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 7:30 am; sunset at 5:49 pm, providing 10 hours and 19 minutes of sunlight. The Moon will rise at 6:12 am Saturday and set at 5:41 pm. There will be a New Moon on Sunday at 1:38 pm. Expect dark, moonless skies this weekend.

SPECIAL NOTICES FOR THIS WEEKEND

EARLY WINTER WEATHER: Expect snow to continue into Friday, with 7-10 inches of accumulation on the highest peaks, 6-8 inches on most higher elevation summits, 4-6 inches at mid-elevations (above about 2,500 feet), and 1 to 3 inches elsewhere. Expect winds 10 to 15 mph, gusting to 30 mph and temperatures in the lower to mid-30s. Lower elevations will change over to a rain Thursday night and Friday is expected to be mostly cloudy with highs in the lower to mid 40s and winds 5 to 15 mph. Friday night expect a chance of showers, lows in the lower 30s and winds around 10 mph. There is a continued chance of rain showers Saturday with highs only in the mid to upper 40s, and winds around 10 mph. More scattered showers Saturday night will taper off, with lows in the lower to mid-30s. Sunday is expected to be partly cloudy, with a chance of scattered rain showers and highs in the mid- to upper-40s.

SNOW AND ICE ON SUMMITS: Higher elevations will not transition to rain. Expect colder temperatures, higher winds, lower wind chills, and more snow and ice on summits than at trailheads. There will be 4-6 inches of snow above about 2,500 feet, 6-8 inches on most higher elevation summits, and as much as 7 to 10 inches on the highest summits by Friday afternoon – heavy icing is already being reported. Those headed to summits should carry traction devices and snowshoes. Expect to encounter blowdown from recent high winds, heavy rains, and heavy snow.

WHITEFACE MEMORIAL HIGHWAY SKIING: There were first tracks skied on the Whiteface Toll Road last Saturday night and Sunday. There should be another chance for some skiing on the toll road on Friday, and possibly Saturday if the rain holds off at higher elevations. There is no other skiing available at this time, although it’s possible there may be a few tracks at golf courses in the High Peaks Friday.

HUNTING SEASON Hunting seasons are open. Hikers should wear bright colors and keep pets leashed as a precaution.

FOLIAGE REPORT: Leaf change around the Adirondacks is mostly past peak, but there are some outstanding foliage views still to be found, especially in the Lake George and Lake Champlain Valleys, and along the Southern Adirondacks. Prospect Mountain Veteran’s Memorial Parkway in Lake George Village will remain open through Sunday, November 6, 2016 and will be open free of charge on November 5th and 6th.

BE PREPARED! Always carry proper safety equipment – including plenty of food, water, extra clothing, a flashlight, and a map and compass – inform someone of your itinerary, and be prepared to spend an unplanned night in freezing temperatures in an emergency. On waters, wear a pfd. 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.

BLACK BEARS REMAIN ACTIVE: Always at this time of year, but especially now due to recent dry conditions, black bears are much more active than usual throughout the Adirondacks. Notable bear activity has been reported – including people losing their food and other gear – especially in the Eastern High Peaks, at the campgrounds along Route 28 south of Raquette Lake, and east of Lake George. The use of bear-resistant canisters is required for overnight users in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness between April 1 and November 30. Bears are most active in the evening; cook, eat, and clean up before dusk. All food, toiletries and garbage must be stored in bear-resistant canisters. The use of bear-resistant canisters is recommended for overnight use elsewhere in the Adirondacks. More information about reducing encounters with black bears can be found here.

MODERATE / SEVERE DROUGHT: The fire danger remains LOW, but the U.S. Drought Monitor is reporting that the entire Adirondack Park is in a Moderate Drought, the western half of the Park is in a long-term drought (greater than six months), while portions of the Eastern Adirondacks – notably to the northeast and southeast – are now in a Severe Drought.

ICE ON WATERS: Skim ice has been forming in the mornings on smaller ponds and back waters.

WATERS RISING: Rivers, streams, and lakes around the Adirondacks running about normal for this time of year, but will rise slowly through Sunday. Due to lack of snow cover this past winter and an unusually dry summer, some area boat launches remain difficult to negotiate or impossible with larger boats. Typically shallow areas may not be navigable. Boaters should use caution, especially in shallow areas, and be aware of obstacles typically covered by water.  Before heading out check the streamgages on the USGS website for waters where you intend to recreate. The following stream gage readings were observed on Thursday afternoon – these are expected to rise dramatically!

Moose River at McKeever – 3.48 feet
Raquette River at Piercefield – 5.74 feet
Ausable River at AuSable Forks – 1.47 feet
Hudson River at North Creek – 3.44 feet
Schroon River at Riverbank (County Route 11) – 2.13 feet
Lake Champlain at Whitehall – 93.62 feet

WATER TEMPERATURES: Water temperatures fell this week, and will continue to fall through the weekend – most waters are now in the 40s. The following temperatures were recorded on Thursday afternoon:

Arbutus Lake in Newcomb – near 40
Lake Champlain – about 53 (average)
Lake George (Warner Bay) – 53

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 carefully before entering the backcountry and always carry a map and compass – and know how to use them.

KEEP DOGS LEASHED: 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 for the safety of your dog, the protection of wildlife and rare plants, and out of 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. Take the free online Leave No Trace course here.

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.

DEC CAMPGROUNDS NOW CLOSED: All Adirondack DEC campgrounds are now closed.

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, Newcomb, Essex Chain

** Adirondack Loj Info Center Closed: The Adirondack Mountain Club’s High Peaks Information Center (HPIC) is closed through late December for renovations. Parking will not effected, but the flush toilets and shower facilities at the HPIC will not be available (Port-a-Johns will be available). Beginning Thursday, October 27th the HPIC will be operating 8 am to 4 pm daily out of a heated tent. Micro-spike and snowshoe rentals will be available along with information and some retail merchandise.

** Bears In Eastern High Peaks, Dix Range: Bears have been active in the Eastern High Peaks and Dix Range. Campers not using bear-resistant canisters have lost their food to bears. The use of bear-resistant canisters is required by overnight users in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness. Bears are most active in the evening; cook, eat, and clean up before dusk. All food, toiletries and garbage must be stored in bear-resistant canisters. DEC encourages the use of bear-resistant canisters throughout the Adirondacks. More information about reducing encounters with black bears can be found here.

** 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.

** Elk Lake Trailhead: The portion of the trail from the Elk Lake Trailhead to the High Peaks Wilderness located on the privately-owned Elk Lake Easement Lands is closed to the public for the Northern Zone Big Game Hunting Season.

Ouluska Brook Bridge: The bridge over Ouluska Brook on the Northville-Placid Trail has collapsed into the brook. Due to low water conditions crossing the brook is still possible.

** Garden Trailhead Parking Area: The town of Keene operates the Garden Parking Area and charges a $7/day fee for parking. The attendant is no longer present at the parking area. Hikers should use an envelope and the collection slot to pay.

** Garden Trailhead Shuttle: The shuttle between the overflow parking area at Marcy Field and the Garden Trailhead is no longer operating this season.

Cold River Bridge: Some boards are broken on the suspension bridge over the Cold River on the Northville-Placid Trail. Use caution when crossing.

Blueberry Hiking Trail: The first 1,500 feet of Blueberry Hiking Trail 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.

Northville-Placid Trail: The Northville Placid Trail has rerouted around a beaver pond south of Plumley’s Point on the shores of Long Lake. The reroute passes the beaver pond higher up the slope and eliminates having to cross the beaver dam and the wet feet obtained when the water levels were high. Follow the Blue NPT trail markers.

** Route 73 Bridge Work: Bridge work is underway on several bridges in Keene and Keene Valley. Traffic may be reduced to one lane at these bridges. Expect delays during busy travel times. Construction work on the Route 73 bridge over the East Branch Ausable River near the Mossy Cascade Trailhead prevents the use of the trailhead during the week when work is occurring. The trailhead may be used on weekends or when workers are not present.

** Whiteface Landing Trail: Construction is occurring on the State Route 86 Bridge over the West Branch Ausable River about three miles northeast of Lake Placid. Construction is expected to continue unit November 1st. Parking near the bridge will be restricted. Hikers accessing Whiteface Landing are discouraged from using the parking areas near the bridge. Paddlers using that section of the river are advised to find an alternate takeout. Paddlers are discouraged from paddling under the bridge during the construction period. Entering the construction site or staging area are not allowed. Anyone parking near the bridge should use caution when pulling out of the parking area. Pedestrians crossing the road should use the marked crosswalk. The Whiteface Landing 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.

** Boreas Ponds Tract: DEC has issued an Interim Access Plan for the Boreas Ponds Tract which includes: five year-round parking areas and three seasonal parking areas; 3.2 miles of motor vehicle access on the Gulf Brook Road; 6.7 miles of roadway open to bicycling from Blue Ridge Road to the Boreas Ponds Dam; and approximately 25 miles of seven roadways open to horse and horse drawn wagons. The public is prohibited from trespassing in and around leased hunting camps. You can find out more here.

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

** Bears Very Active At Campgrounds Along Route 28: Black bears have been very active at the campgrounds along Route 28 south of Raquette Lake. Bears are most active in the evening; cook, eat, and clean up before dusk. All food, toiletries and garbage must be stored in bear-resistant canisters. The use of bear-resistant canisters is recommended for overnight use elsewhere in the Adirondacks. More information about reducing encounters with black bears can be found here.

** Essex Chain Lakes: Through the first Sunday in December, an additional 1.5 miles of the Chain Lakes Road South (accessed from Indian Lake) and 1.0 mile of the Camp Six Road (accessed from Newcomb) is open to motor vehicles. Small parking areas are located at the end of each road segment and campsites are located along each road. Four wheel drive, high clearance vehicles strongly recommended.

** Lake Durant Campground: The public restrooms and showers at DEC’s Lake Durant Campground have been closed for renovation. They are expected to be reopened in time for the 2017 camping season.

** Stillwater Mountain Fire Tower: The Stillwater Mountain Fire Tower is closed to the public through December 20th.

Black River Wild forest: The third bridge on the Otter Lake – Brandy Lake Trail (approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead on State Route 28) has been flooded by beaver activity. The bridge and the trail on either side of it are under nearly two feet of water.

Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness: East Pond-Lost Creek Trail has been cleared of blowdown and vegetation has been cut back. Blackfoot Pond Trail off of the East-Pond Lost Creek Trail remains rough, grown in and may contain blowdown. The trail is difficult to follow at times. The sign at the junction of the trails is missing, the turn off to Blackfoot Pond is not readily marked or noticeable. DEC will be replace the sign soon.

Independence River Wild Forest: Water has been shut off at the Otter Creek Horse Trails Assembly Area.

East Stony Creek Trail: Hikers using the East Stony Creek Trail must park at the new trailhead parking area on Hope Falls Road and walk the 0.4 mile on the road to reach the East Stony Creek Trailhead. It is 5.1 miles from the new trailhead to Wilcox Lake and 6.0 miles from the new trailhead to the Harrisburg Road.

Tenant Creek Falls: A new trail has been built to Tenant Creek Falls from a new trailhead parking area on Hope Falls Road, 0.4 mile before the old trailhead. The old trail across private land is now closed. Hikers must use the new trail to Tenant Creek Falls and not trespass on private lands. The new trail is 0.9 mile from the new trailhead to the first falls, it is 2.1 miles to the second and third falls. The trail was constructed by an Adirondack Mountain Club Volunteer High School Group under DEC contract and direction. An ADA accessible outhouse at the new trailhead was constructed by DEC Northville Operations

Wilcox Lake Wild Forest: The North Bend Bridge on Oregon Trail is flooded but intact. Hikers will need to wade through water to enter and exit the bridge. The Ski Hi Road to Crane Mountain Trailhead was recently improved and is now drivable by all vehicles. It is recommended the public use this road to access the trailhead.

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

** Ticonderoga Ferry Closed For Season: The Fort Ticonderoga Ferry between Shoreham, Vermont and Ticonderoga ended its season on Monday due to low water levels. The Ti Ferry usually stops running October 31. It’s believed this is the first time in history the ferry has stopped operating due to low water. The ferry is expected to resume operations in the spring. The nearest Champlain crossing is the Champlain bridge, about 20 miles north; or the ferries from Essex to Charlotte; and from Plattsburgh to Grand Isle. The Port Kent to Burlington ferry ended for the season September 25th.

** Prospect Mountain: Prospect Mountain Veteran’s Memorial Parkway will remain open through Sunday, November 6, 2016 and will be open free of charge on November 5th and 6th.

Lake George Village: Lake George Beach (Million Dollar Beach), the Battlefield Picnic Area; and Lake George Battlefield Campground are now closed.

** Bears Active East of Lake George: Black bears have been very active at the camping areas east of Lake George. Bears are most active in the evening; cook, eat, and clean up before dusk. All food, toiletries and garbage must be stored in bear-resistant canisters. The use of bear-resistant canisters is recommended for overnight use elsewhere in the Adirondacks. More information about reducing encounters with black bears can be found here.

Gay Pond Road – Lake George Wild Forest: Gay Pond Road is open, but the road is heavily rutted from illegal use by four-wheel drive vehicles during the snowmobile season. Only high clearance vehicles should be used to traverse the road and even those should be used with caution.

Sable Highlands Conservation Easement Lands: Barnes Pond Road is open to public motor vehicle use, including access to the six designated primitive campsites along the road. The six designated campsites are marked with “Camp Here” discs and have privies, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campsites are scheduled for routine maintenance, but are in useable condition. Camping is permitted at designated sites only. A new parking area has been built off Franklin County Route 26 (aka Old Route 99) north of Loon Lake which provides access to the northern portion of the Plumadore-Inman Public Use Area. A 0.4-mile foot trail follows an old skid road east from the parking area, through a log landing, and continues on to access the banks of Plumadore Brook – a trout stream. The stream bank access point also provides scenic views of the Loon Lake Mountain Range to the west

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

** Saranac River: Channel markers in the sections of the Saranac River between Middle Saranac Lake and Lower Saranac and Second Pond and Oseetah Lake have been moved closer to direct boats to remain in the deeper waters in the center of the channel. Boaters should slow down and use caution when meeting and passing boats coming in the opposite direction.

** Saranac Locks: The Lower Locks on the Saranac Lakes Chain are closed until Spring 2017. Boats upstream of the locks can be removed from the water at the Second Pond Boat Launch along State Route 3. Boats downstream of the locks can be removed from the water at the Lake Flower Boat Launch in Saranac Lake.

** Kushaqua Tract Easement: 2.3 miles of Hunter’s Camp Road is newly open for public motor vehicle use. The road provides public access to the southern-most reaches of the tract for outdoor recreation. A designated parking area has been constructed at the end of section of road. A newly opened 115-foot path to a dock on the upper reaches of the North Branch of the Saranac River provides access for non-motorized watercraft to this trout stream. The path is located off the southern shoulder of the North Branch Road approximately 460 feet west of the North Branch Road Parking Area near intersection of Mountain Pond Road.

Madawaska Road -Santa Clara Tract Easement: Madawaska Road to Madawaska Pond from State Route 458 is once again open to public use by motor vehicle and bicycles. The road provides access to Madwaska Pond, Quebec Brook and the thousands of acres of surrounding forest preserve and conservation easement lands. The entrance to the road is on the south side of State Route 458, 1.25 miles west of the intersection with State Route 30. Currently, there is no sign to identify the road.

Black River Wild Forest: The bridge across the inlet to Little Woodhull Lake on the Little Woodhull Lake Trail is out. The stream may not be passable in times of high water. The third bridge on the Otter Lake – Brandy Lake Trail (approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead on State Route 28) has been flooded by beaver activity. The bridge and the trail on either side of it are under nearly two feet of water. Nick’s Lake Outlet Trail to Remsen Falls may be rough and grown in. Nelson Lake Loop Trail has several blowdown trees. The gate at the end of the Wolf Lake Landing Road has been vandalized. Motor vehicle access beyond the gate is prohibited except by permit. Bear Lake Trail is wet and muddy for the first mile from the trailhead on Wolf Lake Landing Road. Chubb Pond Trail east from the new bridge over Gull Lake outlet is muddy to Buck Pond. Most blowdown has been cleared from the first two miles of Twin Lakes Trail from the Farr Road, the trail is in poor shape beyond to the marsh.

Fulton Chain Wild Forest: Safford Pond Trail is flooded by beaver activity near the Safford Pond Inlet. The Scenic Mountain (aka Vista) Trail contains several blown downs.

Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness: Brown’s Tract Trail has been flooded by beavers between Tamarack lake and Bare Mountain, the trail is difficult to traverse. A culvert is washed out on the Big Otter Lake East Trail near Indian Brook. Also Big Otter Lake East Trail is flooded at South Inlet Flow but the trail remains passable. Moose River Mountain Trail has heavy blow down and is difficult to follow at times. Middle Settlement Lake Trail is flooded due to beaver activity between the Cedar Pond Trail and Middle Settlement Lake. East Pond-Lost Creek Trail between East Pond and the Big Otter Lake East Trail is rough, grown in and may contain blowdown. The trail is difficult to follow at times.

Independence River Wild Forest: Big Otter Lake Road is in very poor condition. Only 4 wheel drive trucks, SUVs or other high clearance vehicles should attempt to use the road. Little Otter Lake Road is wet, muddy, and thickly vegetated. Only 4 wheel drive trucks, SUVs or other high clearance vehicles should attempt to use the road. DEC plans to make improvements in November 2016. The southern half of McCarthy Road is rocky and muddy in some places. Only 4 wheel drive trucks, SUVs or other high clearance vehicles should attempt to use the road. Florence Pond Road south of Little Otter Creek has some mud holes. Only 4 wheel drive trucks, SUVs or other high clearance vehicles should attempt to use the road. Access to Catspaw Lake Road and Catspaw Lake should be done from the Van Arnum Road not the Patridgeville Road as the road is wet and rutted on that side. There is a mud hole on the east end of the Mt. Tom Trail (old route of both snowmobile and foot trails) near intersect with Silvermine Dam Trail/10 mile Crossing Road. Stillwater Mountain Fire Tower on Big Moose Tract Easement is being renovated and is not open to the public. The fire tower and access trail will be open later in summer 2016. Summer public access on the Big Moose Tract Easement is restricted to the fire tower trail which will open later this summer.

Otter Creek Horse Trail System: The Otter Creek Assembly Area is open for use but the water has been turned off for the season. Some horses will not cross the bridge over Otter Creek on Erie Canal Trail – they may ford the stream parallel to the bridge. The foot trail to Old Hotel campsite along the west side of Big Otter Lake is rutted from illegal vehicle use.

Pigeon Lake Wilderness: Approximately half of the Twitchell Lake Trail (7.5 miles to Beaver River Station) at the Twitchell Lake end has been cleared of blowdown. The bridge crossing over the Oswego Pond Outlet on the Twitchell Lake Trail has washed out. An old beaver den can be used to cross the outlet. Cascade Lake Trail is wet and very muddy on the north-west section of the trail around Cascade Lake. Be alert of trail reroutes. Chub Lake Trail between Constable Pond and Queer Lake Trail is rough and grown in.

Watson’s East: Bear Pond Road is open to public motor vehicle access as are all designated seasonal access road on the Croghan Tract and Oswegatchie Tract Easements. Access to the Oswegatchie Tract Easement via the Bryant Bridge Road is limited to those paddling on the easement lands. All others should use the Bald Mountain Road.

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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.