LOCALadk Magazine

Winter Preparedness A Message from the New York Sate DEC The Adirondacks are world renowned for outdoor winter recreation, and spending time in the backcountry presents a few challenges. But, with proper clothing, equipment, planning, and preparation, these challenges are easily overcome, and a fun, safe adventure can be had by all. Clothing: Wear winter hiking boots and layers of non-cotton clothing. Always carry extra layers. Put on and take off layers as needed to stay comfortable. Always wear a hat and gloves or mittens. Avoid Hypothermia: Stay dry and warm. Carry plenty of water and food. Drink, eat, and rest often. Dehydration, hunger, and exhaustion can hasten the onset of hypothermia. Weather: Check current weather conditions and weather forecasts. Weather forecasts can change in one day or even hours. Check and plan for the forecasted precipitation, temperatures, and winds. Recent Weather: If there has been recent snowfall you may be the first traverse a trail, known as breaking trail. Trail routes may be harder to determine and the time and energy expended to traverse the trail will be greater. Snow Depths: The depth of the snow determines whether you need to have traction devices, such as micro-spikes or crampons to prevent slips and falls, or snowshoes or skis to prevent "post-holing." "Post-holing," (leaving deep foot prints in the snow) ruins the trails for others and makes trails dangerous to travel. The requirement in the High Peaks Wilderness, and a good guideline elsewhere, is that snowshoes or skis must be worn when snow depths are eight inches or greater. Snowshoes or skis: The use of snowshoes or skis prevents "post- holing", helps you avoid injury, and eases travel on snow. Traveling in Snow: Even when not breaking trail, travel through snow can take more time and expend more energy than traveling the same distance without snow. Short Days: Winter days are short. Plan trips to be completed in daylight, but always be prepared by carrying a flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries. Summits: Temperatures will be colder, winds will be stronger, and snow will be deeper on the summits of mountains. Sight distances will be limited when summits are in the clouds. Ice on Water: Always use caution, especially early in the season, late in the season, and during thaws. Ice that holds snow may not hold the weight of a person. Check the DEC's Adironack Trail Information web pages www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html for current conditions. LOCALadk Winter 2014 3

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