DEC narrows search for Adirondack hiker reported missing Dec. 1

NEWCOMB — The state Department of Environmental Conservation on Monday reduced its weeklong hunt for hiker Leo DuFour from an “active search” to a “limited continuing search.”

The 22-year-old Vaudreuil, Quebec resident planned to hike the Allen Mountain Trail in Essex County on Friday, November 29. The search began on Sunday, December 1, after her father reported her missing. State police located DuFour’s vehicle at the Mount Adams trailhead, covered in snow. Rangers found a set of tracks leading from DuFour’s vehicle, but fresh snowfall significantly hampered location efforts.

“Given the extreme conditions and lack of new leads, the mission has now transitioned to a recovery operation,” the DEC said in a statement released Monday. The change in status was to take effect at midnight Monday.

Allen Mountain is 4,340 feet high. The steep hike to the summit and back is nearly 20 miles and includes crossing the frozen Opalescent River in winter. DuFour went hiking wearing a black Arc Teryx coat, black pants, a beige winter hat, a black backpack and reflective sunglasses. He weighs about 150 pounds and is about 5 feet 7 inches tall with brown hair, police said.

The DEC said Monday that 59 rangers searched nearly 400 miles on foot. State Police used two helicopters to transport crews, drop supplies and conduct aerial searches when weather conditions permitted.

A “limited continued search” involves “suspending active field operations while maintaining periodic aerial searches, backcountry patrols, and outreach activities.” If new leads or evidence emerges, the operation will immediately resume an active search,” DEC said. “We strongly discourage individuals from attempting to search Allen Mountain on their own.”

Anyone with information on DuFour’s whereabouts should contact New York State Police at 518-897-2000.

H. Rose Schneider contributed reporting.