Whoa! I was shocked to read this in my local online news:

ALBANY - State environmental officials say the recent snowstorm has increased the risk of avalanches in parts of the Adirondack Mountains.

The Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner is warning anyone who plans to visit the Adirondack back country to be prepared for avalanche conditions, especially in the High Peaks region.

Avalanche danger increases during and immediately after major snowfalls. Parts of the Adirondacks received more than a foot of snow over the weekend.

Visitors are being urged to take necessary precautions, including knowing rescue techniques and avoiding traveling alone.

More information on avalanche safety can be found on the DEC Web site at www.dec.ny.gov.

If you're traveling up that way, please take care. We are a little short on St. Bernard dogs in Upstate at the moment.