Avalanche danger

[Explorer Editor]

DEC warns of avalanche danger in the Adirondacks. The agency issued the following news release this morning. -- Phil Brown

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today warned Adirondack back country visitors to be aware of the danger of avalanches 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
• inform someone where you plan to go and when you expect to return.

Information on avalanche danger and safety precautions is available on the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/950.html. A brochure titled “Avalanche Preparedness in the Adirondacks” is also available for download on the website or by contacting the DEC Region 5 office at (518) 897-1200.

Skiers and snowshoers are reminded that the Avalanche Pass Slide is closed to public recreation of any type during the winter.

Current general trail information, seasonal conditions, specific notices on closures and facilities can be found on the DEC Adirondack Trail Information web pages at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html.

 

[Chip]

How often does Avalanche avalanche ? I love the Pass but would not want to be there by the log pile during an avalanche.

Edit: Found this article; http://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2010/02/short-history-of-adirondack-avalanches.html

 

[Tom Rankin]

How often does Avalanche avalanche ? I love the Pass but would not want to be there by the log pile during an avalanche.

Edit: Found this article; http://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2010/02/short-history-of-adirondack-avalanches.html

That was not a snow avalanche.

A Trap Dike Avalanche (snow) took place a few years ago.

http://adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3227

 

[ColdRiverRun]

The Mother slide, or large slide you cross and climb going to Dix from 73 avalanched two winters ago, you could see all the huge ice chunks and smashed trees.

 

[Explorer Editor]

How often does Avalanche avalanche ? I love the Pass but would not want to be there by the log pile during an avalanche.

Edit: Found this article; http://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2010/02/short-history-of-adirondack-avalanches.html

I'm not aware of a snow avalanche on the Avy Pass Slide. DEC forbids its use in winter as a precaution. Many avalanches are triggered by human activity.

 

[yvon]

That was not a snow avalanche.

A Trap Dike Avalanche (snow) took place a few years ago.

http://adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3227

Here is my photos album of the result of this avalanche.

https://picasaweb.google.com/yvondaigle/AvalancheTrapDike#

 

[J.Dub]

That was not a snow avalanche.

A Trap Dike Avalanche (snow) took place a few years ago.

http://adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3227

That 2007 avy happend a week after my then hiking partner and I skied the length of Avalanche Lake (returning from an up-and-over of Algonquin).

My blood ran cold whilst reading the avalanche reports on the forums.

Timing is everything.