LOCALadk Magazine

Beware the mid-range temperatures. Below freezing temperatures can be intimidating, and for good reason. If you are not properly prepared, extreme cold can contribute to life-threatening illness and injuries. However, it is also important not to underestimate near-freezing temperatures. "If the forecast is near freezing with rain, don't go," said Ranger Quinn. It doesn't need to be below freezing to have a hard time staying warm, especially if you get wet. Weather in the 30s and 40s with rain can be just as dangerous as extreme cold. Before you head outdoors, check the forecast, projected temperatures, and the wind chill. If you will be hiking, keep in mind that conditions will change and temperatures drop as you gain elevation. Stick together. Forest Rangers are frequently called out to locate missing individuals who intentionally separated from their group. at's why Rangers recommend using the buddy system. Sticking together in the woods has many benefits, including more eyes to find the trail and someone to provide basic medical assistance or call for help in emergencies. In the winter, a buddy can notice signs of hypothermia and help you rewarm yourself. Separating from your group or partner leaves you more vulnerable, and it could mean spending precious hours trying to find each other again if one of you becomes lost. Don't risk the whiteout. If you have ever driven a car through whiteout conditions you know how difficult and dangerous it can be. As with driving, hiking with limited visibility caused by blinding snow makes it easier to get lost and increases your chances of an accident. Trees offer some protection from whiteout conditions, but many summits in the Adirondacks are open and exposed. "If you approach tree line and discover whiteout conditions, turn around and descend," advised Ranger Quinn. Reaching the summit is not worth risking your safety, nor is traveling through such conditions enjoyable. You can always return another day to finish the hike and take in the view. Skip the cotton. A retired Forest Ranger had a saying: "If you feel the itch, you know you're alive." is Ranger was referring to the itch of wool and its unique ability to provide live-saving insulation in even the most severe conditions. Unlike cotton, which traps in moisture and provides little thermoregulation, wool wicks moisture away from your skin and provides insulation even when wet. "I never go into the woods in winter without my wool base layers and synthetic or wool insulating layers," said Forest Ranger Captain Kostoss. Luckily, many of the wool fabrics manufactured today provide all the benefits of wool without the itch. ere are also blended and synthetic fabrics that are excellent at wicking moisture and providing insulation. Stay warm when you're not moving. Keeping a consistent body temperature is key for preventing hypothermia during long winter outings. As you exert yourself, your body temperature will naturally rise. When you stop, it can drop dramatically. Forest Ranger Quinn recommends bringing enough extra layers to keep you warm even when you're not moving. "When you're hiking, you may only need a light layer," said Ranger Quinn. "But if you injure yourself and can no longer move to generate heat, you will need a lot of layers." Bring an extra insulating outer layer that you can put on over your existing layers whenever you stop and avoid sweating. As sweat dries, it cools, in turn lowering your body temperature and creating ideal conditions for hypothermia. To learn more about staying safe while enjoying the outdoors this winter, visit DEC's Hike Smart NY webpage and check out the 10 Winter Essentials poster. LOCALadk 5

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