Chestertown, NY, Jan 11, 2013 — John Warren of the Adirondack Almanack checks in each Friday morning with a look at outdoor recreation conditions around the Adirondacks for the weekend.  Go to full article

Ottawa, ON, Jan 09, 2013 — It's January and the Rideau Canal in Ottawa remains closed. The National Capital Commission--which maintains the canal-- is waiting for a good long stretch of cold weather.

It needs to be in the five degree range - and no warm days -- to harden the ice. Two winters ago, there were 58 days of skating on the canal. Last year, there were only 28, and this season doesn't look very promising.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Jan 04, 2013 — UPDATE: The Associated Press reported late this morning that Congress had overwhelmingly approved $9.7 billion to pay flood insurance claims for the many home and business owners flooded out by Superstorm Sandy. The Senate was expected to pass the bill later today.

After facing intense pressure from both parties for failing to pass a $60 billion federal relief package for Sandy victims over the holidays, House Republicans now say they will vote on a $9 billion flood insurance program today, and the remaining balance on Jan. 15, 2013.

But New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he still has doubts they'll follow through.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Jan 04, 2013 — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he intends to include recommendations from a disaster preparedness commission in his State of the State address next week.

Cuomo says he has both short-term and long-term preparedness in mind.  Go to full article

Chestertown, NY, Jan 04, 2013 — John Warren of the Adirondack Almanack checks in each Friday morning with a look at outdoor recreation conditions around the Adirondacks for the weekend.  Go to full article

Plattsburgh, NY, Dec 31, 2012 — After a couple years of sparse snow, and a summer of drought, this week's heavy snow has some real upsides for gardeners. In her weekly conversation with Martha Foley, Cornell Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy explains the benefits to perennials and lawns, and has a couple of caveats.  Go to full article

Dec 28, 2012 — The first big storm of the winter brought from five to 20 inches of snow to the North Country. The most snow was reported in the higher elevations of the Adirondacks.

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation says snowshoes or cross-country skis are a must in the eastern high peaks, and recommended in the rest of the Adirondack Park as well.  Go to full article

Chestertown, NY, Dec 28, 2012 — John Warren of the Adirondack Almanack checks in each Friday morning with a look at outdoor recreation conditions around the Adirondacks for the weekend.  Go to full article

Dec 27, 2012 — Heavy snow fell through the night and early morning across much of New York State and Vermont in the first major winter storm this season.

The North Country, including parts of the St. Lawrence and Champlain valleys, and the Adirondacks, are expected to see the heaviest snow.

New York Gov. Andrew Governor Cuomo activated the state's Emergency Operations Center last night to monitor the storm's impact.

The National Weather Service has estimated that as much as a foot may have fallen overnight. Visibility is limited, and "severe" snow and ice conditions are reported on many roads and highways.  Go to full article

Dec 25, 2012 — A flurry of snow arrived just in time for many North Country ski areas to open for holiday week. Downhill ski areas are open today from Titus Mountain near Malone to Gore Mountain near Johnsburg.  Go to full article