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Environment DEC


From the January 2004 issue

Visitors to Adirondacks and Catskills Reminded of Potential Seasonal Hazards

The beauty of the Adirondack and Catskill mountains is legendary, but visitors who wish to experience it during winter should be prepared for typical conditions: snow, cold, and sometimes even the potential for avalanches.

"Winter offers some great opportunities for outdoor recreation, but it also creates conditions that can be troublesome, and even dangerous, to the unprepared," said DEC Commissioner Erin M. Crotty.

Snowshoes or cross-country skis are recommended on trails in the High Peaks, and their use is strongly encouraged on all other trails in both the Adirondacks and the Catskills. They make travel more efficient and help to eliminate "post-hole" traps, which are particularly hazardous to backcountry travelers. For mountaintops and other exposed areas, recreationists also should carry ice crampons.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable time, everyone is advised to follow these safety guidelines:

  1. Check weather before entering the woods, and postpone your trip if the forecast is poor.
  2. Contact DEC at (518)897-1200 for information about trail conditions in the Adirondacks, or (518)256-4182/3083 for information about trail conditions in the Catskills.
  3. Dress in layers of clothing made of wool and/or synthetic fabrics-NO COTTON- wear appropriate winter boots, and wear or carry rain-resistant outerwear.
  4. Carry a day pack containing plenty of water and high-energy food; an ice axe; extra clothing; a map and compass; a first-aid kit; a flashlight or headlamp; sunglasses; sun screen; a closed-cell foam pad; a stove and extra fuel, and a bivy sack or space blankets.
  5. Drink lots of water; dehydration can lead to hypothermia.
  6. Eat generous amounts of high-calorie food to maintain energy levels and warmth.
  7. Be aware of changing weather conditions and abandon your trip if they worsen.

Avalanches in the Adirondacks

Snowfalls, such as those experienced in December 2003, can create avalanche conditions in the High Peaks Wilderness and other areas. Avalanches occur most often after major snowstorms or extended thaws. Skiing on slides, which consist of steep open rock areas clear of vegetation and soil, is very dangerous, and people traveling in the backcountry are encouraged to learn about avalanche precautions and consider attending professional courses.

Most avalanches are caused by people. DEC recommends that anyone visiting the Adirondacks follow some basic safety precautions:

  1. Alert friends about your travel plans and activities and never travel alone.
  2. Be aware of terrain, degree of slope and snow depth.
  3. Check weather conditions and forecasts.
  4. Know what constitutes a "safe" route and avoid dangerous slopes.
  5. Carry essential equipment, including an avalanche transceiver (or beacon), a shovel, and a collapsible probe or ski pole.
  6. Learn basic rescue techniques.
  7. Sign in at all trail registration boxes.
  8. Use common sense during outdoor recreational activities.

DEC's brochure, Avalanche Preparedness in the Adirondacks, contains basic information and safety tips. This brochure may be obtained by calling DEC at 518-897-1200, or you can print a copy of it by using the link below.