Jan 01, 2002 — When state officials announced that a new cabin was being built on Lake Colden, in the High Peaks, the decision was controversial. That part of the Adirondacks is a designated wilderness area. By law, that means human structures should be kept to a minimum. Supporters of the new cabin argued that it would be a vital tool for rangers and ski patrols who work in the backcountry. That claim was born out this winter. The Lake Colden outpost was used as a base of operations in two successful searches. Brian Mann visited Lake Colden in the fall of 2000, as construction was winding down.