The state Department of Environmental Conservation issued an advisory Thursday encouraging outdoor recreationists to postpone high elevation activities due to unstable spring conditions.

Recreationists are advised to prepare for thinner snowpack on trails, deteriorating and variable snow depth alongside and off-trail, poor quality ice, slippery trails, and high-water crossings. As snow and ice continue to melt at high elevations, steep trails can pose a serious danger to hikers.

“Outdoor adventurers are reminded that unstable weather conditions can present increased safety risks both for the public and emergency responders who may have to be deployed to help,” DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “DEC urges hikers to find alternate hiking locations in the region and encourages anyone heading out to plan ahead and follow best practices for a safe and enjoyable experience for all.”

Despite some warm weather last week, some high elevation trails still have melting ice and snow — and might even be adding to it today as a late-season nor’easter brushes the Adirondacks. While precipitation from that storm is expected to fall as rain at most elevations locally, some High Peak summits and elevations above 3,500 feet could see a few inches of fresh snowfall by Sunday.

These steep trails feature thin soils that become a mix of ice and mud as winter conditions melt and frost leaves the ground. The remaining compacted ice and snow on trails is rotten, slippery and will not reliably support weight. These conditions, known as “monorails,” are difficult and often time-consuming to hike and the adjacent rotten snow is particularly prone to post-holing.

Avoiding high elevation trails during spring also helps reduce erosion on and alongside trails while protecting alpine vegetation. Hikers stepping off trail to avoid ice, mud and snow easily erode the thin soils, severely damage fragile alpine vegetation and widen trails.

When encountering messy trail conditions on low-elevation trails, hikers should walk through the puddles, mud, or snow instead of around them to help reduce trail widening and minimize damage to trailside vegetation. Proper footwear and clothing, such as sturdy boots with gaiters and traction devices, allows hikers to remain on the trail more comfortably despite muddy conditions.

DEC encourages hikers to avoid all trails above 2,500 feet in the Adirondacks, particularly high-elevation trails in the High Peaks. DEC urges hikers to postpone these hikes until conditions improve to protect the Adirondack trail system and reduce the likelihood of dangerous rescue efforts of DEC Forest Rangers and volunteers. Until conditions improve, hikers are encouraged to explore lower elevation trails close to home and enjoy other forms of recreation.

Hikers are advised to take caution even on low-elevation trails. Hikers will encounter variable conditions such as ice, thick mud, flooded areas and deep, slushy snow. Backcountry streams are particularly susceptible to high waters and flooding due to consistently melting snow from high elevations mixing with spring rainfall.

Hikers should not attempt stream crossings during periods of high, fast-moving water. Stream water is very cold. Hikers who fall into streams can become immediately hypothermic.

Backcountry visitors should follow these safety guidelines:

¯ Check the weather before entering the woods — if the weather is poor, postpone your trip.

¯ Check the weather before entering the woods — if the weather is poor, postpone your trip.

¯ Be aware of changing weather conditions — if the weather worsens, head out of the woods.

¯ Dress properly in layers made of wool, fleece and other materials that wick moisture. These include a wool or fleece hat, gloves or mittens, wind/rain-resistant outerwear, and winter boots. Hikers should not wear cotton, as it retains moisture.

¯ Carry a pack with the 10 hiking essentials. For that list, visit tinyurl.com/7vju7df2.

¯ Carry plenty of food and water. Eat, drink and rest often. Being tired, hungry or dehydrated makes you more susceptible to hypothermia.

¯ Know the terrain and your physical capabilities. Remember, it takes more time and energy to travel through mixed conditions.

¯ Never travel alone and always inform someone of your intended route and return time.