A Springtime Dilemma

By Rich Macha

It has been a somewhat different winter – one that has been influenced by climate change – with relatively warm temperatures and a variety of precipitation. Despite that, winter-lover that I am, I have managed to get out on my cross-country skis 30 times as of March 1. There were times this winter when there was little or no snow so I went out hiking instead – I do enjoy (and need) the exercise, plus I love to explore wild places in all seasons. The mode of travel can vary depending on conditions, weather, and type of destination. Looking ahead, like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get in upstate New York, especially in late winter and early spring.

What follows is a discussion of the relative merits, considerations, and risks of XC skiing, hiking and snowshoeing, and paddling in the Adirondack Park as well as in the surrounding lowland areas of northern New York during the months of March and April. One thing that is common to all is the fact that we will have more daylight to enjoy the activities we decide to participate in (but bring a headlamp, just in case). With the internet, it is much easier these days to get an idea of conditions in locations that we wish to visit. Pre-trip planning is important to all activities.

Cross-Country Skiing – It is generally not too difficult to find snow in March, however, finding skiable snow in April can be a challenge – look for higher elevations and north-facing slopes. Late last season, we found good snow on the trail to Second Pond in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness where the trailhead lies at an elevation of 2,300 feet. Then on April 19, the area around Gore Mountain got a dump of well over a foot of snow and, on the day after, we skied part of the Raymond Brook Trail plus some of the surrounding area – all above 2,000 feet in elevation.

In March, the ice on Adirondack lakes and ponds that are above 1,500 feet in elevation is usually solid, but, depending on differing factors, melts sometime in April (see “Paddling” below). I try to pick routes that avoid stream crossings – a late-season outing to Camp Santanoni in Newcomb is often doable.

Conditions can be icy when temperatures drop below freezing but soften up as the temperatures rise to above 40 degrees. On a warmer day, after several cold/warm cycles (what I sometimes refer to as “maple syruping weather”), you may find the ultimate spring skiing conditions with what is known as “granulated sugar” or, even better, “corn.” On the right day, when everything falls into place, I’ve even been known to ski in shorts!

Hiking and Snowshoeing – Again, how much snow is on the ground becomes the major consideration, although the quality of the snow is less important than it is to the skier. Low elevations can have zero snow but are likely to be wet and muddy. Higher elevations can still have snow that is measured in feet – the Adirondack High Peaks could have snow well into May. In the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness, you are required to have snowshoes or skis whenever there are eight inches of snow on the ground – anywhere else, it is still good to be prepared with the right equipment. Icy sections often need the use of crampons or, at least, microspikes with ice-grabbing teeth of a half inch or more for traction.

You may be able to walk on top of old, or “rotten,” snow when the temperature is below freezing, but, when it warms up, that same snow will lack support and, without the use of snowshoes, you could be “post-holing” as your feet plunge into the soft snow creating holes that can be a foot or more in depth. Not only is this hard work for the hiker, but whenever the temperature drops below freezing those holes become dangerous to other hikers and skiers. If you are found post-holing, you risk being scolded by other hikers and ticketed by rangers if in the High Peaks.  

At some point in spring, NYSDEC will put out a “mud season” alert designed to minimize erosion and damage to the trails and request that hikers stay off trails above 3,000 feet in elevation until the time that they have dried out sufficiently. Always check DEC’s Backcountry Information page before heading out for the Adirondacks – this information is normally updated every Thursday: dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9198.html.

If you are looking for views, there are many small mountains to climb in and around the Adirondacks where you might find drier trails. For instance, the Lake George area has many peaks in the 2,000-foot elevation range, such as Cat and Thomas mountains, where you can find vistas to satisfy your soul. You may also be able to find a variety of hikes in preserves and conserved lands not far from where you live. With spring snowmelt, waterfall hikes can be especially rewarding.

Paddling – Ice-out on most Adirondack ponds and lakes usually occurs in mid to late April. Streams and rivers become ice-free even sooner. You may be able to find open water in the Mohawk Valley and on the tidal Hudson River in March and there is a good chance that when you read this that Lake George and Lake Champlain are ice-free. However, I see one big problem: the water is very cold and a capsize can be lethal. Sudden immersion in cold water can overcome the strongest of swimmers. It may lead to cardiac arrest, drowning as a result of a gasp reflex and inhalation of water, a loss of swimming ability and grip strength, and eventually hypothermia or death.

After spending the winter looking at photos of past trips on social media, it is very tempting for some folks to get on the water as soon as possible. Whitewater paddlers have always looked forward to spring paddling when snow melt has made certain rivers and streams runnable before they are reduced to rock gardens in the summer months. A wetsuit has been standard equipment for decades and many of those whitewater paddlers have since moved on to wearing dry suits, a better but much more expensive option. Admittedly, there is a greater chance of capsize in whitewater than on flatwater, but I have seen enough occurrences on the latter so as to believe that it can happen. 

Experts will always tell you to dress for the water temperature and not the air temperature – something to consider when it is 70 degrees out but the water is only 40 degrees.

Whitewater paddlers learn to roll their kayaks – most recreational kayakers do not. A swim in whitewater usually lasts no more than five minutes before shore is reached – a swim in the middle of Lake George could mean you could be immersed for much longer. Solo paddlers should be practiced in self-rescue, and group participants should be practiced in assisted rescues.

My advice to paddlers who are itching to get out before May is to become more skilled, understand the dangers, or head south – southern Jersey, the Delmarva Peninsula, and North Carolina are wonderful paddling destinations in April. Always wear a properly-fitting PFD (personal flotation device, aka life jacket) – required from November 1 through May 1 in New York State but the sensible thing to do all the time.

Each season has its merits, so find a way to enjoy what New York has to offer when it comes to outdoor recreation during springtime.

A lover of wild places, Rich Macha has led many trips for the Adirondack Mountain Club, and has spent 20 years in the paddle/snowsport business. More of Rich’s adventures can be found at northeastwild.blogspot.com.