They say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, and this weekend we’re definitely seeing the “lion” portion of the weather in the Adirondacks. Please see below for information on all the forecasts, avalanches, and everything else you need to know to have a safe and rewarding outing.
Significant Weather Notices for Friday & Snow Throughout the Weekend
Here’s the current forecast:
- Crown Point: Fri 26° and mostly cloudy, Sat 24° and mostly cloudy, Sun 30° and mostly sunny
- Indian Lake: Fri 26° and snow showers, Sat 15° and mostly cloudy, Sun 24° and mostly sunny
- Lake George: Fri 32° and mostly cloudy, Sat 28° and partly cloudy, Sun 35° and partly cloudy
- Lake Placid: Fri 19° and snow showers, Sat 14° and cloudy, Sun 21° and partly cloudy
- Malone: Fri 23° and snow showers, Sat 18° and cloudy, Sun 23° and partly cloudy
- North Creek: Fri 24° and cloudy, Sat 18° and partly cloudy, Sun 26° and partly cloudy
- Saranac Lake: Fri 16° and cloudy, Sat 15° and cloudy, Sun 23° and partly cloudy
- Ticonderoga: Fri 29° and cloudy, Sat 24° and mostly cloudy, Sun 30° and mostly sunny
If you’re hiking today (Friday the 28th) you’ll especially need to pay attention to these weather notices:
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for the Western and Central Adirondacks through 4pm on Friday. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 18 inches are predicted for areas along and north of Route 28, including Old Forge and Indian Lake across the Western Adirondacks. Wind gusts at or above 50 miles per hour will produce blowing and drifting snow along with visibility to near zero at times.
The National Weather Service has issued a lake effect snow warning for the Northwestern Adirondacks through 4pm Friday. Total snow accumulations are forecasted at 9 to 16 inches with winds gusting as high as 45 miles per hour.
In addition, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the remainder of the Adirondacks through 4pm today. Total snow accumulations should be 3 to 6 inches, with up to 12 inches above 2,000 feet. Winds will gust as high as 45 miles per hour.
As far as the current snow depths go, snow is currently 1 to 2 feet deep across most of the Adirondacks. Snow depths range from 6 to 12 inches in the Southeastern, Northeastern, and very Eastern Adirondacks.
Snow depths are 5 to 7 feet deep above 3,000 feet. Significant additional snow is forecast for much of the Adirondacks during the next few days. We can expect the following:
- Up to 2 feet in the Western Adirondacks and above 3,000 feet in the High Peaks Region
- 10 to 18 inches in the Northwestern and Central Adirondacks and above 2,000 feet
- 6 to 12 inches in the Northern and Southern Adirondacks
- Less than 6 inches in the Northeastern, Eastern, and Southeastern Adirondacks
Temperatures and wind chills are below freezing at the summits. Cover all exposed skin. Winds will be stronger on summits and exposed outlets. Summit conditions are icy and warrant the use of trail crampons. Snow depths below the tree line and in other protected areas will be much deeper than snow depths at the trailhead. Weather is unpredictable at the mountain summits. Be prepared to turn around.
Check for weather updates before you head out:
Here’s the National Weather Service info >>
You can also check NY Mesonow >>
See forecasts for specific mountains >>
Check here for info on snow conditions >>
What to Know About Avalanche Risks
More than a foot of snowfall and extreme winds are forecast to occur during the current winter storm in higher elevations. Fresh snow and winds increase the risk of avalanche events in the High Peaks Region and other high elevation mountains. Know how to determine avalanche danger, avoid avalanches, and self-rescue if caught in an avalanche.
Read the official DEC press release on the current avalanche risk >>
Learn about avalanche awareness and how to stay safe >>
Call for Help in 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 at 518.891.0235.
Be Prepared With Proper Footwear
The use of snowshoes or skis is required in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness and recommend on all trails throughout the Adirondacks at this time. Trail crampons (foot traction devices) should be carried on all hikes and used when warranted.
Current Trail Conditions
Trails throughout most of the Adirondacks will be covered in fresh snow. Trail conditions are very good to excellent for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in all but the Northeastern, Eastern, and Southeastern Adirondacks where conditions should be good.
Remember that it takes more time and energy to break trail through deep, fresh snow. Plan accordingly.
If you’re hiking or skiing along designated snowmobile trails watch and listen for snowmobiles and move to the side to allow them to safely pass.
Practice Leave No Trace
Follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace, which includes respecting wildlife, disposing of waste properly, and more.
Learn about the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace >>
Stay Safe Near Waterbodies
Ice has formed on most waterways. A couple inches of layers of water, slush, and thin ice is present above the ice and below the snow on most water bodies. Always check the thickness of ice before traveling across it, and avoid ice over running water, inlets, and outlets.
Continue to Use Caution at Water Crossings
Be safe at water crossings and on trails along fast flowing brooks and rivers. Rocks and other surfaces may be covered with ice from splashing water. Wear crampons and use steel or carbide pointed hiking sticks.
For the Snowmobilers
Trail conditions are good to excellent throughout most the Adirondacks. Check local trail status and conditions before going. Trail conditions will improve with the additional snow forecasted, except in the Northeastern, Eastern, and Southeastern Adirondacks.
Watch for skiers and snowshoers using snowmobile trails and slow down to safely pass them. Always yield to snowmobile trail groomers.
View the NYSSA Snowmobile Webmap >>
Leave the Drones at Home
Drones are motorized equipment and operating drones on lands classified as wilderness, primitive, or canoe is prohibited.
The DEC is Hiring
The DEC is hiring for High Peaks trail crew (10 positions), Ray Brook trail crew (one position) and Marcy Dam interior caretaker (one position). Email Info.R5@DEC.NY.gov if you’re interested.
Specific Notices
High Peaks Wilderness
Lake Colden Caretaker Report: There’s 47 inches of snow present at the stake at the cabin and 7 to 8 feet in the higher elevations.
Corey’s Road is open for winter access 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.
The new Van Hoevenberg East Trail cannot be accessed due to construction activity at the Olympic Sports Center.
There is significant blowdown on the Phelps Trail before you reach Slant Rock. It’s difficult to get through the blowdown. The DEC is developing a plan to clear a way.
There are 4 to 5 mid-size trees down at various locations on the Big Slide via the Brothers Trail. It’s easy to get around, over, or under them.
Elk Lake Road is open to Clear Pond Gate. This will add four miles round trip to hikes. Plan accordingly.
Three bridges were washed out on the Elk Lake – Marcy Trail. Repair of the bridges won’t occur until spring. Currently the trail is closed to the public through the end of the big game hunting season. When the trail reopens the three crossings will be hazardous except when water levels are low.
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.
Once again the private landowners have agreed to allow hiking on Owls Head Trail during the week. Parking at the trailhead and hiking the trail are prohibited on weekends.
Marcy Dam #4 Lean-to has been removed. A new Phelps Brook Lean-to has been installed off the Marcy Truck Trail. The lean-to was built by students from the Franklin-Essex-Clinton Counties BOCES Natural Resource Science Program. The students and volunteers from Lean2Rescue assembled the new lean-to. Follow signs from the bridge below Marcy Dam to the new lean-to.
Cold Brook Trail is not designated DEC trail and is not maintained. The trail has not been maintained since Tropical Storm Irene.
The trail to Little Porter Mountain from the Garden Trailhead is closed. The portion of the trail crossing private land has been closed to public use by the landowner. Trespassing on those lands is now prohibited. The summit of Little Porter Mountain can still be accessed from the Marcy Field Trailhead or the Cascade Mountain Trailhead.
The Cedar Point Lean-to has been repaired and relocated by Lean2Rescue volunteers. The lean-to is now located on the southeastern shore of Lake Colden, off the trail about .2 miles from the Opalescent River. Camping is prohibited at the former lean-to site.
A primitive campsite with two tent pads has been developed int he Slide Brook Area south of Dix Mountain by volunteers from NOLS Northeast Adirondack Service Expedition. The site is west of the trail just before the crossing of slide brook.
Camping is prohibited at the former location of the Boquet Lean-to north of Dix Mountain and the open area adjacent to the trail.
Blueberry Horse Trail is passable to horses and riders, however, riders should take care near drainages and several stream crossings that will be muddy. The DEC plans to improve the trail tread of this route in the future.
The bridge over Ouluska Brook on the Northville-Placid Trail has collapsed into the brook. During low water conditions, crossing the brook is still possible.
Many of the herd paths found on Mount Marshall and some of the other trail-less peaks meander around the slopes of the mountain without reaching the peak. Those climbing these peaks should navigate with a map and compass rather than follow the paths created by others.
Fixed ropes, harnesses, and other equipment are often abandoned in the Trap Dike. Due to the age, weatherizing, and wearing of these materials they are unsafe and should never be used.
The Calkins Creek Horse Trail has two bridges out, making it impassable for horse drawn wagons and difficult for horses.
The lands of the Dix Mountain Area are now part of the Eastern Zone of the High Peaks Wilderness. The DEC will be changing signs, webpages, and regulations to transition to the High Peaks Wilderness.
All regulations applicable to the Eastern Zone are now in effect including by not limited to the following:
Group size: Groups should consist of no more than 15 hikers and no more than 8 campers.
Bear-resistant canisters: The use of bear-resistant canisters is required for overnight users between April 1st and November 30th. All food, toiletries, and garbage must be stored in bear-resistant canisters.
Glass containers: Glass containers are prohibited.
Giant Mountain Wilderness
There is a large tree across the Rocky Peak Ridge Trail. It’s easy to step or slide over the tree trunk.
Sentinel Range Wilderness
Several sections of the Pitchoff Mountain Trail, including the segment to “Balanced Rocks,” are severely eroded. These areas are challenging to navigate. Please use caution and turn back if it’s too difficult for your party to safely cross.
Beaver activity has flooded some parts of the Jack Rabbit Trail.
Adirondack Mountain Reserve Conservation Easement Tract (AMR/Ausable Club)
The easement agreement provides for public hiking only on designated trails and roads. Do not trespass on AMR lands and waters, or participate in unauthorized activities. Dogs are prohibited.
View more specific trail updates >>
Check out further backcountry information >>
