Current Conditions

[Fisheater]

Dave Bourque
2 questions, the first one isn’t the best, but what happened here? I’m from Michigan and don’t log in often, this site used to be awesome.

i have read that the trail is closed to Avalanche Pass. However I have also heard it’s skiable, but the avalanche dangers from the recent slides are unknown.
I am a skier, I’m not driving through to Vermont this eastern trip. From reports first ski day is probably Wright Peak, then probably lift served. There are a few options the next couple days. Just wondering your thoughts about Avalanche Pass. A PM would also be great. We don’t have to think much about avalanches in the Michigan BC. I’m an older guy, good skier, lots of time in big woods. Not so much time in mountainous terrain.

[stripperguy]

Fisheater,
I sent you a PM...

[Dave Bourque]

NEW THIS WEEK - 2/5/2026
Visit the New York State Snowmobile Association’s website for an up-to-date list of trail openings and closures.

• Weekly Snow Report: As of Wednesday, 2/4, snow depths were recorded to be 47” (119 cm) at the stake at the Lake Colden Interior Cabin (~2,750 feet elevation).

High Peaks Wilderness

• The gate to Corey’s Road is closed due to the recent snowfall and narrowing the road conditions. 4WD/AWD is still recommended up to the Raquette Falls lot.

[Dave Bourque]

NEW THIS WEEK - 2/12/2026

• Visit the New York State Snowmobile Association’s website for an up-to-date list of trail openings and closures.

Weekly Snow Report: As of Wednesday, 2/11, snow depths were recorded to be 49” (124 cm) at the stake at the Lake Colden Interior Cabin (~2,750 feet elevation).

[Dave Bourque]

NEW THIS WEEK - 2/19/2026

• Weekly Snow Report: As of Wednesday, 2/18, snow depths were recorded to be 48” (123 cm) at the stake at the Lake Colden Interior Cabin (~2,750 feet elevation).

[Dave Bourque]

• NEW THIS WEEK - 2/26/2026

• Weekly Snow Report: As of Wednesday, 2/25, snow depths were recorded to be 53” (135 cm) at the stake at the Lake Colden Interior Cabin (~2,750 feet elevation).
• Eastern Pharaoh Lake Wilderness: The Oxshoe Pond Lean-to is closed until further notice.

More info on the Oxshoe Pond Lean-to;

https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/florida-hiker-found-dead-adirondacks-21942898.php?utm_content=cta&sid=5931826d3f92a45314a7a626&ss=A&st_rid=9bf2c5a2-b1f2-4097-9cb0-aa5b746acd82&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=headlines&utm_campaign=altu%20%7C%20the%20knick

[Dave Bourque]

NEW THIS WEEK - 3/5/2026

Visit the New York State Snowmobile Association’s website for an up-to-date list of trail openings and closures.

• Weekly Snow Report: As of Sunday, 3/1, snow depths were recorded to be 51” (130 cm) at the stake at the Lake Colden Interior Cabin (~2,750 feet elevation).

[Dave Bourque]

NEW THIS WEEK - 3/12/2026
If you notice any damage or hazardous areas not listed below, please report to info.r5@dec.ny.gov.

• Weekly Snow Report: As of Sunday, 3/8, snow depths were recorded to be 38” (97 cm) at the stake, at the Lake Colden Interior Cabin (~2,750 feet elevation).

High Peaks

• Drainages have been severely affected by this past weekend’s thaw. Several bridges have been damaged in the High Peaks including the Calamity Brook crossing (the bridge washed out), the Cold Brook Bridge near Lake Colden and others. The Indian Pass Brook, Opalescent River and other major river crossings without bridges are now open water crossings and should not be attempted except with extreme caution and the willingness to turn around.
• More on Calamity Brook Trail: This crossing is located about 1.8 miles before Flowed Lands. The Calamity Brook Trail, starting at the Upper Works, is the main access to Flowed Lands, Lake Colden and hikes radiating from that basin. Combined with the closure of the Avalanche Pass Trail, access to this area will be more difficult for the remainder of the winter. Alternative routes will also have high water crossing challenges, including the 2 crossings of the Opalescent River on the East River Trail and the crossing of the Opalescent River on the Lake Arnold Trail before the junction with the Feldspar Trail. The Cold Brook Pass Trail between the Indian Pass Trail and Lake Colden has not been maintained by DEC in over a decade and is not a viable option for these conditions given water crossings on the Indian Pass Trail.

Calamity Brook bridge

• More on snowmelt affecting river and stream crossings in High Peaks Wilderness: Warmer temps combined with rain events have washed most of the frozen crossings out in the High Peaks. Conditions afterwards often result in high banks of snow and ice to get down to the water level, making crossing these more challenging.
  • Larger crossings listed below will not refreeze this winter.
  • Skiers and snowshoers should plan for safe winter stream crossings or seek alternative destinations.
  • On warm days, especially when there is rain, the water at crossings can rise throughout the day and become impassable on the way out from a hike.
  • Trails impacted by snowmelt:
    • The Round Pond Trail to Dix, crossing of the North Fork of the Boquet River.
    • The Phelps Trail, crossing of Johns Brook above Bushnell Falls.
    • The Mr. Van Ski Trail crossing of South Meadow Brook.
    • The Van-Hovenberg Trail to Marcy Crossing of Phelps Brook above Marcy Dam and at Indian Falls.
    • The Lake Arnold Trail crossing of the Opalescent River (floating bog bridges).
    • The Herd Paths to Street and Nye Mountains, crossing Indian Pass Brook.
    • The Indian Pass Trail (north and south) crossings of Indian Pass Brooks.
    • The Calamity Brook Trail crossing at the High Water Bridge, over Calamity Brook.
    • The East River Trail crossing the Opalescent River before Allen Mountain Trail Junction and also outlet of Flowed Lands.
    • The Northville Placid Trail crossing of Seward Brook near the Ouluska Lean-to.
    • Smaller Crossings: Dozens of smaller brooks and streams that are easily negotiated or covered in the winter can be opened up in these conditions and add a layer of difficulty and extend the length of trips, please plan accordingly.
• The gate at Clear Pond will remain closed until after mud season. Hikers must park at the Upper Elk Lake Road parking lot on the west side of the Elk Lake Road approximately 2.3 miles south of the Elk Lake parking lot and trailhead. Please respect the parking rules to help ensure this access is maintained and there are no impacts to fire and rescue access.
• The Moose Pond Horse Trail was cleared and opened up in the fall of 2025 by the NYS DEC High Peaks Trail Crew. The Moose Pond Horse Trail, which leaves the Newcomb Lake Road north of the Camp Santanoni Farm Complex provides access into the High Peaks Wilderness, the areas west of the Santanoni Mountain Range and connects with the Cold River Horse Trail Network.