DEC Contact: Kendra Ormerod (518) 897-1239 Kendra.Ormerod@dec.ny.gov March 06, 2024
|
|
DEC ISSUES SPRING CONDITIONS ADVISORY FOR ADIRONDACKSHikers Advised to Avoid High Elevation Trails Due to Unstable Spring Conditions |
|
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today urged outdoor recreationists to postpone high elevation activities due to unstable spring conditions. With one of the warmest winters on record, current conditions are typically encountered in late-March to mid-April. Recreationists are advised to prepare for thinner snowpack on trails, deteriorating and variable depth snow alongside and off-trail, poor quality ice, slippery trails, and high-water crossings. As snow and ice continue to melt at high elevations, steep trails can pose a serious danger to hikers.
“With the lack of a true North Country winter and a marginal snowpack, trails in the High Peaks Region are proving difficult to navigate,” said Forest Ranger Director John Solan. “Over the last couple of weeks, Forest Rangers were busy responding to numerous backcountry rescues due to icy conditions. Trail conditions will continue to decline as spring weather prevails and April approaches.” Despite recent warm weather, high elevation trails are still covered in slowly melting ice and snow. These steep trails feature thin soils that become a mix of ice and mud as winter conditions melt and frost leaves the ground. The remaining compacted ice and snow on trails is rotten, slippery, and will not reliably support weight. These conditions, known as "monorails," are difficult to hike and the adjacent rotten snow is particularly prone to post-holing. Hikers are advised to take extreme caution even on low-elevation trails. Hikers will encounter variable conditions such as ice, thick mud, flooded areas, and deep, slushy snow. Backcountry streams are particularly susceptible to high waters and flooding due to consistently melting snow from high elevations mixing with spring rainfall. Hikers should not attempt stream crossings during periods of high, fast-moving water. The stream water is very cold and hikers who fall in can become immediately hypothermic. DEC Forest Rangers recently led three long, arduous rescues in the high elevations of the Eastern Zone of the High Peaks Wilderness Complex. More about recent rescue efforts here.
Visit the DEC website for a great list of alternative, low-elevation hikes. Check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for weekly updates on backcountry conditions and seasonal recreation information for the Adirondacks. Love our NY lands this spring by finding alternate forms of sustainable outdoor recreation, always practicing Leave No TraceTM, and giving back through volunteer work and stewardship. |
|
###
|