From NYS DEC 12/12/13:
Gates are open and all designated snowmobile trails are open for use in the Moose River Plains except for a portion of the Seventh Lake Mountain Trail.
Skiers and snowshoers on designated snowmobiles trails should keep to side to allow safe passage of snowmobiles. Snowmobiles should slow down when passing skiers and snowshoers.
The winter fireworks are over for now, but not before leaving the western Adirondacks under 1-2 FEET of snow!
The Indian Lake to Speculator corridor in eastern Hamilton County got 2-5 inches and places further west like Perkins Clearing and Blue Mountain Lake got 6-12 inches.
Got a report of 15 inches out of Inlet, so it’s a safe bet that Moose River Plains got over a foot. All in all, most places got the amount of snow I expected.
OUTLOOK THROUGH THE WEEKEND:
As if that wasn’t enough, there will be another round of lake effect snow Thursday night into Friday with another white dump in the cards for the Western Adirondacks. Plus we could have a decent snow event Saturday afternoon into Sunday.
Obviously, Old Forge will be the hot spot for Snodeo Weekend and I’m sure the groomers will be out there. In the Indian Lake area, the place to hit will be Moose River Plains enroute to Inlet. If you want to hit Speculator, your best bet would be to hit Perkins Clearing Road from the north end and work your way in.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, the gates for Perkins Clearing should be open. It’s early season, so if you see a groomer other than Old Forge or Inlet, consider that a bonus.
As for the narrow woods trails around Indian Lake and Speculator, let the locals beat their sleds on them until they get more snow.
In case you are wondering about hunting season, it is DONE for ilsnow land (Hamilton & Northern Herkimer counties). For places along the periphery of the Adirondacks and in the southern zone, hunting continues into mid-December with late bow hunting season. If you are not sure as to when the trails re-open in your favorite area, you best bet is to contact the local snowmobile club.
Safety tips for the 1st Ride:
- Have your sled in top mechanical condition. Having your ride break down on Day 1 is an awful way to kick off your winter!
- Remember that you are not in mid-winter riding form. Take it easy on your first ride and especially easy on the turns.
- Beware of early season hazards! Chances are that local clubs and municipalities may not have had the chance to complete bridge work or remove fallen trees from autumn and early winter blow downs. This double whammy happened last winter on Tug Hill after the first big lake-effect snow storm. Don’t let this happen to you:
- Many of the Adirondack snowmobile trails go through wetlands (used to be called SWAMPS before the APA came to town). Expect early season water holes and muck holes, no matter how cold it has been.
- Lakes: Stay off them, PLEASE!
No doubt about it, winter is here way ahead of last year’s schedule. We’ve waited a long time for this, but let’s be careful and safe. NEVER DRINK AND RIDE.
Update: Video 12/12/13
Darrin @ ilsnow.com
