Each week we present a wrap-up of weekend conditions and events for the Adirondacks

Conditions remain abnormally dry throughout the Adirondacks, especially in the Western and Southwestern edges of the Adirondack Park. The weather looks to be drier this coming weekend, the fire danger remains moderate, and a 90-day ban on open burning remains in effect, so be cautious with fire.

Remember that the Adirondack Park's busiest areas, such as the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness will be crowded on fair weather weekends through Labor Day so plan accordingly. Remember that conditions can change suddenly with weather so be prepared and carry a flashlight, first aid kit, food, water and extra clothing.  For the next few weeks, seek out less-visited areas of the Adirondacks.

Water levels are at seasonal low levels and the Raquette River is running below normal. Be watchful for navigation hazards.  Larger boats running between the Lower Locks and Second Pond in the Saranac Lakes Chain system run the risk of becoming grounded.

Local water temperatures in most lakes, river and streams are in the mid-70s. Lake Champlain remains at about 72 degrees, and the water temperature at Warner Bay on Lake George is about 81.

Repaving of Route 86 between Lake Placid and Wilmington continues. Motorists should expect delays and consider alternate routes.

Darling Ford Road and the Buttermilk Road Extension in the Hudson River Recreation Area, part of the Lake George Wild Forest, remain closed, as is the road that provides access to the Santa Clara Tract Conservation Easement Lands and the Madwaska Flow/Quebec Brook Primitive Area.

In the High Peaks, the Southside Trail from the Garden Trailhead to John's Brook Outpost remains closed as does the Cold Brook Trail between Lake Colden and Indian Pass.

On the Northville Placid Trail, hikers will encounter blowdown from West Canada Creek to the Sucker Brook Trail, north of Tirrell Pond and Salmon Pond Roads, and just south of the Seward lean-to. The rest of the trail is generally clear.

The 45 foot bridge over West Canada Creek on the Northville-Placid Trail, which was washed away in the spring flooding of 2011, has been replaced by Adirondack Mountain Club’s Professional Trail Crew.  Both approaches to the South Lake outlet bridge had new bog bridging installed by a Student Conservation Association trail crew.

Also on the Northville Placid Trail, Spruce Lake lean-to #2 is being moved back from the water and may not be available for use.

Finally this week, there has been an increase in bear encounters. The use of bear resistant canisters is required for overnight users in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness between April 1 and November 30 and recommended elsewhere.  All food, toiletries and garbage should be stored in bear-resistant canisters.


John Warren edits the online news journal Adirondack Almanack and reports Adirondack outdoor conditions for North Country Public Radio.