DEC Adirondack Outdoor Recreation Bulletin
March 12, 2020

This bulletin provides only the most recent notices. Check the Adirondack Backcountry Information web pages for more detailed information on access, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and conditions.

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.

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

General Conditions

• Travel: Check NY511 for road closures and conditions. 
• Weather: Check the National Weather Service or NY Mesonow for current conditions and forecasts for the locations where you plan to travel and recreate.
• Snow Depth: Recent warm temperatures and rain have reduced the snowpack in lower and middle elevations. Little to no snow is present in the southern and northeastern Adirondacks. The deepest snows are found in the central and northern Adirondacks and at higher elevations. Even where snow is present, open areas and south facing slopes may be bare. The National Weather Service NERFC Snow Page provides maps depicting current snow depths and forecasts.
• Ice on Waterbodies: Ice is thinning, especially around shorelines. Ice is not present on most streams and rivers. Use caution, and always check the thickness of ice before traveling across it. Avoid ice over running water, inlets and outlets. Know how to be safe on the ice. Note: All fishing shanties must be off the ice by end of day Saturday, March 14.
• Drones: Drones are motorized equipment and the operation of drones on lands classified as Wilderness, Primitive, or Canoe is prohibited.

Hikers, Skiers, and Snowshoers

• General Information:
  • Hiking
  • Skiing and Snowshoeing
• Avalanche Risk: The risk of avalanches is still present in the High Peaks region and other high elevation mountains. Know how to determine avalanche danger, avoid avalanches, and self-rescue.
• Trail Conditions: Trail conditions are poor to fair at lower elevations - expect to encounter plenty of bare ground, mud, water, ice, and thin snow. Conditions are fair to good at middle elevations – expect to encounter patches of bare ground, mud, and ice. Conditions are good to excellent at higher elevations, though trails may be rocky and icy at water crossings and along waterways.
• Be Prepared: The use of skis or snowshoes is required in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness and recommended on all trails throughout the Adirondacks where snow depths measure a foot or more – especially trails with hard-packed snow which will soften as temperatures warm. You should carry trail crampons (foot traction devices) on all hikes and use 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 for selected summits. Temperatures are much colder and winds will be stronger on exposed outlooks and summits. Rocky summits may be scoured of snow by the winds – conditions may be icy and warrant the use of trail crampons. Otherwise, snow depths at and near summits will be much deeper than snow depths at trailheads. Weather on mountain summits can be unpredictable. Be prepared to turn around, especially if you encounter whiteout conditions.
• Water Levels: Streams and rivers are open and running high. Use caution at crossings and on trails along fast-flowing brooks and rivers. Rocks and other surfaces may be covered with ice. Wear crampons, and use steel or carbide pointed hiking poles.
• 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: Trail conditions vary across the Adirondacks - check status and conditions of local trail before going. 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.
• Safety: Watch for skiers and snowshoers using snowmobile trails, and 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.

• Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest: The Linsey Marsh Trail contains a lot of blowdown. Many other trails in this area are likely to have lots of blowdown from the February 7 storm as well.
• Terry Mountain State Forest: Red Road is closed for mud season. It will reopen to public motor vehicle access when the frost has left the ground, the road has dried, and any necessary repairs and maintenance are completed.
• High Peaks Wilderness
  • Lake Colden Caretaker Report (Wednesday 3/11)
    • 41 inches (105 cm) of snow is present at the stake at the cabin.
    • 5+ feet (150+ cm) of snow is present in the higher elevations.
    • Use of skis or snowshoes is required on all trails in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness – and strongly recommended throughout the High Peaks Region wherever snow depths are a foot or more.
    • South Meadows trail is thin and icy in spots for the first half-mile.
    • VanHoevenberg Trail to Marcy Dam has bare and icy spots.
    • Stream crossings may be tricky due to high waters.
  • 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.
• 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 we will send more information to you.
  • High Peaks Trail Crew (10 positions)
  • Ray Brook Trail Crew (1 position)
  • Marcy Dam Interior Caretaker (1 position)

Highlighted Spot: Camp Santanoni Winter Weekend

Don’t miss this year’s final Camp Santanoni Winter Weekend this weekend, March 14 and 15, in Newcomb. One of three Winter Weekends held annually at the historic Adirondack Great Camp, this event is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy some final winter recreation before spring arrives.

The event’s main attraction is a 9.8-mile round trip cross-country ski or snowshoe excursion that begins at Camp Santanoni’s Gate Lodge complex and extends to the remote lakeside Main Lodge complex. The trip requires moderate physical activity. SUNY ESF’s Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) will provide snowshoes at the Gate Lodge for any visitors without their own, and participants will have the opportunity to take tours of the Gate Lodge and Main Lodge with Adirondack Architectural Heritage staff.

The weather this weekend is forecast to be partly sunny and in the low 30s on Saturday, and sunny and in the high 20s on Sunday. It is great weather for enjoying outdoor winter activities.

Camp Santanoni Winter Weekends are open to all visitors at no cost. No reservations required. Find information about the camp at DEC's Camp Santanoni website. Santanoni is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a National Historic Landmark.

Location: Great Camp Santanoni is located on Newcomb Lake Rd off State Route 28N in Newcomb, NY. Parking is available across from the Gate Lodge Complex. (N 43.58’17.9°; W 74.09’49.7°)

Practice Leave No Trace

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! 

• Respect Wildlife – Give Critters a Thumbs Up
You wake up after a long night’s sleep and you are hungry. You get up and go straight to the kitchen to make breakfast. But wait! There’s someone standing between you and the refrigerator!

In the coming weeks hibernation will end for many local animals, and one of the first things they need to do is find food. Don’t be the one standing between them and their breakfast. Help wildlife out by giving them lots of space to move around. If you’re not sure how much space is enough, try the thumbs up technique. Stick out your thumb, hold your arm straight in front of you, close one eye, and try to block the animal from view using your thumb. If you can’t, move back some more and try again.

Brush Burning Prohibited in NYS March 16 through May 14

DEC reminds residents that with spring approaching, conditions for wildfires will become heightened, and residential brush burning is prohibited March 16 through May 14 across New York State.

Even though portions of the state are covered in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. DEC posts a fire danger rating map and forecast daily during fire season on its website and on the NY Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife App available on DEC's website. Currently, wildfire conditions in the state are low risk.

Historically, open burning of debris is the largest single cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures are warmer and the past fall's debris, dead grass, and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily and be further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation.

Violators of the state's open burning regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report environmental law violations call, 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332), or report online on DEC's website.
For more information, visit DEC's Learn Before You Burn webpage.