The past three weeks have seen a wide variety of extreme weather, especially in the north county. The week before Christmas was marked by a crippling ice storm in the northern Adirondacks and St. Lawrence valley. Rains took away much of the snow in many Adirondack and Tug Hill areas, followed by more snow. The frigid arctic air blast with dangerous wind chill conditions also saw several feet of lake effect snow dumped on the snow belt areas. Last week, many areas in the Central Adirondacks had 18 to 20 inches of new snow.
Recent snowstorms provided great conditions for winter outdoor recreation in the Tug Hill or Adirondack backcountry, the NYS DEC reported recently. Backcountry visitors should be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for snow, ice and cold to ensure a safe and enjoyable winter experience.
Visitors exploring the backcountry should dress for cold weather and use snowshoes and skis to navigate trails. The deepest snows are in the western and southwestern Adirondacks and the thinner depths in the northeastern section. Snow depths are deeper in the higher elevations like the High Peaks and other mountains over 3,000 feet.
DEC reports that the roadways on the Essex Chain Lakes Tract in the towns of Newcomb and Minerva in Essex County provide new excellent cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. The Town of Newcomb will plow the Goodnow Road and parking areas along the road near the access points to the Essex Chain Tract. This is the first time the public will be able to access these lands in the winter in more than 100 years.
Visitors to the Eastern High Peaks are required to use snowshoes or cross-country skis for their safety and the safety of other backcountry users. It is strongly recommended that visitors to other parts of the Adirondacks do the same. Snowshoes or skis ease travel on snow and prevent “post holing,” which can cause sudden falls and result in injuries. Ice crampons should be carried for use on icy mountaintops and other exposed areas.
Backcountry visitors should follow these safety guidelines: Dress properly with layers of wool and fleece (NOT COTTON!) clothing: a wool or fleece hat, gloves or mittens, wind/rain resistant outer wear and winter boots. Carry a day pack with the following contents: Ice axe, plenty of food and water, extra clothing, map and compass, first-aid kit, flashlight/headlamp, sun glasses, sun-block protection, ensolite pads, stove and extra fuel and bivy sack or space blankets.
Eat, drink and rest often. Being tired, hungry or dehydrated makes you more susceptible to hypothermia. Be aware of weather conditions at all times; if the weather worsens, head out of the woods. Know the terrain and your physical capabilities – it takes more time and energy to travel through snow. Never travel alone and always inform someone of your intended route and return time.
Even though the frigid weather caused thick ice to form on many waters, be careful in crossing ice. In some cases the water level may have dropped and left air space under the ice. Warmer weather and rains can cause ice to become seriously weaker. Avoid crossing ice whenever possible or proceed with extreme caution. Call the DEC Forest Ranger Emergency Dispatch at 518-891-0235 to report lost or injured people or other backcountry emergencies.
For snow conditions in the Central Adirondacks (Inlet-Old Forge area) check their websites www.inletny.com or www.oldforgeny.com. You can also check the web cams on McCauley Mountain ski area or other locations.
For information on snowmobiling, downhill skiing, cross country skiing or snowshoeing in the Adirondacks check out the current issue of “Adirondack Outdoors.” You can pick up free copies at several area locations including Sweet Temptations Café, Hanifin Tires, Philipsons or Corner Diner in Sherrill. A digital edition is available online at www.adirondackoutdoorsmagazine.com
The DEC Adirondack Trail Information web page (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html) provides current trail condition information and links to current weather, snow cover and other important information to help ensure a safe and enjoyable Adirondack backcountry winter experience.
SHORT CASTS
New York Sportsman’s Expo: The NY Sportsman’s Expo returns to the State Fairgrounds on Jan. 25–27 with double the size of last year’s successful show. The commitment of Wight-Ox productions to a pure outdoor show has paid off with an increased lineup of vendors and exhibitors. A wide variety of fishing charters, outfitters, manufacturers, sportsmen’s organizations and retailers will be on hand. There will be a full schedule of seminars, exhibits to appeal to every type of outdoorsmen and special attractions such as the Realtree Reunion of outdoor TV personalities, calling contests, casting pools, and the popular dock dogs. Hours are Friday from noon to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check out www.newyorksportsmansexpo.com for more details.
Great Backyard Bird Count: This year’s Great Backyard Bird Count sponsored by Cornell University Lab of Ornithology will be Feb. 14-17. It is easy to participate; all you have to do is count the different species of birds in your backyard or other area on a given day and report it to the Cornell website. It can be a fun, family friendly way to discover and help the birds in your community. Visit the website www.birdcount.org to learn more about this event.
DEC Proposes Regulatory Changes at Boat Launches: The NYS DEC is proposing new regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) at DEC boat launches. The proposed regulatory changes require boaters to remove all visible plants and animals from boats, trailers and associated equipment and to drain boats before launching at or leaving a DEC boat launch access. DEC will accept public comments on the proposal through Feb. 24, 2014. The full text of the proposed regulation can be found on DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/propregulations.html. Boats, trailers and the equipment can spread aquatic invasive species from waterbody to waterbody and significantly harm recreational and commercial use of a waterbody while having a detrimental effect on native fish, wildlife and plants. This regulation is an important component of DEC’s efforts to help ensure AIS-free waters remain free and additional AIS are not introduced to other waters. Boaters are advised to carefully check their boats, trailers and equipment for any plant or animal material that may be clinging to it and remove it if found. Nuisance Invasive Species Disposal Stations are provided at many DEC boat launches for this purpose. The boat should also be completely drained, including live wells, bait wells and bilge tanks, and dried before it is used in another waterbody. Comments on the proposed regulations can be sent via e-mail to fishregs@gw.dec.state.ny.us, or mailed to Edward Woltmann, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Fisheries, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4753. Hard copies of the full text may also be requested from Mr. Woltmann at the above address.
Crossbow News: Governor Cuomo announced his support for a crossbow season regulated by the DEC in his recent State of the State speech. This was encouraging to proponents of a crossbow season, but there are a lot of hurdles remaining. Any bill must pass the legislature and for two years in a row, Assemblyman Robert K. Sweeney, chairman of he Conservation Committee refused to allow this to happen. If you are in favor of this, you had better start writing all of your legislators because you know that NY Bowhunters, Inc. is already gearing up its campaign against it.