RAY BROOK — The New York state Department of Environmental Conservation on Tuesday advised recreationists in the Adirondacks and Catskills of wet and dangerous conditions following recent mild temperatures and heavy rain.

The warmer weather and extensive rain melted much of the existing snowpack, swelling waterways and making water crossings dangerous with fast and strong currents. DEC is advising visitors not to attempt stream crossings where bridges are not available.

Water temperatures will be extremely cold and full or partial submersion can quickly lead to hypothermia. Waterways are not yet frozen and crossing of ponds or lakes should not be attempted. Avoid getting too close to stream and riverbanks as they may be icy.

The Adirondacks are experiencing extensive trail washouts and dangerous high water. Both backcountry and front country areas are affected, and a high-water advisory is now in effect. Severe washouts even in front country areas have been reported, including the Adirondack Rail Trail 0.5 miles north of the parking area on Washington Street in Tupper Lake. Other sections of the trail may be impassible and have the potential for washout. The return to colder temperatures will result in re-freezing along trails, making for icy and dangerous trail conditions.

The DEC is working to assess the extent of flooding damage and will continue to provide current trail and infrastructure notices on the webpage Backcountry Information for the Adirondack Park at https://tinyurl.com/8fupapx9.