This weekly report of outdoor recreation conditions in the Adirondacks is compiled each Thursday afternoon and updated on Friday.

Contribute Your Knowledge: Add a comment below, or send your observations, corrections, updates, and suggestions to adkalmanack@gmail.com.

Learn and practice the seven Leave No Trace principles. Plan ahead and prepare. Carry out what you have carried in. Do not leave gear, food, or other items at lean-tos and campsites. Take the free online Leave No Trace course here.

BE PREPARED! Start slow, gain experience. Carry proper safety equipment and weather protection and bring plenty of water and lights, and a map. When on the trail, stay together, monitor the time, and be prepared to turn back. Be prepared to spend an unplanned night in the woods in cold temperatures. Accidents happen to the most experienced people. Always carry food, a space blanket, emergency whistle, first aid kit, fire making tools, extra clothing layers and socks, a map and compass, and the knowledge to use them. Inform someone of your itinerary and before entering the backcountry or launching a boat check the National Weather Service watches, warnings, and advisories here. Follow Adirondack weather forecasts at Burlington and Albany and consult the High Elevation, Recreation, or Lake Champlain forecasts.

February 27th, 2020 – SPECIAL NOTICES

BLIZZARD WARNING UNTIL 4 PM FRIDAY: Blizzard conditions are expected through 4 PM Friday in Northern Herkimer and Hamilton Counties including the cities of Big Moose, Eagle Bay, McKeever, Old Forge, Atwell, Nobleboro, Northwood, Long Lake, Sabattis, Hoffmeister, and Wells. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 18 inches for areas along and north of Route 28 including Old Forge and Indian Lake across the western Adirondacks. Wind gusts at or above 50 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow along with visibility to near zero at times. Travel could be very difficult to impossible due to the lake effect snows. Areas of blowing snow will produce near zero visibilities. The strong winds could cause some downed trees, tree limbs, and power lines resulting in isolated to scattered power outages. Snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour are possible. The combination of gusty winds and falling snow will result in whiteout conditions. Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. Check the latest National Weather Service local weather warnings, watches and advisories here.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY: Snow is expected through 4 pm Thursday in Western Essex, Southern Franklin and Western Clinton Counties. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, with locally up to 12 inches above 2,000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. Travel could be very difficult. Snow will be heavy and wet, which could cause localized power outages.

WIND ADVISORY: West winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected until midnight Thursday in Northern Fulton, Northern Saratoga and Northern and Southeast Warren Counties, including the cities of Bolton Landing, Johnsburg, North Creek, North River, Warrensburg, Hague, Caroga Lake. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

WINTER TRAIL CONDITIONS: There is deep snow around the region and full winter conditions with temperatures mostly in the teens and 20s this weekend, but remaining below zero on summits with windchills there in the 20s below zero Saturday (singel digits below zero Sunday). Expect to break trail above about 2,000 feet where there is several inches of fresh snow and no doubt new blowdown. Plan extra time.  There is deep snow, at least one to two feet around most of the Adirondacks and five to six feet in some areas at higher elevations where the risk of avalanches remains.  There has been recent rain, leaving icy trail conditions and some waters higher than normal for this time of year, but higher elevation crossings should remain covered.  Main stem river remain mostly open. Most lakes and ponds are iced over, and ice fishing is underway, but they are mostly covered with slush and fresh snow. Ice remains dangerously thin in places; parts of Lake George and Lake Champlain remain open. Check the latest National Weather Service local weather warnings, watches and advisories here. Check mountain forecasts here and here. Follow Adirondack weather forecasts at Burlington and Albany and consult the High Elevation, Recreation, or Lake Champlain forecasts.

AVALANCHE RISK: Snow depths on high elevation slopes in the High Peaks range from 4 to 6 feet. The current snow pack has distinct layers formed by rain and melt/freeze cycles. 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 conditions combine to create the proper conditions. While much of the 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. Avalanche danger increases during and immediately after major snowfalls and during thaws. Avalanches can have dire consequences which you can read about here. Take the following precautions when traveling in avalanche-prone terrain:

• Cross-country skiers and snowshoers should stay on trails and avoid 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 – only one person on the slope at a time;
• Ski and ride near trees – not in the center of slides or other open areas;
• Always carry a shovel, probes, and a transceiver with fresh batteries;
• Ensure all members of the group know avalanche rescue techniques;
• Never travel alone; and
• Notify someone about where you are going.

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

BACK COUNTRY ACCESS ROADS: Many back country access are closed around the region. Expect all backcountry and seasonal roads to be snow covered and icy. Roads that are closed, or recently reopened, are listed below in the Recent Changes by region.

ICE, SNOW, SKI AND SNOWMOBILE REPORT (2/27/2020)

SNOW COVER: There is about 1-2 feet of snow covering most of the Adirondack Park at most lower elevations, with 3 to 4 feet or more in Northern Herkimer and Northern Hamilton Counties by Saturday. In Southeastern Warren County, and along the Lake  Champlain and Lake George Valleys, there is about 8-12 inches.  Deepest amounts of snow can be found in the Western Adirondacks and at higher elevations. Expect at least 2-4 feet of snow this weekend at about 2,500 feet and 4 or 6 feet at the highest elevations of the High Peaks and portions of the Western Adirondacks. There is about 4 feet of snow at Lake Colden (2,764 feet) in the High Peaks. The most recent snow depths in inches reported in around the Adirondacks can be found here.

DOWNHILL FACILITIES: Although fast, and cold at higher elevations, downhill ski conditions will be very good through the weekend. Nearly all terrain is open, including many glades, although slides remain closed. The following reports are from Thursday:

Oak Mountain (Speculator) and Mt Pisgah (Saranac Lake) are open, as are the region’s smaller ski sledding hills.

Whiteface (87 trails open, 9 lifts, 97% terrain open, about 8 inches of new snow over the last week)

Gore Mountain (64 trails open, 7 lifts, 66% of terrain, about 5 inches of new snow over the last week)

Titus (50 trails open, 6 lifts, about 7 inches of snow over the last week). *Updated Friday.

McCauley Mountain Ski Area (20 trails open, 2 lifts, about 3 inches of new snow this past week).

CLASSIC CROSS-COUNTRY SKI REPORT: Conditions have been mostly packed powder and icy in places, but a few inches of fresh (though wet) snow has fallen for the weekend and combined with colder temperatures should provide a return to fast conditions. Garnet Hill got the most of the snow to the west, and will have some of the best conditions this weekend. All of the region’s ski facilities will be open with nearly all terrain open, including: Cascade, Mount Van Hoevenberg, Dewey Mountain, at the Paul Smiths VIC, the Tupper Lake trails, at Garnet Hill and Lapland Lake.

BACK-COUNTRY SKI REPORT: There is very good cover most everywhere, although conditions may be crusty and fast, with some icy areas on the most popular routes. All trails remain skiable. The Marcy Dam Truck trail remains a better option, than the Loj hiking trail. Avalanche Pass and the VanHoevenberg Trail are skiable. The Jackrabbit Trail is skiable its length. Updates with more detailed conditions in the Tri-Lakes and High Peaks area can be found here, courtesy the Adirondack Ski Touring Council / Barkeater Trails Alliance.

SNOWMOBILE REPORT: Snowmobile trails are open around the Adirondacks but conditions are currently wet east of Hamilton County. The best riding this weekend will be in Northern Herkimer and Northern Hamilton Counties, but their will be good riding around the region. Stay right, beware of icy areas, and water holes and wet spots. Do not ride on closed trails. Riding lake ice is not safe. Local snowmobile trail reports are listed below by region.

LAKES, RIVERS AND STREAMS REPORT (2/27/2020)

WATERS MOSTLY NORMAL: Stem rivers remain open, although slightly above normal for this time of year. Higher elevation streams are mostly at about normal levels for this time of year. Lakes and ponds are mostly iced over and ice fishing is underway, but ice remains dangerously thin in places, and Lake Champlain and Lake George remain open. Check the latest National Weather Service local weather warnings, watches and advisories here.

THIN ICE: Ice can be dangerously thin. Numerous people and vehicles have gone through the ice this season around the Adirondacks. Several rescues have been made. Check the depth of ice frequently if you do cross.

STREAM GAGES: The following streamgage readings were observed on Thursday afternoon. Streamgage readings can be affected by snow and ice. Follow the latest river forecasts here and USGS stream gages here. Check the latest National Weather Service local weather watches, warnings and advisories here.

Moose River at McKeever – 3.98 ft (2/27): 4.50 ft (2/20)
Raquette River at Piercefield – 4.98 ft (2/27): 4.96 ft (2/20)
AuSable River at Ausable Forks – 1.60 ft (2/27): 1.78 ft (2/20)
Hudson River at North Creek – 3.17 ft (2/27): 3.23 ft (2/20)
Schroon River at Riverbank (Route 11) – 3.03 ft (2/27): 2.90 ft (2/20)
Lake Champlain North of Whitehall – 95.97 ft (2/27): 96.14 ft (2/20)

SEASONAL AND SAFETY NOTICES

CHECK THE WEATHER: Inform someone of your itinerary and before entering the backcountry or launching a boat check the National Weather Service watches, warnings, and advisories here. Follow Adirondack weather forecasts at Burlington and Albany and consult the High Elevation, Recreation, or Lake Champlain forecasts.

SUN AND MOON SATURDAY: Sunrise Saturday in Lake Placid will be at 6:33 am and sunset at 5:43 pm, providing 11 hours and 10 minutes of sunlight. The Moon will rise at 9:26 am Saturday morning, and set at 11:42 pm, Saturday night. The moon will be about 32% illuminated.

FIRE DANGER: The fire danger is LOW. An unattended campfire is suspected of being the cause of a small wildfire recently in the Giant Mountain Wilderness. Use care with open fires, never leave an even smoldering fire unattended. Check the DEC Fire Danger Risk Map for the latest fire conditions.

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 can expire quickly. Plan and prepare carefully before entering the backcountry and always carry a map and compass – and know how to use them.

KEEP PETS LEASHED: Keep your pet under control. Restrain your pet on a leash when others approach. Collect and bury droppings away from water, trails and camp sites. Keep your pet away from drinking water sources. 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. Dogs should be kept leashed everywhere in the Adirondack Park for the safety of your dog, the protection of wildlife and rare plants, and out of courtesy to fellow recreationists.

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 (which now includes the former Dix Mountain 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.

DRONES: Drones are motorized equipment and the operation of drones on lands classified as Wilderness, Primitive, or Canoe is prohibited.

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.

BIKE TRAILS: Stewards for the region’s bike trails are asking riders to follow trail reports closely and stay off wet trails. Reports of mountain bike trail conditions in the Wilmington Wild Forest, Saranac Lakes Wild Forest, and networks in the Adirondack Tri-Lakes Region are reported by BETA on TrailForks.com.

AVOID MINES AND CAVES WHERE BATS ARE PRESENT: DEC has urged outdoor adventurers to suspend exploration of cave and mine sites that may serve as seasonal homes for hibernating bats. Human disturbances are especially harmful to the State’s bat population since the arrival of the disease known as white-nose syndrome, which has killed more than 90 percent of bats at hibernation sites in New York. All posted notices restricting the use of caves and mines should be followed. If you encounter hibernating bats while underground, DEC encourages you to leave the area as quickly and quietly as possible. 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 more here.

REPORT MOOSE SIGHTINGS: DEC is asking the public to report moose sightings and observations. DEC and its research partners use these public sightings as indices of moose distribution and abundance in New York. This is part of a multi-year research project to obtain information on the status of New York State’s moose population, health of the moose, and the factors that influence moose survival and reproductive rate. Use the moose sighting form.

RECENT CHANGES IN THE ADIRONDACK BACKCOUNTRY

* indicates new or recent items.

HIGH PEAKS REGION
Including Dix Mountain, Giant Mountain, Hurricane Mountain, Jay Mountain, McKenzie Mountain, Sentinel Range Wildernesses, Lake Placid, and Wilmington
These are recent changes, older changes for this area can be found here.

** Cummings Road Closure Planned (Lake Placid): A portion of Cummings Road between Wesvalley Road and Main Street in Lake Placid is expected to be reduced to one lane in May, and completely from June to late November or early December. ORDA is expected to provide more details by May 11th, with the road closing June 9th. ORDA is building a “spectator tunnel” beneath Cummings Road, to connect the Herb Brooks Arena to the Olympic Speedskating Oval. The road is expected to reopen by Dec. 21. More information about the project can be found online.

Whiteface Uphill Skiers: Uphill skiers must follow the designated daily uphill route, skiers are required to stay on the designated routes. The daily routes are announced here.

Snowmobile Trails (2/27): Snowmobile trails are open with good cover in Western Essex County, less good cover in Eastern Essex County. Beware of icy areas, wet spots, and recent blowdown.

* Lake Colden Caretaker Report (2/26): 43 inches (110 cm) of snow is present at the stake at the cabin. 6-7 feet (180-215 cm) of snow is present in the higher elevations. Snow depths will be much deeper this weekend. Use skis or snowshoes is required on all trails in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness and strongly recommended for all of the High Peaks Region. Trail conditions are excellent for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Backcountry skiers must be aware of avalanche risk and know how to determine avalanche danger, avoid avalanches, and self-rescue if caught in an avalanche.

* Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden (2/26): Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are being crossed, avoid the inlets and outlets, especially the outlet of Avalanche Lake.

Bike Trails: Stewards for the region’s bike trails are asking riders to follow trail reports closely and stay off wet trails. Reports of mountain bike trail conditions in the Wilmington Wild Forest, Saranac Lakes Wild Forest, and networks in the Adirondack Tri-Lakes Region are reported by BETA on TrailForks.com.

Route 73: Parking is prohibited on a four-mile section of State Route 73 between Chapel Pond and the Rooster Comb Trailhead, especially near the AMR and and Roaring Brook Parking area (trailhead for Giant), and the climbing areas north of Chapel Pond. Parking is still be allowed at trailheads and other designated pull-offs. Hikers can discover and visit numerous hiking opportunities in the area or visit on weekdays when there is less demand. Hikes Outside the Adirondack High Peaks lists a dozen alternate hikes.

2020 High Peaks Hiker Shuttles Planned: Plans are in the works to create two new hiker shuttle routes connecting parking lots and trailheads in the High Peaks during the coming hiking season. The existing Marcy Field – Garden Trailhead Shuttle will also operate. The new shuttles will also begin at Marcy Field. One is expected to Southeast on Route 73 to the junction of Route 9 (Dysfunction Junction), presumably with stops at Adirondac Loj and the Garden Trailhead. The second shuttle will connect with the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sporting Complex encompassing the trail heads for Cascade, Porter, Giant, the Dix Range, at Roaring Brook, PItchoff and Rooster Comb. The shuttles are expected to run most days from the end of the school year in June through Labor Day, and then weekends and holidays until about Columbus Day

Garden-Porter Mtn. Trail – Cascade Mtn.: The Porter and Little Porter Trail from the Garden in Keene remain closed due to the decision of a private landowner. A reroute is being planned. As this will limit access to Cascade via Porter – further crowding the Route 73 Cascade trailhead – approach Porter Mountain via the trail from Marcy Field until the reroute is complete.

Ausable Club / Adirondack Mountain Reserve: Parking is prohibited along the Ausable Club Road and at the trailhead. Hikers planning to use the AMR parking lots and hike any of the nearby trails should identify alternate hikes before arriving as the lots will fill quickly this weekend.

Owls Head: Owls Head in Keene is open to hikers mid-week only. The public is prohibited from parking on the private road leading to the trailhead between 4 pm Friday and 7 am Monday. The trail to the summit of Owls Head is not an official DEC trail nor is there an easement for public use of the trail. Public use of the trail is at the landowner’s discretion.

** Mt. Van Hoevenberg (1/23): The new Van Hoevenberg East Trail cannot be accessed due to construction activity at the Olympic Sports Center. The new Mt. Van Hoevenberg Summit Trail in the High Peaks Wilderness (accessed from the Olympic Sports Complex), has been temporarily rerouted due to construction. The trail starts at the Biathlon building just past the overpass, goes over the overpass and then winds its way up through the cross-country ski trails before joining the new Mt. Van Hoevenberg Summit Trail (a.k.a. the Mt. Van Hoevenberg East Trail). The distance is currently about .7 longer to the summit – 2.4 miles rather than the 1.7 miles it was before construction got underway. The trail climbs about 920 feet to the 2,940-feet summit in the High Peaks Wilderness. Hikers may also reach the summit using the traditional 2.2-mile (4.4-mile round trip) Mt. Van Hoevenberg West Trail which begins at the trailhead on Meadows Lane.

Upper Works Improvements Planned (2020): The Open Space Institute has announced improvements at Tahawus and the Upper Works Trailhead which provides southern access to the High Peaks from Newcomb. Plans include expanding the Upper Works Trailhead parking area; renovating the now stabilized MacNaughton Cottage, built in 1845; providing space for guide equipment; adding additional interpretive signage, and continuing preservation efforts at the blast furnace. You can read more about OSI’s effort to increase High Peaks access from Newcomb at Adirondack Explorer. Read about the history of the area here at Adirondack Almanack and learn what’s been happening over the last few years here.

** Boreas Ponds (1/23): Gulf Brook Road is closed to public motor vehicle use until after the spring mud season and necessary repairs are made. It is skiable, but there are washouts. A large washout is present about a half mile from the Blue Ridge Road – the washout can be problematic to traverse but is passable. There are several smaller washouts along the road that are easily traversed. The there is some blowdown on the road but all of it is easy to pass around.

** Corey’s Road (2/13): Corey’s Road is open to the Seward Trailhead. Only Four-wheel drive vehicles should use the road. Do not block the road when parking. Bring a shovel and be prepared to shovel out off-road parking spots and your vehicle when you return from your hike or ski.

East River Trail (11/7): Opalescent Bridge has been washed out along the East River Trail to Allen/Hanging Spear Falls. River is impassable at this time.

Calamity Brook Trail (11/7): Calamity Brook Trail has several bridges out. Some sections may be impassable.

* Giant Mountain Wilderness (1/2): There is a large tree across the Rocky Peak Ridge Trail. It is easy to step or slide over the tree trunk.

* Big Slide via the Brothers (12/26): There are 4-5 mid-size trees down at various locations on the Big Slide via the Brothers Trail. It is easy to get around, over, or under them.

Elk Lake Conservation Easement: Trails through the Elk Lake Conservation Easement to the Dix Mountain Range and Panther Gorge are open to public use. Elk Lake Road is open to the Clear Pond Gate. This will add four miles round trip to hikes. Plan accordingly.

Bradley Pond Trail – Upper Works (5/23): The roadway on the Bradley Pond Trail has been washed out by the Harkness Lake Outlet approximately a half mile from the parking lot. Hikers will be unable to cross the outlet when water levels are high.

Ouluska Brook Bridge: The bridge over Ouluska Brook on the Northville-Placid Trail has collapsed into the brook. Crossing the brook is possible only during low water conditions.

WESTERN ADIRONDACKS
Including Aldrich Pond Wild Forest, Bog River Complex, Cranberry Lake Wild Forest, Five Ponds & Pepperbox Wildernesses, Watson’s East Triangle Wild Forest, William C. Whitney & Round Lake Wilderness
These are recent changes, older changes for this area can be found here.

** St. Lawrence County Snowmobile Trails (2/27): St. Lawrence County trails are open and in very good condition. Beware of icy areas, wet spots, and recent blowdown. St. Lawrence County Snowmobile Association provides trail conditions reports here.

Lake Lila Road / William C. Whitney Wilderness: Lake Lila Road is closed to motor vehicles for the season.

Lows Lower Dam (2020): A major dam rehabilitation project is currently being planned for the Lows Lower Dam (aka Bog River Dam) – the paddlers access site for Hitchens Pond and Lows Lake. The project will likely begin in Spring of 2020. Possible impacts to public access include: Temporary road and access closures; Traffic controls including flag persons, construction fence, etc.; Shared road/parking areas with construction vehicles; Different parking, drop-off, and launching schemes; Increased informational signage. More details will be provided as they become available.

Aldrich Pond Wild Forest: All seasonal access roads, including Streeter Lake Road, are open to public motor vehicle access.

Bog River Complex: All seasonal access roads are open to public motor vehicle use including the access road to Lows Lake/Hitchens Pond Waterway Access Site.

NORTHWESTERN ADIRONDACKS
Including Grass River Complex, Raquette Boreal Complex, Whitehill Wild Forest, Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest,
These are recent changes, older changes for this area can be found here.

** St. Lawrence County Snowmobile Trails (2/27): St. Lawrence County trails are open and in good condition. Beware of icy areas, wet spots, and recent blowdown. St. Lawrence County Snowmobile Association provides trail conditions reports here.

Grass River Complex: The roads are in reasonable but no maintenance has been done at this time. Only high clearance vehicles are appropriate for use at this time. Caution should be used when driving on the roads. The Pleasant Lake Access Road on the Grass River Conservation Easement Tract and the Allen Pond and Spruce Mountain Access Roads on the Tooley Pond Conservation Easement are all open to public motor vehicle use.

NORTHERN ADIRONDACKS
Including the Saranac Lake and Paul Smith’s Area, DeBar Mountain Wild Forest, Kushaqua Tract, Santa Clara Tract, Saranac Lakes and the St. Regis Canoe Area
These are recent changes, older changes for this area can be found here.

** Lake Flower Boat Launch Closed: The Lake Flower Boat Launch is closed to public use until construction of an accessible full-service restroom is completed. Boaters will need to use the Second Pond Boat Launch and the Lower Lock to access Kiwassa Lake, Oseetah Lake, Lake Flower, and portions of the Saranac River until completion of the project. The restroom will be built in the western corner of the boat launch property near the sidewalk along River Street and is expected to be ready for use during next year’s boating season. The facility, with restrooms for both men and women, will have four toilets and two sinks.

Bike Trails: Stewards for the region’s bike trails are asking riders to follow trail reports closely, and stay off wet trails. Reports of mountain bike trail conditions in the Wilmington Wild Forest, Saranac Lakes Wild Forest, and networks in the Adirondack Tri-Lakes Region are reported by BETA on TrailForks.com.

Kushaqua Tract: Mountain Pond Road is open for motor vehicle use.

NORTHEASTERN ADIRONDACKS
Including Chazy Highlands Wild Forest, Lake Champlain Islands Complex, Sable Highlands Tract, Taylor Pond Complex, Wilmington Wild Forest, Five Mile Conservation Easement Tract, Gold Mine Conservation Easement Tract
These are recent changes, older changes for this area can be found here.

Bike Trails: Stewards for the region’s bike trails are asking riders to follow trail reports closely, and stay off wet trails. Reports of mountain bike trail conditions in the Wilmington Wild Forest, Saranac Lakes Wild Forest, and networks in the Adirondack Tri-Lakes Region are reported by BETA on TrailForks.com.

** S83 Snomobile Trail (1/23): A section of the S83 Snowmobile Trail is closed north of the Goldsmith Road this winter due to logging activity.

SOUTHWESTERN ADIRONDACKS
Including the Old Forge Area, Black River Wild Forest, Fulton Chain Wild Forest, Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness, Independence River Wild Forest, Pigeon Lake Wilderness
These are recent changes, older changes for this area can be found here.

* Webb and Inlet Snowmobile Trail System (2/27): The Town of Webb & Inlet Snowmobile Trail System has GOOD to FAIR conditions overall with 2” of new, wet snow on up to 6” of packed base. The surface coverage is softened by recent rain and moderate temps, and coverage is thin is some areas. Watch for areas of water collecting in low spots. Riding lake ice is not safe. Webb and Inlet snowmobile trail conditions reports are located here.

* Big Moose & Brantingham (2/27): West of the Webb and Inlet Trail System is open with good conditions.

** Town of Wells (2/28): West River Road which accesses Whitehouse and the Northville -Placid Trail is a seasonal road and in unmaintained 12/1 through 4/1.

* Black River Wild Forest (1/9): The bridge across Little Woodhull Creek on the Stone Dam Trail has washed out, likely due to Halloween flood.

* Black River Wild Forest (2/28): All seasonal access roads are closed to public motor vehicle use until after the spring mud season. Designated snowmobile trails are open.

* Wolf Lake Landing Road (11/4): The Wolf Lake Landing Road in McKeever has sustained some erosion from the October 31, storm. It is passable with high clearance 4wd vehicles. The roadway may still be soft in places, stay in the center of roadway surface.

* Fulton Chain Wild Forest (11/6): The Safford Pond Snowmobile Trail has experienced a large beaver dam failure approximately one-quarter mile north of Safford Pond Road, at the Safford Pond inlet. The trail is impassable there.

Independence River Wild Forest Trails: The Erie Canal Trail Bridge over Otter Creek has been damaged and is closed indefinitely. Horses may ford Otter Creek at the old bridge site.

WEST CENTRAL ADIRONDACKS
Including Blue Mountain Wild Forest, Township 19 Easement, Township 20 Easement, Blue Ridge Wilderness, Moose River Plains Complex, Perkins Clearing/Speculator Tree Farm Easement, Sargent Ponds Wild Forest, West Canada Lakes Wilderness, Cedarland Conservation Easement, Jessup River Wild Forest
These are recent changes, older changes for this area can be found here.

* Snowmobile Trails (2/27): The trails at Raquette Lake, Long Lake and Indian Lake are open, and in good condition, and being groomed. The main road through the Moose River Plains is open to snowmobiles and in good condition. The 7th Mountain Lake Snowmobile Trail is in good condition. Beware of icy areas, wet spots, and recent blowdown. More detailed Raquette Lake and Long Lake snowmobile trail conditions reports are located here.

* Webb and Inlet Snowmobile Trail System (2/27): The Town of Webb & Inlet Snowmobile Trail System has GOOD to FAIR conditions overall with 2” of new, wet snow on up to 6” of packed base. The surface coverage is softened by recent rain and moderate temps, and coverage is thin is some areas. Watch for areas of water collecting in low spots. Riding lake ice is not safe. Webb and Inlet snowmobile trail conditions reports are located here.

* Speculator Tree Farm/Perkins Clearing (2/27): All designated snowmobile trails are open except for the north end of Perkins Clearing Road which will be use as a haul road for timber operations this winter. Access from the north can be had from the Mason Lake Parking area and the S82C/Old Telephone Line Trail (also known as Old Indian Lake Road). A east-west bypass has been built between Carpenter Hill Road and C4/C8 Big Brook Trail.

* Eighth Lake Campground (1/16): Reservations are open for the May 15th start of the camping season at DEC’s Eighth Lake Campground in Inlet, Hamilton County.

* Speculator Tree Farm (12/9): Gates to Cave Hill Road (C4 snowmobile trail) are open.

* Speculator Tree Farm/Perkins Clearing (12/12): The Brister Brook Parking Area is closed this winter due to damage from the Halloween Storm. The Town of Lake Pleasant has created a larger parking area off NYS Rt 30 near the turn for Jessup River Road.

* West Canada Lakes Wilderness (12/12): All seasonal access roads on adjacent private, Wild Forest, and Conservation Easement lands are closed.

Blue Mountain: The access road to the radio towers on Blue Mountain is a private road. The use of the road by people other than authorized personnel with administrative duties is prohibited and is considered trespassing.

Blue Mountain Wild Forest: The O’Neill Flow and Barker Pond Roads are open for public motor vehicle use.

Township 19 Conservation Easement Lands (12/12): Logging operations will continue this winter on the Township 19 Conservation Easement Lands. Snowmobilers will be sharing the roads with logging trucks and other equipment. Be alert and proceed with caution.

* Blue Ridge Wilderness: The bridge across Rock Pond is out. Cascade Pond and the Cascade Pond Lean-To can now only be accessed via the Wilson Pond and Crossover Trail or via the Northville-Placid Trail.

EAST CENTRAL ADIRONDACKS
Including Indian Lake, Newcomb, Camp Santanoni, Essex Chain Lakes, Hoffman Notch, Hudson Gorge, Jessup River, Siamese Ponds and the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest
These are recent changes, older changes for this area can be found here.

* Snowmobile Trails (2/27): The trails at Raquette Lake, Long Lake and Indian Lake are open, and in good condition, and being groomed. Beware of icy areas, wet spots, and recent blowdown. The main road through the Moose River Plains is open to snowmobiles and in good condition. The 7th Mountain Lake Snowmobile Trail is in good condition. More detailed Raquette Lake and Long Lake snowmobile trail conditions reports are located here.

** Gasoline Limited (2/1): The One Stop on Route 30 is no longer selling gasoline (likely for the remainder of the winter). Gasoline is available at Stewart’s near the intersection of Routes 30 and 28.

* Indian Lake (1/1): Crotched Pond Road is closed due to washouts.

* Great Camp Santanoni Winter Weekends: The grounds of Great Camp Santanoni in Newcomb will be host one more designated Winter Weekend, when the rustic historic site is staffed with guides offering tours, and snowshoes are provided at the gate for the ten-mile round trip: March 14 and 15. A 9.8-mile round trip cross-country ski or snowshoe requires moderate physical activity. More information about Great Camp Santanoni and the upcoming winter weekends is available online.

* Essex Chain Lakes Complex (12/12): All seasonal access roads are closed to public motor vehicle use until after the spring mud season.

* Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest (1/23): Blowdown is present on the recently built Wolf Pond Trail.

Goodnow Flow Road: Goodnow Flow Road is a private road beyond the intersection with the Chain Lakes Road North and should not be used by the public.

Siamese Ponds Wilderness: The former site of the 55 foot bridge over the East Branch of the Sacandaga River on the Botheration Pond Loop Trail is now a foot crossing (rock hopping). Hikers may have trouble crossing during times of high water following heavy rain or during spring snow melt. During winter wear trail crampons and use hiking poles with steel or carbide tips when traversing ice covered rocks. A 30-foot bridge on the Puffer Pond Trail over a tributary to the Thirteenth Lake south of the lake has collapsed and cannot be crossed (2018).

EASTERN ADIRONDACKS
Including Hammond Pond Wild Forest, North Creek, Schroon Lake, the Lake George Valley, Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, Lake Champlain, Split Rock Wild Forest, and Champlain Area Trails Society Trails
These are recent changes, older changes for this area can be found here.

** Cook Mountain Trail Closure (1/28): Lake George Land Conservancy has closed the Ridges Trail to the summit at Cook Mountain Preserve (at Baldwin, on Lake George in the Town of Ticonderoga) due to downed trees and the theft of trail markers. The lower loop trail remains open.

** Northern Warren County Snowmobile Trails (2/27): Snowmobile trails are open in Northern Warren County and are generally good condition. Beware of icy areas, wet spots, and recent blowdown. Use extreme caution in the area of Watering Tub Road. Northern Warren Trailblazers Trail Conditions can be found online here.

** Southern Warren County Snowmobile Trails (2/27): Snowmobile are open in Southern Warren County, but cover in thin in places. Beware of icy areas, wet spots, and recent blowdown. The trail down the backside of Prospect Mountain remains closed. South Warren Snowmobile Club Trail Conditions can be found online here.

Ticonderoga Ferry: The Ticonderoga Ferry is closed for the 2019 season.

* Rogers Rock Campsite (1/30): DEC has announced that campers and day-users will now be able to make online reservations for group camp sites at the Rogers Rock Campground and Day Use Area.

Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Parkway: Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Parkway is closed for the season.

Lake George Wild Forest (12/12): All seasonal access roads are closed to public motor vehicle use. Designated snowmobile trails will open as snow allows. Shelving Rock Road is open. Dacy Clearing Road is closed to automobile traffic at the Hogtown Parking Lot. The gates on Notch Lane in the nearby Mt. Tom State Forest are locked due to icy road conditions and will remain so until there is at least a foot of snow.

SOUTHERN ADIRONDACKS
Including Ferris Lake Wild Forest, Shaker Mountain Wild Forest, Silver Lake Wilderness, Wilcox Lake Wild Forest
These are recent changes, older changes for this area can be found here.

* Shaker Mountain Wild Forest (1/9): Tolmantown Road is a seasonal road and is unmaintained 12/1 through 4/1.

* Shaker Mountain Wild Forest (1/2): Green Lake Road which accesses Kane Mountain Trailhead is temporarily closed due to downed trees and powerlines from the recent icy weather.

* Wilcox Lake Wild Forest (12/12): Spruce Mountain Trail is open for public use.

* Silver Lake Wilderness (12/1): is a seasonal road and is not maintained 12/1 through 4/1.

Jockeybush Lake Trail: Hikers on the Jockeybush Lake Trail may have difficulty crossing the Jockeybush Lake Outlet during high waters following periods of rain.

Northville Placid Trail: The trail is brushy between Silver Lake and Mud Lake and may be difficult to follow in areas.

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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; active alerts are updated by noon Friday here.

This weekly report of outdoor recreation conditions in the Adirondacks is compiled by Adirondack Almanack founder and editor John Warren for publication each Thursday afternoon. John’s condensed version for radio can be heard Friday mornings on 93-3 /102.1 The Mix and the stations of North Country Public Radio.

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.