This week we have info gears towards ice anglers and snowmobilers in addition to winter hikers. Find out what you need to know for Adirondack recreation below!
Current Weather Report & Snow Accumulation
- Crown Point: Fri 37° and mostly cloudy, Sat 38° and rain and snow, Sun 38° and cloudy
- Indian Lake: Fri 32° and mostly cloudy, Sat 33° and snow, Sun 29° and snow showers
- Lake George: Fri 41° and mostly cloudy, Sat 40° and rain and snow, Sun 40° and cloudy
- Lake Placid: Fri 35° and fog, Sat 34° and snow, Sun 29° and snow showers
- Long Lake: Fri 33° and fog, Sat 34° and snow, Sun 29° and snow showers
- Malone: Fri 37° and mostly cloudy, Sat 235° and snow, Sun 32° and snow showers
- North Creek: Fri 34° and mostly cloudy, Sat 35° and snow, Sun 32° and cloudy
- Old Forge: Fri 35° and mostly cloudy, Sat 35° and snow, Sun 30° and snow
- Saranac Lake: Fri 36° and fog, Sat 34° and snow, Sun 29° and snow showers
- Ticonderoga: Fri 38° and mostly cloudy, Sat 36° and rain and snow, Sun 37° and cloudy
- Tupper Lake: Fri 35° and snow, Sat 34° and fog, Sun 30° and snow showers
Conditions will be more severe on summits with below freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and possibly strong winds. Take wind chill into consideration when preparing for temperatures.
See further weather details here >>
View mountain point forecasts for select summits >>
Snow Accumulation
The following from the DEC provides current snowpack depths in inches as of January 5 at a select number of towns:
- Northwoods Club Road, Minerva: 7.7 inches
- Goodnow Flow Road, Newcomb: 7.6 inches
- Tahawus/Upper Works, Newcomb: 7.8 inches
- Blue Ridge Road, Newcomb: 7.5 inches
- Elk Lake Road, North Hudson: 8.7 inches
- Lake Colden: 11.4 inches
- Cedar River Road, Indian Lake: 7.8 inches
- Sagamore Road, Long Lake: 7 inches
- Haskell Road, Ohio: 9.6 inches
- North Lake road, Ohio: 9.7 inches
Lake Colden Caretaker Report
There are 11 inches of snow has accumulated at the Caretaker Cabin. Sixteen inches of snow has accumulated on summits and snowshoes are needed, including to get the Avalanche Lake. The Marcy Dam truck trail is skiable with some thin sections. Snowpack on the Van Hoevenberg trail to Adirondack Loj is very thin but skiable. Both Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are frozen.
Skiing is minimal, with marginal conditions on the Truck Trail and in the Avalanche camp area. Both Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are frozen.
Find additional data on snow accumulation >>
Check out an interactive snow info map >>
Bring That Winter Gear & Wear Appropriate Clothing
Prepare for the elements by bringing and wearing the following: base layer tops and bottoms made of wool or moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics, insulating layers, a waterproof/windproof jacket (preferably with a hood), a puffy jacket, a hat, mittens or gloves and extra to change when wet, wool socks (preferably tall) and extras, gaiters, goggles, a face mask or balaclava, waterproof/sturdy/comfortable boots, snowshoes, and traction devices; microspikes are good for flat, thin ice, while crampons are necessary for thick ice and steep, icy terrain.
Recent Notices to Check Out
Perkins Clearing/Speculator Tree Farm Easement
Snowmobile trails on both tracts are now open.
Old Route 8 between Cave Hill Road and Robbs Creek Road in Perkins Clearing is currently a shared logging road and snowmobile trail. Snowmobilers must drive slowly, stay on the groomed trail, and use caution when driving near logging trucks and equipment.
Saranac Lake Wild Forest
The gates on Snowmobile Trail C7b has been opened. Snow cover is thin in spots – riders should use discretion.
Snowmobile Trail C7 is closed between Tupper Lake and Lake Clear.
Vanderwhacker Wild Forest
Snowmobile Trail C8A is open from the gate at Lake Harris through to Indian Lake. Snowpack is consistent and thin, but rideable.
Moose River Plains Complex
The entrance gates to the Moose River Plains on Limekiln Lake-Cedar River Road are now open to snowmobile traffic only. Conditions remain poor due to minimal snow accumulation. The roads remain closed to public motor vehicles for the winter season.
Anglers Invited to Participate in Ice Fishing Creel Survey
From now through March the DEC is conducting an ice fishing creel survey which is part of a larger, two-year effort to survey ice and open water anglers. Data will be used to guide DEC Fisheries biologists to better understand angler use and expectations, while also informing management actions on the lake.
Creel stations will be set up at Plattsburgh Boat Launch on Cumberland Bay, Willsboro Bay Boat Launch, Bulwagga Bay Campground, and South Bay Boat Launch. Anglers are encouraged to come off the ice to participate in this voluntary survey.
Lake Champlain is one of the most popular ice fishing destinations in the Adirondacks, offering opportunities to catch lake trout, landlocked salmon, black bass, northern pike, pickerel, crappie, yellow perch, sunfish, and more.
