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Local Weather Information

Baxter State Park uses the Caribou Forcast from the following website for local Park weather: www.erh.noaa.gov/er/car

All users of Baxter State Park are urged to call or stop at Park Headquarters in Millinocket, or the closest occupied Ranger Station, for weather forecast and classification information.

It is the policy of Baxter State Park to permit climbing on Katahdin as many days as possible. While Katahdin should be closed during hazardous weather conditions, it should not be closed when conditions are not truly hazardous.

Weather Condition Classification for Hiking and Day Use May 15th to October 15th

Class 1 Open. Weather conditions favorable for day use and climbing.
Class 2 Open but not recommended for climbing. Weather conditions favorable but changing.
Class 3 Open but not recommended; one or more trails closed, trails closed to be named by Ranger when setting the class day.
Class 4

Mandatory closure of all trails at the trailheads.

[ The Ranger at Chimney Pond is responsible for determining the class day of Katahdin.]

The Park Uses a color code to classify winter weather conditions:

Green = Favorable Conditions

Yellow = Favorable but Deteriorating Conditions

Red = Park use is restricted or terminated when: Actual temperature is -30o F or colder; Wind chill is -35o F or colder*; Rain/sleet conditions exist; or Major snow storm in progress.

On code red days campers in outlying campgrounds may be restricted to bunkhouse facilities.

*BSP's wind chill chart and code red wind chill temperature have been updated to reflect the National Weather Services new wind chill formulas.

One outdoor thermometer and one wind chill chart are necessary equipment for winter camping parties.