It’s finally feels like winter out there! Much of the Adirondacks recently saw a decent amount of snow and some more is forecasted for this Sunday.
The Current Weather Report
- Crown Point: Fri 25° and sunny, Sat 28° and partly cloudy, Sun 33° and snow showers
- Indian Lake: Fri 26° and sunny, Sat 30° and mostly cloudy, Sun 31° and snow showers
- Lake George: Fri 31° and partly cloudy, Sat 30° and mostly cloudy, Sun 35° and snow showers
- Lake Placid: Fri 43° and partly cloudy, Sat 39° and scattered showers, Sun 41° and rain and snow
- Long Lake: Fri 26° and sunny, Sat 29° and mostly cloudy, Sun 30° and snow showers
- Malone: Fri 20° and sunny, Sat 31° and mostly cloudy, Sun 35° and snow showers
- North Creek: Fri 28° and sunny, Sat 30° and mostly cloudy, Sun 32° and snow showers
- Old Forge: Fri 26° and sunny, Sat 29° and mostly cloudy, Sun 31° and snow showers
- Saranac Lake: Fri 23° and sunny, Sat 30° and mostly cloudy, Sun 32° and snow showers
- Ticonderoga: Fri 23° and sunny, Sat 27° and partly cloudy, Sun 32° and snow showers
- Tupper Lake: Fri 24° and sunny, Sat 30° and mostly cloudy, Sun 33° and snow showers
Approximate time of sunrise: 7:12am | Approximate time of sunset: 4:18pm
Check the forecast for your destination and pack and plan accordingly. Conditions will be more severe on high summits, with below freezing temperatures, snow, and strong winds forecast on some of the High Peaks.
The most recent Colden Caretaker report indicates 2 to 3 inches of snow present at base elevation with more accumulation at higher levels.
See further weather details here >>
View mountain point forecasts for select summits >>
Register for a First Day Hike
Looking ahead to the January 1, there are several First Day Hikes happening in the Adirondacks. Start your New Year off on the right foot! (Pun intended.)
Wear & Bring That Winter Gear
Bring traction devices, such as microspikes or crampons, on all hikes. Snowshoes are recommended for high elevation highs. Snowshoes or skis are required once snow reaches depths of 8 inches.
See where you can get snowshoe rentals >>
Stay Safe, Avoid Hypothermia
Prevent hypothermia by keeping yourself warm and dry, drinking plenty water, and eating high-calorie, high-protein foods to maintain your energy. Dress in layers and add and remove layers as needed to warm yourself without sweating. When sweat dries it cools and that creates ideal conditions for hypothermia.
Know the Signs of Hypothermia & How to Treat Someone
Signs of hypothermia to watch for include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness.
If someone in your party begins showing these signs act immediately. Try to warm them up by getting to a warm shelter, lighting a fire, or wrapping them in a space blanket or bivy sack. Remove any wet clothing and replace with warm, dry clothing. Warm the center of the body. Skin to skin contact can help. Warm drinks can help raise core temperature but do not give the person alcohol. Once they’ve warmed up keep them dry and warm and seek proper medical attention as soon as possible.
Emergency Situations
If you get lost or injured keep calm and stay put. If you have cell service call 518.891.0235.
Practice Navigation Beforehand
Winter conditions can make navigating trails more difficult – this is particularly true for lesser-used trails, which many of us seek out these days. Plan and study your route ahead of time by using an up-to-date map published by a reliable source.
Take note of significant landmarks and trail intersections. Leave your planned route with a trusted person. While hiking, pay attention to posted signage and check your map at trail intersections to confirm you’re going where you want to.
Adhere to COVID-19 Guidelines
New cases of COVID-19 are on the rise throughout much of New York State, including the Adirondacks. Help prevent the spread and keep yourself safe by continuing to Play Smart, Play Safe, Play Local. The virus can spread outdoors.
Check the COVID-19 Travel Advisory >>
Carry In, Carry Out & Keep Our Park Clean
Please continue to do your part with keeping the Adirondack Park clean – put garbage in designated trash cans or take it home with you. Please don’t leave trash, gear, or food scraps behind. Use designated toilets when available and visit Leave No Trace to learn how to properly dispose of waste in the woods.
Check the Snowmobiling Map
Find up-to-date trail information for snowmobile trails at the link below; also check with local club, county, and state websites and resources.
Visit the NYS Snowmobile Association webmap >>
Give Snowshoeing a Try if You Haven’t
Perhaps you follow this blog for hiking conditions, and you own some sturdy boots and don’t mind the cold, but at the point you need snowshoes you put your hiking gear away for the season. Well, hang on, because snowshoeing is probably easier than you think.
Snowshoeing is a healthy and fun way to keep your summer/fall fitness routine going through the winter. And, we provide a list of places that offer rentals so you don’t need to commit to buying any gear yet, although we bet you’ll be tempted after you give it a try.
Current Notices From the DEC
High Peaks Wilderness
The gate on Corey’s Road at the Raquette Falls Trailhead is closed for the winter months. The gate is expected to re-open in May of 2021. Access to the Seward Range will require an additional 3 miles each way. Visitors can still hike, ski, and snowshoe on the road. Users might encounter logging equipment from a private landowner’s logging operation.
South Meadows Road is closed to public vehicle traffic for the winter season. Users may still walk, ski, and snowshoe on the road.
Happy hiking – and snowshoeing!
