Forest Ranger Allison Rooney is seen with a chunk of snow while performing a snowpack stability test in the town of North Elba on Thursday, Jan. 22. (Provided photo — New York state Department of Environmental Conservation)

Forest rangers with the state Department of Environmental Conservation responded to a rescue call for a hiker and their dog who became lost in treacherous weather conditions on Giant Mountain last week. Rangers also performed snow stability tests ahead of the Jan. 25-26 nor’easter, finding no signs of instability at the test site.

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Hiker and dog rescued on Giant Mountain

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KEENE — Ray Brook Dispatch received a call for a lost hiker on Giant Mountain at 5:10 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22. The hiker had lost the Ridge Trail due to snow squalls that created deep drifts. At 6:45 p.m., Forest Ranger Rooney located the 47-year-old from Albany and their dog. Forest Ranger Allison Rooney provided dry clothing and a headlamp and walked with the subject back to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 8:20 p.m.

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Snow testing

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NORTH ELBA — Forest rangers Matthew Adams and Allison Rooney conducted a ski patrol in the High Peaks Wilderness on Thursday, Jan. 22 to test snow stability before the next storm hit. The rangers performed an Extended Column Test and found no indication of instability. However, new snow, wind and severe cold can change conditions quickly. The DEC advises that winter enthusiasts should always travel at their own risk and make their own assessments when traveling in avalanche terrain.