Avalanche Conditions

[Jason]

I saw this AP story in the local Syracuse media concerning avalanche conditions in the ADK High Peaks:

http://www.syracuse.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-24/1197916449308260.xml&storylist=state

I guess it's worth considering if you're heading up, although I'm not sure how this snowfall could have been worse than that storm last April (for instance). I've never seen so much snow above 3,000'!!! In any case, the DEC website has no highlighted information about avalanches at this time.

So, leave the explosive charges and other avalanche-inducing toys at home this weekend. Also, no passing of gas on or near any existing slides.

[DEEPFOREST]

After all this snowfall this weekend this is an extra interesting topic.
Does anyone know of any times where someone was trapped or killed in an avalanche in the Adirondacks?

[adkh20]

Does anyone know of any times where someone was trapped or killed in an avalanche in the Adirondacks?

http://www.adirondackexplorer.org/aavalanche.htm

[DEEPFOREST]

that was a really informative article..thanks
What issue was that from?

I am planning on climbing the Left Wing Slide on Wright this Jan amd this gives me some reconsideration.
My biggest concern would be an avalanche caused by a slide skier on the top as I'm coming up from the bottom.
Or getting run over by a skier coming down

[Kevin]

Or getting run over by a skier coming down

I almost had that happen on the VanHo trail (just before treeline on Marcy) a few years ago, and it wasn't on the ski trail section! lol On a slide though you would have to go out of your way to hit a hiker.

I've watched avalanches while having a snack at Marcy Dam. They were in heading into Avalanche Pass of all places. But on a serious note that would be a major concern for me going in/out of Avalanche Pass as you go along some very steep rock walls with 1500 feet of snow covered slide above them. I wonder if any unsuspecting hikers or skiers on that trail have gotten hurt. I remember last year the Trap Dyke had an avalanche and it raised the water levels on Lake Colden so much it flooded and people woke to water gushing into the lean-to. Lots of dangers from avalanches, some less obvious than others. Winter hiking definitely carries extra risks across the board, but I'm definitely willing to play the odds for all the benefits.

[Kevin]

So, leave the explosive charges and other avalanche-inducing toys at home this weekend. Also, no passing of gas on or near any existing slides.

That eliminates all the reasons I head into the woods .

[adkh20]

that was a really informative article..thanks
What issue was that from?

That article was in the Nov/Dec 2003 issue of Adirondack Explorer and has
been on their website for several years. That issue also has an interview with
two of the survivors of the fatal avalanche on Wright Peak.