It’s a cloudy, chilly day Adirondacks with a chance of snow showers.

Here is the conditions report for Friday, November 14:

Sunrise was at 6:51 a.m., and sunset will be at 4:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook. Probabilistic data suggests freezing rain is possible in parts of the Adirondacks and eastern Vermont.

Summits will experience wind speeds of 18–28 mph (29–45 km/h) with ambient temperatures ranging from 16–19°F (-8.9 – -7.2°C). Wind chill will make summit temperatures feel as low as -3°F (-16°C).

Visibility is 10 miles.

There is approximately 5 inches of snow at the Van Hoevenberg Trailhead next to ADK’s High Peaks Information Center!

Last week, the Caretaker at the Lake Colden Interior Outpost reported 3–4 inches of snow and slush around Lake Colden, and 7–10 inches of snow on Skylight.

Other anecdotal reports the HPIC received from hikers on other summits corroborate these totals, with one report indicating accumulation as deep as 1.5 feet in certain spots on the way to Mt. Marcy. We have received significant snowfall since this report.

With new snowfall amounts in the last several days, particularly in higher elevations, snowshoes are required for objectives that reach 4000 feet in elevation.

As a reminder, all visitors to the High Peaks Wilderness Eastern/Central Zone must use snowshoes or skis when snowpack exceeds 8 inches (20 cm) on or next to the trail.

Aggressive traction is also required for lower elevation adventures. Conditions remain variable in the High Peaks, so hikers should expect to frequently switch from spikes to snowshoes as conditions dictate.

ADK is recommending all hikers heading to high elevations go prepared with all winter preparedness essentials.

Hikers should now have clothing and gear for hypothermic conditions:

1. Hat
2. Gloves (multiple pairs and options)
3. Balaclava
4. Plastic Eye Protection (no metal glasses or exposed metal jewelry
5. Non-cotton base layers
6. Fleece or wool mid-layer
7. Windproof shell
8. Non-cotton socks
9. Insulated boots (preferably with removable liners if out for a multi-day trip)
10. Occlusive for exposed skin (i.e. Vaseline, Dermatone)
11. Sleeping bag and insulated pad
12. Emergency shelter
13. Extra headlamp with additional batteries
14. Liquid fuel stove
15. Chemical handwarmers

In addition to winter preparedness essentials, hikers should pack the Ten Essentials:

1. Navigation: Map, compass, GPS
2. Sun protection: UV index of 1, low risk
3. Insulation: Non-cotton base and mid-layers that can be easily removed and replaced. Summits are now regularly dipping to single digits Fahrenheit.
4. Illumination: At least one dedicated light source and at least one backup light source. Consider switching to lithium batteries, which perform better in cold weather.
5. First-aid: Check expirations and customize to your needs.
6. Bathroom kit: Trowel for lower elevations and waste alleviating gel (WAG) bag for higher elevations.
7. Emergency shelter: Prepare to be out overnight, regardless of your itinerary.
8. Water filtration and purification methods: Carry at least 2 liters.
9. Nutrition: High-calorie snacks and extra meals for emergencies.
10. Repair kit and knife: Be prepared to fix your gear.

• The hiking trail through Avalanche Pass is currently impassable. Routes impacted by closure include the Lake Colden area from the Adirondak Loj and loop routes over Algonquin Peak, Mount Colden, and Mount Marcy back to the Adirondak Loj through Avalanche Pass. The Avalanche Pass Trail is closed until further notice. The Lake Arnold Trail is now open and passable. Visit this page for further updates.
• The Clear Pond gate to Elk Lake is closed to Public Motor Vehicles and will not reopen until after mud season in the spring of 2026. Hikers will need to park on the west side of the Elk Lake Road approximately 2.3 miles south of the summer trailhead.
• Personal floatation devices are required to be worn on all vessels underway as of November 1. 
• Three primitive campsites around Marcy Dam have been closed, and the rest of the sites are being designated with numbers.
• The Bog River Trail is closed from the Route 421 trailhead near Bog River Falls to the Goodman Bridge (0.1-mile) during construction of an accessible parking area, accessible trail, and maintenance of the Goodman Bridge. Access to the Bog River Trail system can temporarily be achieved via the Winding Falls trailhead.
• Bear-resistant food canisters are required for overnight travelers from April 1 through November 30. 
• The gate on Corey’s Road has opened for the season, allowing closer access to the Seward Range.
• The gate on Elk Lake Road has been opened for closer access to the Dix Range.   
• Five new tent sites have opened at Follensby Clear Pond, and five existing sites have been closed.
• The Fishbrook Pond North Lean-to has burned down (Lake George Wild Forest). The entire site is closed (no camping or campfires) until further notice.
• Gore Mountain is off the Adirondack Mountain Club Fire Tower Challenge list as of Monday, November 10 until further notice. This is due to the mountain not allowing uphill travel during ski season.