Avalanche Danger

[fvrwld]

I heard on the news tonight that there is an increased danger of avalanches in the high peaks right now. I was in another room and by the time I got to the TV the story was over. I searched around and all I could find was this.

Does anyone know more?

[fvrwld]

DEC pdf on Avalanche Safety

[AdRegion]

News from NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
For more information: Gabrielle Done, (518) 402-8000
DEC WARNS OF AVALANCHE DANGER IN THE ADIRONDACKS
Back Country Visitors Cautioned About Snow Conditions
ALBANY, NY -- (03/03/2005; 1300)(EIS) -- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today warned back country users in the Adirondacks of the danger of avalanches.
"Recent storms have resulted in a significant amount of new snow and we expect an increase in the number of recreational enthusiasts visiting the High Peaks to snowshoe, cross country ski, or simply enjoy the pristine surroundings," Commissioner Sheehan said. "We are cautioning anyone who plans a recreational visit to the Adirondacks, particularly the High Peaks region, to be extremely careful and be prepared for avalanche conditions."
Winter visitors to the back country of the Adirondack Mountains should be aware of avalanche danger and take necessary precautions. Snows have accumulated to sufficient depths on Adirondack Mountain slopes to create conditions conducive to avalanches.
While avalanche danger increases during and immediately after major snowfalls, as well as during thaws, avalanches can occur in any situation where snow, slope and weather conditions combine to create the proper conditions.
The majority of avalanches in the United States occur in the western mountains. However, avalanches do occur in New York and can have dire consequences.
DEC reminds back country winter recreationists to take the following precautions when traveling in avalanche prone terrain:
-- know avalanche rescue techniques;
-- practice safe route finding;
-- carry safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel);
-- never travel alone;
-- know the terrain, weather and snow conditions; and
-- let someone know where they are going.
DEC provides information on avalanche danger and safety precautions on its website www.dec.state.ny.us - select "avalanche" from the subject index. Also a brochure titled "Avalanche Preparedness in the Adirondacks" is available through the website or by contacting the DEC Region 5 office at (518) 897-1200.
Information regarding the terrain, weather and snow conditions can be obtained from DEC Forest Rangers at (518) 897-1300.
-30-

[Skyclimber]

This is all a scarey thought.

I think I would stay away from Colden, as that Mountain has had two landslides already, over the past around 10 years.

We once heard an avalanche roar while climbing up to Lost Lookout, hearing it come off Sawteeth, which was going to be our next destignation. We changed our minds and went home.

[Kevin]

Bah! bring a surf board!

[keeping it light as always]

[starbaby]

In August, 2003 while on the summit of Gothics, 5 of us heard the low rumblings of a slide. We could not identify from what direction it came from, but within about 20 minutes we observed a helicopter patrolling the lower slopes of the NYS range.

SB

[hillman1]

I've heard them thundering down what I assumed was the north face of gothics while hiking into camp peggy obrien a few years ago.

[DLHiker]

I'm planning Algonquin tomorrow. Think I should be concerned?
DL