DEC Adirondack Outdoor Recreation Bulletin

February 23, 2023

This bulletin provides only the most recent notices. Check the Adirondack Backcountry webpages 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, 833-NYS-RANGERS.

Welcome to the Adirondacks. The Welcome to the Adirondacks webpage provides information about the Forest Preserve, conservation easement lands, outdoor recreation, and Leave No Trace™.

Love Our NY Lands: All New Yorkers and visitors should be able to access, enjoy, and feel welcome on state lands. While enjoying these shared spaces, be respectful of other visitors. Share trails, treat people with kindness, and leave things as you found them for others to enjoy. All of us have a responsibility to protect State lands for future generations. Learn more about how you can Love Our NY Lands.

In This Issue

• Recent Notices
• General Notices
• Safety & Education: Headlamps: Two is One and One is None
• Leave No Trace™: As Spring Approaches, Be Careful with Campfires
• Recreation Highlight: Use Caution on Avalanche Terrain
• Summer Employment Opportunities
• Take Part in the DEC Informational Kiosk Survey 

Recent Notices

The following are only the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry webpages for a full list of notices, including seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information

NEW THIS WEEK

High Peaks Wilderness:

• Snow Report (02/23): The following report describes conditions as of Thursday, 02/23. Changing weather may affect conditions. There is 34.6 inches (2.9 feet) of snow at the Colden Caretaker Cabin and deeper accumulations at higher elevations. Snowshoes are required to be worn in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness when snow accumulations reach 8 inches. Microspikes and crampons are needed for traction on ice. The Marcy Dam Truck Trail from South Meadows is skiable. Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are frozen, but always exercise caution on or near ice, especially near outlets.

LAST WEEK

Grass River Wild Forest: Recent temperature fluctuations have affected snowmobiling opportunities in St. Lawrence County. Changing weather and surface conditions are creating some challenges - please check with local snowmobile clubs and other media/sources before heading out on the trails. 

Raquette Boreal Complex: Recent temperature fluctuations have affected snowmobiling opportunities in St. Lawrence County. Changing weather and surface conditions are creating some challenges - please check with local snowmobile clubs and other media/sources before heading out on the trails. 

General Notices

Visit the main Adirondack Backcountry page for more trip-planning resources.
 
Know Before You Go (02/23):

• Temperatures & Conditions: Snow and cold are in the forecast for this weekend. In the High Peaks Region, snow is expected on and off throughout the weekend with forecast daytime highs in the teens on Friday and Saturday and around 30 on Sunday. Friday night is expected to be especially cold, with a low around -10 before a significant wind chill. Nighttime lows on Saturday and Sunday are anticipated to reach the single digits. These are forecast temperatures for base elevations - conditions will be more severe (colder, windier) on summits and at higher elevations. Carry extra layers, cold weather gear, and be prepared to adapt to changing conditions. Bring microspikes or crampons and snowshoes. If you find yourself unprepared for the conditions, or weather worsens, turn back to the trailhead.
• Water & Ice Crossings: Never attempt to cross high, fast-moving water, especially following rain or significant snowmelt. If there is precipitation forecast during the day, be mindful of how water crossings might swell between your first crossing and your return trip. Follow ice safety guidelines.
• Sunrise/Sunset: Sunrise = 6:37 a.m.; Sunset = 5:38 p.m. Make a timeline and stick to it. Pack a headlamp even if you expect to finish your activity before sunset.
• Travel: Plan on arriving at your destination early and have several back-up plans in place in case parking at your desired location is full. Some seasonal roads may be closed for the winter season and not all parking areas are plowed. Check recent notices for road closure announcements.

Check the Weather: Check the forecast for your destination and pack and plan accordingly. Check the National Weather Service Northern Adirondacks and Southern Adirondacks Mountain Point Forecasts for select summit forecasts. Check both daytime and nighttime temperatures and remember that temperatures will drop as you gain elevation.
 
Be Safe in Avalanche Terrain: Backcountry downhill skiers, snowboarders, and all outdoor adventurers who may traverse slides or steep, open terrain should be aware of and prepared for avalanche conditions. If you are planning a trip to avalanche-prone territory, research the route ahead of time and contact a local DEC Forest Ranger for specific safety and conditions information, or contact a local guide. Before going into the backcountry, be equipped with avalanche safety tools and knowledge, such as participation in an avalanche safety course. Learn more about avalanche danger, preparedness, and safety precautions.
 
Seasonal Roads: Many seasonal access roads are closed for the winter. Check the Recent Notices for specific closure announcements and be prepared to turn around and take an alternate route.
 
Snowmobiles: Visitors are advised to plan ahead and check local club, county, and State webpages and resources, including the NYSSA Snowmobile web map, for up-to-date snowmobile trail information.
 
Water Conditions: Water levels throughout the Adirondack region range from average to above average for this time of year. Check the USGS Current Water Data for New York for stream flow of selected waters. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs aka lifejackets) are strongly recommended.

Safety & Education

Whether you’re going for a hike, a ski, or out fishing, Hike Smart NY can help you prepare with a list of 10 essentials, guidance on what to wear, and tips for planning your trip with safety and sustainability in mind.
 
Headlamps: Two is One and One is None
Light is an essential piece of safety equipment on any hike, no matter the season, distance, or difficulty. The unexpected can happen on hikes of any length and finding yourself in the dark can increase your chances of injury or getting lost.
 
To ensure that you will always have light when you need it, it’s good to pack redundant light sources. Headlamp and flashlight batteries can die, and they drain especially quickly in cold conditions. Hence the saying “two is one and one is none.” By bringing a back-up source of light, you guarantee you’ll have a way to see yourself out of the woods even if your first light fails you. When packing your light sources, consider the following:

• Flashlights will do the trick, but headlamps allow you to see hands-free;
• Rechargeable batteries are great, but if your light source relies on one, make sure you have fully charged back-up batteries as well as alternate sources of light;
• If your equipment relies on traditional batteries, bring enough extra batteries to refill each light;
• Do not rely on your phone flashlight as a source of light. This will drain your phone battery quickly, leaving you without both light and a way to contact help.

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!

As Spring Approaches, Be Careful with Campfires

As spring approaches, more people will be enjoying campfires in the backcountry or even their own backyards. While melting snow and spring rains might make everything seem wet, dead, dried leaves left over from fall can easily spark and spread fires. To prevent your small campfire from turning into a wildland fire, follow these safety steps:

• Only have fires when and where they are allowed and safe;
• Keep fires small and in designated fire pits;
• Clear debris and extra fuel away from the fire;
• Always monitor your fire–never leave fires unattended;
• Keep water on hand to douse sparks that escape;
• Extinguish your campfire completely before going to bed or leaving your site.

For instructions on how to extinguish your campfires completely, watch DEC’s “How to: Put Out Campfires” video on YouTube.

Recreation Highlight: Use Caution on Avalanche Terrain

DEC is advising backcountry downhill skiers, snowboarders, and all outdoor adventurers who may traverse slides or steep, open terrain in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks to be aware of and prepared for avalanche conditions.

Avalanche danger increases during and immediately after major snowfalls and during thaws. Recent warm weather brought significant melting and settling of snow before a winter storm Wednesday night into Thursday brought several inches of fresh snow to the High Peaks region, with new accumulations close to a foot in some places. Snow may be deeper on leeward slopes or areas of snow deposits, such as gullies. As snow accumulates over time it develops distinct layers formed by rain and melt/freeze cycles. When new snow falls onto previous snowpack, it adds weight and downward pressure. Lower snow layers may be reactive to the added stresses of recent snows, creating conditions conducive to avalanches.

Avalanches can occur in any situation where snow, slope, and weather combine to create the proper conditions. While the majority of steep, open terrain is found in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, avalanche-prone terrain is found on mountains throughout the Adirondacks, including Snowy Mountain in Hamilton County.

Take the following precautions when traveling in avalanche-prone terrain:

• Ensure all members of the group know basic avalanche rescue techniques;
• 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-never expose more than one person at a time to avalanche prone slopes;
• Ski and ride near trees, not in the center of slides or other open areas;
• Always carry a shovel, probes, and transceiver with fresh batteries;
• Never travel alone; and
• Always inform someone about where you are going and when you expect to return home.

If you are planning a trip to avalanche-prone territory, research the route ahead of time and contact a local DEC Forest Ranger for specific safety and conditions information, or contact a local guide. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.

Skiers and snowboarders should assess their own experience level before going into the backcountry and should be equipped with avalanche safety tools and knowledge, such as participation in an avalanche safety course. Backcountry rescues take time. Be prepared with the skills and equipment required for self-rescue. If you are unsure about conditions, stick to designated trails within the trees or pursue an alternate plan.

Additional information on avalanche danger, preparedness, and safety precautions is available on the DEC website.

Summer Employment Opportunities

Would you like to work in New York State's beautiful Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves this summer?

2023 Summer Camps Program

We are actively recruiting Directors, Assistant Directors, Waterfront Directors, Cooks, Nurses, EMTs, Counselors, and Camp Aides for the 2023 Summer Camps Program.  All positions offer competitive salaries, plus room and board for the summer.

Locations of DEC Summer Camps:

• Camp Colby in Saranac Lake;
• Camp Pack Forest in Warrensburg;
• Camp Rushford in Caneadea; and
• Camp DeBruce, near Livingston Manor.

DEC Summer Camps combine environmental education, hunter education, and outdoor recreation to create an adventurous experience for youth. Camp staff engage campers in ecological principles such as field, forest, aquatic, wildlife, and human impact and outdoor skills including backpacking, camping, and canoeing. Learn more about the employment opportunities and how you can apply to work at DEC Environmental Education Camps.

DEC Campgrounds and Day-use Areas

Be a part of a team that helps vacationers enjoy the great outdoors in the Catskill Forest Preserve and Adirondack Park. Positions available include Lifeguard, Maintenance, Security, Supervisor, and more! Some positions start as early as May, but varying start dates can be accommodated based on school and work schedules.

For more information on available positions or to apply for a position call 518-457-2500, e-mail campinfo@dec.ny.gov, or visit the Campground Seasonal Employment webpage on DEC's website.

Lifeguard Positions

Seasonal lifeguard positions are available at DEC campgrounds. The current hourly starting rate for New York State lifeguards is $20 an hour, and most DEC facilities offer free housing or site accommodations.

Candidates who qualify will be considered for employment. The qualifying procedure consists of two parts: a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) skills component; and a water skills evaluation. Candidates may attend the qualifying location most convenient to them and the results will be forwarded to their preferred work location. 

At the time of employment, all DEC lifeguards must:

• Be at least 15 years old;
• Possess a valid certification in Waterfront Skills, Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent;
• Successfully completed the New York State lifeguard qualifying procedure;
• Submitted a current New York State DEC medical form stating the candidate's physical ability to perform lifeguard duties;
• Meet the vision requirement of 20/70 uncorrected in both eyes and be correctable to the 20/40 standard. Candidates tested at a vision level below 20/40 in either one or both eyes must correct to a minimum of 20/40 with 20/20 preferred;
• Completed a personal interview with DEC; and
• Attended a DEC lifeguard orientation.

For more information, updates, or to pre-register, call 518-457-2500 ext. #1, e-mail Info.Lifeguard@dec.ny.gov, or visit the Lifeguard Positions webpage on DEC's website.

Take Part in the DEC Informational Kiosk Survey 

Give us your feedback and win a gift card to a sporting goods store! DEC would like your opinion on our informational kiosks. Kiosks are small, open wooden structures that provide cover for educational/informational signs. These kiosks are located at various state properties such as state forests, wilderness areas, conservation easements, wildlife management areas (WMAs), boat launches, and more. Take our survey to let us know what you think and be entered to win a $50 sporting goods store gift card and a free subscription to the Conservationist magazine! Winners will be announced each month from January 2023 through January 2024. A grand prize winner will be announced in January 2024 and will receive a $200 sporting goods store gift card and a free magazine subscription. By providing input, you can help us improve your outdoor experience!

For prize rules and regulations, please visit DEC's website.