and used when warranted.
  • Review safety and preparedness information at Hike Smart NY.
  • View a video with winter hiking safety tips.
• Mountain Summits: Check the National Weather Service Mountain Point Forecasts.
• Temperatures and wind chills are below freezing – cover all exposed skin.
• Winds will be stronger on exposed outlooks and summits.
• Summit conditions are icy and warrant the use of trail crampons.
• Snow depths below tree line and in other protected areas will be much deeper than snow depths at the trailhead.
• Weather is unpredictable on mountain summits. Be prepared to turn around.
• Water Crossings: Use caution at crossings and on trails along fast flowing brooks and rivers.
• Rocks and other surfaces may be covered with ice from splashing water.
• Wear crampons and use steel or carbide pointed hiking sticks.
• Hiking or Skiing along Designated Snowmobile Trails: Watch and listen for snowmobiles when traveling on designated snowmobile trails. Move to the side of the trail and allow snowmobiles to safely pass.

Snowmobilers

• General Information: Snowmobiling
• Trails: View the New York State Snowmobile Association Interactive Trail Map or check with local snowmobile clubs and tourism offices to determine status, condition, and specific warnings. Download the new Adirondacks, USA Snowmobile App.
  • Trail conditions are good to excellent throughout most of the Adirondacks - check local trail conditions status and conditions before going.
  • Blowdown has been removed from the Wilmington Snowmobile Trail between Wilmington and Forestdale Road and the spur trail to the Cooper Kiln Pond. The trails are open and have good snow conditions.
• Safety: 
• Watch for skiers and snowshoers using snowmobile trails - slow down to safely pass.
• Always yield to snowmobile trail groomers.
• View a video on snowmobile safety.

Recent Notices

Notices below reflect recent changes in conditions and recreation infrastructure work completed by DEC and its partners. Check the Adirondack Backcountry Information  web pages for ongoing issues and more detailed information.

• Camp Santanoni Historic Area: The second of three 2020 Camp Santanoni Winter Weekends takes place this President's Day holiday weekend. There is plenty of snow, and day time high temperatures are forecast to be in the mid to high 20s all three days. This is a great event to attend and enjoy the outdoors with friends and family!
• Trail Crew and Other Positions for Hire: If you are interested in any of the positions listed here, contact Info.R5@dec.ny.gov. Indicate the position you are interested in, and DEC will send more information to you.
• High Peaks Trail Crew (10 positions)
• Ray Brook Trail Crew (1 position)
• Marcy Dam Interior Caretaker (1 position)
• High Peaks Wilderness
  • Lake Colden Caretaker Report
    • 46 inches (117 cm) of snow are present at the stake at the cabin.
    • 5+ feet (150+ cm) of snow are present in the higher elevations.
    • You are required to use skis or snowshoes on all trails in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness and should be used on all trails.
  •  Backcountry skiers and boarders must be aware of avalanche risk and know how to determine avalanche danger, avoid avalanches, and self-rescue if caught in an avalanche.

Highlighted Spot: Ice Fishing on Chazy Lake

Chazy Lake is approximately 1,800 acres in size, runs 3.5 miles in length, and has a maximum depth of 72 feet. Chazy Lake is managed under the Chazy Highland’s State Forest and is set in the valley between Lyon and Ellenburg Mountain providing excellent mountain views and great fishing opportunities.

Ice fishing is permitted on Chazy Lake which is abundant in lake trout and landlocked salmon. The best fishing is concentrated in the center of the lake over the deepest water. Ice anglers should exercise extreme caution when traveling out on ice by ensuring the ice is thick enough to carry the weight of a person and equipment. See more on ice fishing safety.

Access the lake on the southeastern side from the Wilfred King Road Parking Area (44.730978, -73.811837) which has space for up to five vehicles. There is a launch site from an old camp that can be used to get on the ice.

Practice Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly

Follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace  to maintain minimal impact on the environment and the natural resources of the Adirondacks. Use proper trail etiquette to ensure an enjoyable experience for yourself and others, and tread lightly!

Plan and Prepare Ahead by Knowing Ice Safety:

Ice safety is the number one consideration before heading out on any frozen waterbody. Ice can be considered safe if its thickness is a minimum of three to four inches when completely solid, however, not all water bodies are the same!

The guidelines presented here (based on Minnesota Department of Natural Resources) are based on new clear ice on non-running waters. Remember, your own good judgment is essential! Since ice thickness can vary on a lake, check the ice periodically to stay safe.

*Note: This guide is based on new, clear ice on non-running waters. Slush ice is about 50 percent weaker. Clear ice over running water is about 20 percent weaker. Double the recommendations for white ice. Many ice anglers do not like to fish on less than five inches of ice, and do not like to drive a pick-up truck on less than 15 inches of ice.

Be cautious in areas where "bubblers" are used to protect docks. They can produce thin, unsafe ice some distance away. Be especially alert in areas near shore, over moving bodies of water and on lakes and ponds where streams enter or exit.

Remember, use the buddy system while ice fishing - it saves lives!

Have You Heard? New York's Plastic Bag Ban Starts March 1, 2020! 

Did you know that 50 million plastic bags end up as litter every year costing U.S Taxpayers $10 billion in clean up?

Reusable shopping bags should become the go-to for shopping at markets, grocery stores, beverage centers, convenience stores, etc. but have you thought of reusable food storage options for the trail?

Don’t just ditch the plastic bag at stores and markets, ditch single use plastic on the trail as well -no, we don’t mean littering. Pack food, snacks, and all litter in washable and reusable bags and containers. Repacking food and snacks before your hike can help eliminate the amount of waste you have with you on the trail.

Remember to always carry out what you carry in so it's not your plastic waste contributing to the number above!