This weekly report of outdoor recreation conditions in the Adirondacks is issued each Thursday afternoon and can be heard at North Country Public Radio on Friday mornings.

Sunrise Saturday in Lake Placid will be at 6:59 am; sunset at 5:22 pm, providing 10 hours and 23 minutes of sunlight. The Moon will rise Saturday morning at 9:53 am and set at 11:41 pm. It will be Waxing Crescent with 32% of the Moon visible portion illuminated. There will be a First Quarter Moon on Monday at 2:46 am.

SPECIAL NOTICES FOR THIS WEEKEND

DO NOT RELY ON TECHNOLOGY: Do not depend on electronic technology in the backcountry. Cell phone coverage is spotty at best and often non-existent. GPS signal can be poor under heavy tree cover. Batteries expire quickly in cold temperatures. Plan and prepare before entering the backcountry and always carry a map and compass for navigation or at least as a backup – and know how to use them.

LAKE EFFECT SNOWS: Expect lake effect snows to continue through Thursday night in Herkimer and Northern Hamilton Counties including Atwell, Big Moose, Eagle Bay, Mckeever, Nobleboro, Northwood, Old forge, Speculator, Ilion, Herkimer, Little Falls, Mohawk, Frankfort, and Dolgeville. Expect snowfall accumulations of 3 to 5 inches, with winds 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. Also, a lake effect snow warning remains in effect until 4 am Friday including in all of Oneida County, and including the Boonville, Syracuse, Oneida, Hamilton, Utica, and Rome. Expect additional snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches through Thursday night, bringing snow totals into 8 to 12 inch range for much of the warning area. Winds will be west 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

EXTREME COLD – WINTER CONDITIONS: An arctic front will bring snow showers Friday night and extremely cold temperatures this weekend ranging from daytime highs of near and below zero to nighttime lows to 25-30 below – these temperatures will produce some dangerously cold wind chills, especially on summits throughout Saturday, perhaps has low as 60 to 70 below. Temperatures will reach -10 to -15 by Saturday morning, -20 to -30 by nightfall, and -25 to -35 by early Sunday. Wind chills -35 to -60 through early Sunday will cause frostbite on open skin in less than 10 minutes. Friday night and into Saturday will see some light snow showers. On Sunday (Valentines Day) highs will be near zero, with lighter winds by the afternoon; Sunday night lows 15 to 25 below. Monday (Presidents Day) highs in the low to mid 20s, with a chance of some snow showers.

TRAIL CONDITIONS: Expect very icy trail conditions, with some fresh snow on top, but patches of bare ground at lower elevations and windblown areas outside the lake effect areas reported above. Overall the region should expect 3 to 5 inches of snow by the end of Saturday. Carry snowshoes if you are headed above 2,500 feet, or if you plan to hike off trail; traction devices are highly recommended everywhere. Ice may not be safe, especially near inlets, outlets, and over moving water.

BE PREPARED: Always carry proper safety equipment – including plenty of food, water, extra clothing, a flashlight, map and compass – inform someone of your itinerary, and be prepared to spend an unplanned night in temperatures well below freezing. On waters, wear a pfd and cold water protection. Just before entering the backcountry or launching check the latest weather forecasts for the Adirondack region at Burlington and Albany and the High Elevation, Recreation, or Lake Champlain forecasts.

SNOW COVER: Although this week marks the Adirondacks’ average maximum snow cover, considerable rain recently destroyed most of the snow pack except at higher elevations and in the Southwestern Adirondack lake effect snow areas. A return of cold and a few inches of snow this week and forecast for the weekend has begun to rebuild the base, though the snow remains mostly thin around the region, with the exception of Northern Onieda, Herkimer and Hamilton Counties. Elsewhere expect pockets of bare ground, but mostly covered with 4 to 6 inches of snow at lower elevations. From 1,000 to about 2,500 feet expect about 5 to 8 inches of snow on the ground by Saturday night. In Northern Hamilton and Herkimer counties there is 8 to 12 inches with another 4 to 6 expected by Saturday. There is about a foot of snow at Lake Colden (2,750 feet) with 18 inches at higher elevations, and in northern sheltered valleys.

LONG RANGE FORECAST: More seasonable temperatures (in the 20s and 30s) will return Monday with another Alberta Clipper system that may provide some additional snow (perhaps 4-6 inches) by mid-week. However, another thaw is expected by next weekend with temperatures reaching into the upper 30s and lower 40s.

DOWNHILL SKI REPORT: Whiteface and Gore have most of their terrain open, though not including slides or glades. Oak Mountain and McCauley remain open with improved conditions, if still somewhat limited terrain. Municipal hills are open, but Big Tupper and Hickory near Warrensburg remain closed. Last week, Big Tupper announced that they will not open this season.

CROSS COUNTRY SKI REPORT: Trails at Tupper Lake can not be recommended without more snow. Paul Smiths has most of their terrain open and is grooming. Dewey, Cascade and Mt. Van Hoevenberg have all reopened with some good conditions reported on gentler terrain. Garnet Hill has a few trails open, but still a bit icy in places. There is very-good skiing at the New Land Trust Trails in Saranac and at Lapland Lake near Northville, which has most of their terrain open, thanks to lake effect snows.

BACK COUNTRY SKI REPORT: Backcountry skiing is limited to smoother terrain this weekend. The Newcomb Lake Road to Camp Santanoni is in good shape, and skiing the Seven Carries would be a good bet this weekend. Depending on whether the forecast snowfall arrives or not, the smoother terrain of the Jack Rabbit Trail may be skiable by Sunday. In general, stick to smoother, gentler terrain, including roads and well-frozen lakes. The Marcy Truck Trail is skiable, with cuation, but skiing above Marcy Dam is not recommended.

SNOWMOBILING REPORT: The Webb and Inlet trail systems are open, grooming is underway in Inlet, and the riding from the Moose River Plains and west into Herkimer and Northern Onieda Counties will be fair by Saturday, after some new lake effect snows. Most other trails are officially closed or are in marginal condition, with icy turns and lack of grooming – do not ride on closed trails. Beware of ice over water! Stay off lakes!

RIVERS AND STREAMS HIGHER: As a result of the recent warmer weather and snowmelt, rivers and streams remain just above normal levels for this time of year, but should recede this weekend into early next week at least. The following water levels were being reported on Thursday afternoon:

Moose River at McKeever – 3.73 feet (probably iced-in)
Raquette River at Piercefield – 6.10 feet
Hudson River at North Creek – 3.75 feet
Lake Champlain at Whitehall – 95.87 feet

These values are only an estimation of current conditions – before heading out check the streamgages on the USGS website for waters where you intend to recreate. Remember stream gage readings at this time of year can be affected by snow and ice.

ICE ON WATERS: Most waters are iced over, but many remain dangerously thin, with open areas after extended record warmth, rains, and wind this winter. Larger lakes such as Sacandaga, Lake George, Schroon Lake, Lake Flower, and Lake Champlain still have open areas. Always check the thickness of ice before crossing and frequently while traveling. Avoid ice over running water, near inlets, outlets, near boathouses and docks – especially those with bubblers or other ice prevention devices. Ice with snow on the surface, may not hold a person’s weight.

CLIMATE: The Burlington had daily high temperature records on Wednesday and Thursday (54 degrees both days). This has been an “unprecedented warm winter” according to the National Weather Service, with Burlington having set five new record highs from December 1st through Thursday. January snowfall was 6 to 12 inches below normal for most of the Adirondacks, and 12 to 18 inches below normal for the Southeastern Adirondacks. Snowfall in December was more than a foot below normal in lake-effect areas and higher elevations. Rich Lake in Newcomb experienced the latest ice-in date on record when it finally iced over on January 4th. 2015 was the warmest year ever recorded; 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th century average and 10 of 12 months set records; 15 of the top 16 warmest years on record have happened this century. The US Drought Monitor is reporting that all but the southeast part of the Adirondack Park is ABNORMALLY DRY.

WINTER 46ers: Hikes at this time of year are eligible for Winter 46 status. Winter Solstice marks the date when prospective Winter 46ers can begin hiking the 46. The winter 46er period is from December 21 to March 21.

AVOID HIBERNATING BATS: Outdoor adventurers should suspend exploration of cave and mine sites that serve as homes for hibernating bats. Anyone entering a northern long-eared bat hibernation site from October 1 through April 30, the typical period of hibernation for bats, may be subject to prosecution. Learn the rules about exploring caves and mines and protecting fragile bat populations here.

USE BEAR-RESISTANT CANISTERS: The use of bear-resistant canisters is recommended for overnight use in the Adirondacks. All food, toiletries and garbage should be stored in bear-resistant canisters.

KEEP DOGS LEASHED: Dog owners are reminded that dogs must be leashed in the Eastern Zone of the High Peaks when on trails, at primitive tent sites, at lean-to sites, everywhere above 4,000 feet, or at other areas where the public congregates. It is recommended dogs be kept leashed in most areas for the safety of your dog, the protection of wildlife and as a courtesy to fellow hikers.

LEAVE NO TRACE – CARRY IN – CARRY OUT: Learn and practice the seven Leave No Trace principles. Carry out what you have carried in. Do not leave gear, food, or other unwanted or unneeded items at lean-tos and campsites. Do not litter.

GROUP SIZE RESTRICTIONS: Large groups have significantly more impact on the trails, natural resources and other users. DEC regulation restricts group size in the High Peaks Wilderness to no more than 15 hikers (day users) or 8 campers (overnight users) and encourages this practice to be followed in other areas. Outside the High Peaks Wilderness, DEC regulation requires a temporary permit be issued to authorize organized events of more than twenty people; camping at the same location for more than three nights; or camping in groups of more than 10 people.

VOLUNTEER FOR TRAIL WORK: No matter what your sport, if you’re a trail user consider contributing your efforts to one of the many organizations dedicated to maintaining the region’s network of thousands of miles of trails.

RECENT CHANGES IN THE ADIRONDACK BACKCOUNTRY

These are recent changes (within the last two weeks) to outdoor recreation roads, trails and facilities around the Adirondacks.

** indicates new or recently revised items for this week.

HIGH PEAKS – LAKE PLACID REGION
Including Wilmington, Keene, Western High Peaks

** Snowshoes Required: Snowshoes are required wherever snow depth exceeds 8 inches in the High Peaks Wilderness.

** South Meadow Lane / Marcy truck Trail: South Meadow Lane and the Marcy Truck trail are skiable, but no skiing can be recommended beyond there.

Coreys Road: The last 3 miles of the road are closed to public motor vehicle traffic for the winter and will remain closed until the end of the spring mud season. The gate at the Raquette Falls Trailhead is closed. The town of Harrietstown plows the road to the bridge over Stoney Creek, it prohibits parking in the area around the bridge and the half mile of road prior to the bridge. Skiers and snowshoers should park at the first pull-off after the end of the pavement and hike the remainder of the plowed road on foot. Skiers and snowshoers will need to travel road three miles to reach the Seward Trailhead. Logging operations will continue through the winter at Ampersand Park. Watch and listen for logging trucks, move to the side to allow trucks to pass safely.

Connery Pond Road – McKenzie Mountain Wilderness: The Connery Pond Road is closed to public motor vehicle traffic. The road will reopen to motor vehicles once the spring mud season ends.

Table Top Mountain Herd Path: The start of the Tabletop Mountain Herd Path on the Van Hovenberg Trail to Mt. Marcy has been moved 150 feet closer to Indian Falls. Signs have been erected at the new junction and flagging has been placed along the new section until the tread is clearly visible. The old section of trail will be brushed in.

Ward Brook Truck Trail: The Ward Brook Truck Trail has been flooded by beaver activity just north of the junction with the Northville-Placid Trail. There is no reroute around the water and ice may be thin.

Elk Lake Trails To Dix And Marcy: The trails to Mt. Marcy and Dix Mountain that pass through the Elk Lake Conservation Easement Land are open, however the gate at Clear Pond will remains close. This will add four miles to any round trip hike – plan accordingly.

Opalescent River – Uphill Lean-To: A 10-foot section of trail near Uphill Lean-to along the Opalescent River above Lake Colden was washed out during heavy rains last weekend. Hikers can get around it by going through the trees but should use caution when doing so.

Northville-Placid Trail – Ouluska Pass: The log bridge over Ouluska Pass Brook on the Northville -Placid Trail (about 1/10 of a mile south of Ouluska Lean-to) has been washed out.

CENTRAL-SOUTHERN ADIRONDACKS
Newcomb, Long Lake, Indian Lake, Fulton Chain, Speculator, West Canada Lakes

** Sargent Ponds Wild Forest: Snowmobilers traveling between Raquette Lake and Forked Lake in the Sargent Ponds Wild Forest must use a new route instead of the traditional route. Snowmobiles can no longer travel on the Raquette Lake Canoe Carry Trail between Outlet Bay of Raquette Lake and North Point Road. Instead snowmobilers must use the designated snowmobile trail between Outlet Bay and the North Point Road which is located 1.2 miles west of the Raquette Lake Canoe Carry and 1.6 miles of North Point Road between the designated snowmobile trail and the Forked Lake Canoe Carry Road. (See attached map) The Forked Lake Canoe Carry Road between North Point Road and Forked Lake remains open to snowmobiles. The Raquette Lake Canoe Carry Trail is on a private driveway and a private road for which DEC has a deeded right of way for non-motorized public passage. The past use of the canoe carry trail by snowmobiles was illegal but not reported as the seasonal homes in the area were not used by their owners in the winter. One or more of the houses in the immediate area are now occupied year round and the owners found snowmobile use of the canoe carry trail disruptive. DEC and the Town of Long Lake agreed that the snowmobiles should not be using the canoe carry trail and are now directing snowmobilers to use the designated snowmobile trail and North Point Road as described above.

Lake Durant Campground / West Canada Lakes Wilderness: The Sucker Brook Trail which connects the Northville-Placid Trail and the DEC Lake Durant Campground is closed until further notice. Blowdown, wet stretches of trail, and beaver activity make the trail impassable and difficult to follow. DEC is developing plans to restore the trail corridor and allow safe passage for hikers. The Colvin Brook Lean-to at the western end of the trail remains open but can only be accessed from the Northville-Placid Trail.

Essex Chain: All seasonal access roads in the Essex Chain are closed to public motor vehicle traffic until the spring mud season ends, including Cornell Road, Chain Lakes Road North and Drakes Mill Road, Camp Six Road, and Chain Lakes Road South. The Town of Indian Lake only plows the Chain Lakes Road to the Rafter’s Parking Area.

EASTERN-SOUTHEASTERN ADIRONDACKS
Sacandaga, Lake George, Champlain, Washington Co

** Camp Santanoni Historic Area: Camp Santanoni 2016 Winter Weekends are scheduled for this weekend (February 13-15), and ski conditions are good on the Newcomb Lake Road to the Great Camp. The next open house is planned for March 12 and 13, 2016. Learn more about these unique opportunities here.

Lake George Wild Forest (Western): The gate on Long Pond Trail is closed, it will be reopened for snowmobiles when snow depths warrant.

Jabe Pond Road: Jabe Pond Road remains closed. When snow depths warrant the road will be opened to snowmobiles.

Gay & Lily Ponds: Gay Pond and Lily Pond Roads remain open to public motor vehicle use at this time. Be cautious the roads are rough. The use of four wheel drive trucks, SUVs or other high axle vehicles is recommended. When snow depths warrant the roads will be closed to motor vehicles and opened to snowmobiles.

Dacy Clearing Road: Dacy Clearing Road has little to no snow and is icy.

Shelving Rock Road: Shelving Rock Road beyond Dacy Clearing Road is closed to snowmobiles until snows deepen.

Lake George Village Boat Launch: The newly refurbished boat launching ramp next to Lake George Beach (Million Dollar Beach) is open year round. However, from Memorial Day through Labor Day parking is limited to 26 boat trailer spaces and there is a day use fee. From Labor Day through Memorial Day parking is unlimited and there is no free.

NORTHERN-NORTHWESTERN ADIRONDACKS
Santa Clara, Tupper and Saranac Lakes, St. Regis, Lake Lila

Saranac Lakes Wild Forest: The Lake Clear Girl Scout Camp Road (aka the St. Germain Pond Road) is closed to public motor vehicle traffic until after the spring mud season.

Kushaqua Tract Conservation Easement Lands: The Mountain Pond Road is closed to public motor vehicle traffic until the spring mud season ends.

Lake Lila Road – William C. Whitney Wilderness: The Lake Lila Road is closed to public motor vehicle traffic until after the spring mud season. Hikers, skiers and snowshoers may still use the road to access Lake Lila and Mt. Fredrica. However, the public must stay on the road and not trespass on adjacent lands. DEC’s Whitney Headquarters has shut down for the season. Callers will not be able to leave voice mail messages at the Forest Ranger office number (624-6686).
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Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s Hiking Safety webpage and Adirondack Trail Information webpage for more information about where you intend to travel. Check the Adirondack Almanack Outdoor Conditions Reports each Thursday afternoon. A map of the Adirondack Park can be found here.

The NYS Trails Supporter Patch is available for $5 at all outlets where sporting licenses are sold, on-line and via telephone at 1-866-933-2257. Patch proceeds help maintain and enhance non-motorized trails throughout New York State.