KEENE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- State police and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) forest rangers initiated a search for 22-year-old Leo DuFour, of Vaudreuil, Quebec, in Essex County on December 1. After more than eight days of active searching, officials say the operation has transitioned to a recovery mission.

DuFour was last seen on November 30 after embarking on a hike at Allen Mountain. After state troopers found his car covered with snow at the nearby Mount Adams trailhead, 59 forest rangers conducted a multi-day search of nearly 400 miles of rugged terrain in harsh weather conditions.

Rangers were able to locate a set of tracks leading from DuFour's car, but tracking efforts were hindered by recent snowfall. The search also involved the use of two state police helicopters.

According to the DEC, temperatures in the area this week are expected to drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit, with wind gusts possibly exceeding 40 miles per hour. Due to extreme winter conditions on the mountain, including whiteouts and up to four feet of snowfall, it is no longer deemed safe for anyone to conduct searches in the vicinity.

Officials stated that the operation will return to an active search if any leads on DuFour's whereabouts develop. Stay with NEWS10 as updates become available.