The state Department of Environmental Conservation is warning backcountry users of dangerous conditions in light of yesterday’s blizzard.

The DEC is warning people that trails will likely not be broken until the weekend, and that breaking trail takes more time and energy. There were also high winds, and DEC said in a press release Wednesday that there may be new blowdown on many trails.

The department is also reminding users that “Snowshoes or skis are REQUIRED ON ALL TRAILS in the High Peaks Wilderness and should be used on ALL TRAILS throughout the Adirondacks. The use of snowshoes prevents ‘post-holing’ (deep footprints in the snow), avoids injuries, and eases travel on snow-covered trails. Post-holing makes trails more difficult and hazardous for others to use.”

The DEC is not planning on preventing people from entering the backcountry at this time.

“As they have all winter, DEC Forest Rangers and Interior Caretakers will continue to check that the people they encounter while on patrol have skis and snowshoes,” DEC spokesman David Winchell said in an email this afternoon. “Those that do not will be sent back to the trailhead.”

Winchell said that DEC was made aware of one group of campers when the storm hit.

“We were made aware of one group in a lean-to near the Marcy Dam area. Forest Rangers checked on the group and found them to be prepared to stay in the backcountry,” he said. Winchell added that no backcountry rescues had taken place in the last two days.

Stefanie Bishop, who is currently in the midst of an effort to break the winter 46er speed record, is also facing that deep snow. She successfully climbed Giant and Rock Peak Ridge during Tuesday’s storm, but her friend and supporter in the record effort said the snow in the backcountry is a formidable foe.

“Today my friend and I broke trail out to Marcy Dam (and) oh my gosh, it was insane,” Elizabeth Izzo said. “Snow to my waist; one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

“It’s straight powder. Early this morning it was all light and fluffy but as the day went on, the top few inches started to get weighed down, so it was very hard to break trail in.

Izzo said she and her friend saw no one else on the ski trip along South Meadow Road, and was hopefully cautious about what Bishop is facing at higher elevations.

“I can’t imagine. I was plowing through waist-deep snow,” Izzo said. “Up high, it seems impossible to be able to make good time and break trail in that much snow.

“I hope that it still works out for her because that snow is just so difficult.”

There are ice hazards as well, and the DEC is recommending that people stay off of any ice that hasn’t been checked for thickness, especially around inlets and outlets and any moving water. Hikers that make it to the summit of a mountain can also expect high winds, cold temperatures and deep snow. Hikers who are venturing onto open summits should know how to navigate with a map and compass, as trails above treeline will be hard to follow.

“Whiteout conditions from blowing snow can occur regularly and suddenly,” the DEC warned.

With the large amount of snow this week, there is now an increased risk of avalanches.

“Cross-country skiers and snowshoers should stay on trails and away from steep slopes on summits,” the release says. “Backcountry downhill skiers, snowboarders, and other winter recreationists who may traverse avalanche prone steep open terrain (slides) should take precautions.”

The state is also working with local snowmobile clubs to reopen previously closed trails and said that snowmobile riders should contact their local clubs to get more information before heading out on a ride. DEC also said snowmobilers should stay off all waterways, after a spate of deaths resulted from snowmobilers going through the ice this winter.