Conditions in March

[Nick]

Hi. I am considering spending a weekend in the southern region this march. We would most likely be on the NP trail. If anyone could share any information about average trail conditions on the first or second weekend in march, it would be much appreciated.

thanks

[Kevin]

You're still in the winter season, so expect snow. Because you're at the lower elevations you could be dealing with wet snow and such (depending on whether there are many above-freezing days).

We have several members that live in that area that can give you definite likelihood of snow and mud and in what months.

Temps are probably in the 30s during the day (average), and still get quite cold at night (especially if there's snow which aids in radiational cooling). You'll need to check the forecast for glens falls or gloversville before leaving.

[redhawk]

Upper Benson to Piseco

Pretty good walk that time of year. Bring snowshoes. Enough daylight to make the Silver Lake Lean-to the first day. Long walk out to Piseco for the second, If showshoeing best to plaan on staying at the Mud Lake lean-to or Tent camping at Whitehouse. Good 6 mile walk out to Piseco the third day where you can resupply, stay at a motel for a night if you wish.

If you go in at Upper Benson, Plan on going all the way to Piseco. The road into Whitehouse is closed to vehicular traffic two miles down. Doesn't usually get open until June.

Give me a nudge at the end of Feb and I'll try to give you a better idea on Trail conditions.

[Nick]

Sounds good.
Thanks guys.

[Nick]

redhawk or anyone else in the area, could ya give me an update on the conditions?

thanks

[starbaby]

I concur with Kevin's assesment of the weather. In this region, this is smack dab in the middle of the normal maple sugaring season. That means temperatures above freezing during the day (could be in the 40s ), and below freezing at night (eg. 15-25). Currently, there is about 1 foot of snow on the ground. Keep in mind that there is always the possibility of some brutally cold weather, so be prepared for the worst.

[redhawk]

Should be doable with snowshoes. We were just into the siamese Ponds Wilderness, from the old bridge at Route 30 along the main branch of the Sac and into Griffin Gorge. Decent amount of snow on the ground but no real problem for xc-skis or snowshoes.

[Nick]

thanks again