Devils Slide Trail is functionally clear of icy snow to Saddle Junction. It has stopped snowing both in Idyllwild (current storm total 0.75 inch snow plus 1.14 inches of rain) and at San Jacinto Peak (9 inches snow). Although the flakes are small, it has been steadily accumulating at an inch per hour, with about six inches fresh powder so far today, for a Peak area total of about 30 inches. Snowshoes are not currently advisable on these slopes due to the angle of the underlying ice. It turned to occasional light snow showers at about 1430, with just 0.5 inch settled so far. South Ridge Road itself is now functionally clear of ice and snow. A few minor patches exist close to the top. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. The total snow accumulation was ultimately very close to that forecast in the days immediately prior to the storm. Between the dustings of snow yesterday and today, high country tracks are becoming obscured and cautious navigation is strongly advised. High near 21. Conditions will remain very unsettled well into the third week of January. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Melting is expected to be steady and start to accelerate into February, but freeze/thaw cycles, compaction, and refreezing overnight may ultimately combine to produce very icy conditions. Through and below Little Round Valley, my track almost entirely follows the established trail. MT. This may result in very strong winds and bitterly cold windchill temperatures at upper elevations. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. However, snowshoes will become increasingly useful as conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 9000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. Deer Springs Trail has a posthole track to follow along its entire length. Underlying that powder are layers of ice (largely from freezing rain storms) which are much more perilous. All trails above about 5000 ft are currently snow-covered. However the route is largely well-traveled and compacted. A well-traveled snowshoe track is in place up to Strawberry Junction. UPDATE Saturday 17th December 2022: Early this morning we hiked South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak, and I broke trail from Tahquitz Peak to and from Chinquapin Flat through moderate snow. Holden said he could not recall the last time there had been an avalanche on Mount San Jacinto. A strong and bitterly cold NNE wind made conditions interesting, with large parts of the broken tracks filling in overnight with spindrift (and wind blown ice blocks), so I found myself breaking lengthy sections of trail yet again. Spikes are not essential, but many hikers may find them useful depending on their comfort level hiking on thin icy snow. Deer Springs Trail is largely clear from the Highway 243 trailhead to the Suicide Rock trail junction at 7000 ft. From there to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft) snow cover averages 50% with patches increasing in length and frequency as you ascend. Even Devils Slide Trail was largely obscured in deep drifted powder (photo below). On Fuller Ridge Trail there are five major treefall hazards obstructing the trail in the 1.5 mile section nearest to the campground (PCT Miles 189-190.5). Two moderate snow storms in the next ten days or so are expected to have a major combined impact on the San Jacinto mountains. The second system, possible in a broad time window between 2nd and 4th December, may produce significant snow in the high country (forecasts have ranged widely from 0-30 inches above 10,000 ft!) He has just reported storm snow totals of 5-6 inches at Wellman Divide (9700 ft) and four inches in both Round and Long valleys from his descending hike. Such unseasonably warm temperatures led to rapid snow melt everywhere, despite the low sun angle at this time of year, while in many areas freeze/thaw cycles have resulted in icy trails and roads especially in the early mornings. Webcams. Avalanche risk in the high country is currently minimal due to snow depths and conditions, with the exception of the traditionally unstable north face of San Jacinto Peak which avalanches to some extent every winter. The Mammoth Mountain ski resort has received 41.5 feet (12.6 meters) of snow since October and could be on a path to break the all-time snow season record of 55.7 feet (17 meters) set in 2010-2011. Just a short . The traverse from Old Lookout Flat to the bottom of the switchbacks has about 40% icy snow cover. Further light snow is expected starting this evening, followed by much heavier snow overnight on 28th February-1st March. . 10 inches on 9th November), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-1 inch (was 4 inches on 9th November), Annies Junction/approx. Make Yahoo Your Homepage Discover something new every day from News, Sports, Finance, Entertainment and more! Unusually for me, I followed the entire route of the established trail down to Little Round Valley. Currently crampons, always with an ice axe, and advanced knowledge of how to use this equipment, are required. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate or higher angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying powder. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. I switched to crampons and then finished breaking the Peak Trail through to near Miller Peak (photo below). For example, San Jacinto Peak received about 9 inches of fresh powder (on top of about 2-4 patchy inches of icy snow remaining from November) on Sunday 11th, with an additional inch falling on Monday 12th. Although the snow is not particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and steeply angled, and has at least one ice layer underneath the fresh powder. I was very happy to find no new treefall hazards down on Spitler Peak Trail. Note that there are about a dozen stream crossings and sections of the trail with water flowing in them, at times for tens of feet. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. The northerly wind was bitter at the Peak and got stronger throughout the morning as we descended. Snowshoes are no longer required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. 43 minutes ago Distance: 8km. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Light or moderate rain is currently forecast daily at mid elevations (possibly totaling one inch in Idyllwild), with an uncertain possibility of light snow in the high country (<3 inches above 10,000 ft elevation). The storm brought down four new treefall hazards down on upper Spitler Peak Trail, awkward but all passable with care. A light snowfall on the evening of Tuesday 21st will be accompanied by very strong winds, and is expected to largely or completely eliminate all tracks above about 7000 ft. Cloud cover started to envelop the mountains early this morning. Average snow depth around the peak was 24-25 inches, but heavily drifted. On the morning of Wednesday 11th January, getting an Alpine start, I broke trail the entire way from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak via Devils Slide, PCT, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Wednesday 15th February 2023 at 1030 the air temperature was 4.9F (-15C), with a windchill temperature of -26.3F (-32C), 65% relative humidity, and a bitter due North wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 27.7 mph. Lying within Mount San Jacinto State Park it is the highest both in the range and the county, and serves as the southern border of the San Gorgonio Pass. Above Saddle there was a layer of fresh powder (from the previous night) on top of a thick layer of ice, itself on top of more snow from prior storms. This was a very mild system, producing rain to 9000 ft elevation (and consequently very icy conditions), and one inch of fresh snow above about 9000 ft elevation (increasing to 1.5 inch >10,000 ft). This morning the PCT at the top of Spitler Peak Trail (roughly Mile 168.5) was basically clear of snow. Although the high country currently has its deepest snow accumulation since March 2019, this winter nevertheless remains well below the average for snowfall in the San Jacinto mountains to date. A major warming trend will significantly change conditions on the trail system in the next week or two. I was pleased to see that over the weekend some posthole tracks were added on top of my snowshoe track from last week all the way up Deer Springs Trail to San Jacinto Peak. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter at weekends and holidays then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. WEATHER UPDATE Thursday 26th January 2023: Wild Santa Ana (north-east) winds today in the San Jacinto mountains have included gusts of 69 and 73 mph early this morning at automated stations at each end of Bonita Vista Road. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 22nd-27th December 2022 are as follows. If there are Road Closed signs further down at the junction with Forest Drive sometimes the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also theoretically unavailable for legal parking. The story so far.. A minor storm on the night of Tuesday 21st (sixteenth storm of the winter) produced little snow just an inch in Idyllwild but severe cold and severe winds, erasing all tracks with wild drifting. In my most recent survey there were at least 82 treefall hazards between PCT Miles 170-175 including 20+ major ones, and about six more on PCT Miles 175-177. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently lightly (or above 8500 ft, moderately) snow-covered. Very fine snow fell briefly this evening. Average snow cover is 40%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. As forecast, the storm came in two main waves, with the bulk of the precipitation falling for most of the daylight hours of Sunday 11th, followed by a remarkably calm and clear night, and then a much less intense period of snowfall between about 0800-1300 on Monday 12th. Tap on a box to see the date. Trails above about 7500 ft currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow (more continuous above about 9000 ft). In Idyllwild both overnight low and daytime high temperatures will be more typical of late March or even April than of late December. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Super Rare Avalanche on North Face of San Jacinto. Lamentably this latest storm was again very mild, with rain falling as high as the elevation of San Jacinto Peak see photos below all morning on Tuesday 10th, until finally turning to light snow in the early afternoon (at about 1330 in Long Valley). All trails above about 7500 ft are currently remain lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. Spikes are not required. A few trees were cut by chainsaw at the far (Hidden Divide) end of the Forest Service section recently, presumably by a CCC or State Park crew. 32mi . They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches, and on the quality of your footwear (tread grip, in particular). Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Seven Pines Trail has one set of hiker tracks through the snow since the storm in early November 2022. Altitudes are approximate. SAN JACINTO (MSJC1) Lat: 33.81528NLon: 116.64194WElev: 8616ft. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. There is considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 20% icy snow cover. Recently I have mentioned the challenges of hard, icy snow underfoot and the value of using spikes (and/or crampons) especially for descending and traversing. The cloud largely dissipated on my descent, affording some spectacular vistas. As mentioned above, the focus is on heavy snowfall expected over the next 5-6 days (and potentially again on 28th February-1st March). Eventually with compaction of the trails caused by increasing hiker traffic and freeze/thaw cycles snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will likely remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country into February. A rapidly warming montane climate, with changes especially striking at high elevation, is exacerbating all of these issues. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 19th December 2022 at 0920 the air temperature was 31.3F (0C), with a windchill temperature of 20.7F (-6C), 9% relative humidity, and a light WNW wind sustained at 5 mph gusting to 9.9 mph. It is starting to turn to light sleet now as temperatures drop to near freezing. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 22-24 inches (includes 6 inches added on 5th January), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 15 inches (5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 5th), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 17 inches (5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 5th), Long Valley (8600 ft): 8 inches (2 inches on 5th), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 10 inches (2 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 5th), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 3-5 inches (1 inch snow plus >1.0 inch rain on 5th). Tracks are in place around Skunk Cabbage Meadow, and south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat. For locations measured on 23rd January, these measurements are still useful, as the new recent snow depth is roughly offset by melting over the past week. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations for the foreseeable future. Humidity: 89%: Wind Speed: S 14 MPH: Barometer: NA: Dewpoint: 21F (-6C) Visibility: NA: Wind Chill: . Since the depths given in the previous Report, there has been some melting at higher elevations which have been above the cloud at times, and below 7000 ft where temperatures have remained above freezing for several days. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. Often spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. Each of them was memorable. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in parentheses by the approximate depth of fresh snow added by the latest storm sequence on 14th-17th January. Spikes are not required. On the north side, a location just south-east of Banning in San Gorgonio Pass recorded a gust of 92 mph. A significant warming trend is expected for later this week and next weekend at all elevations, with significant melting likely, before cooling slightly Monday 6th February but remaining slightly above seasonal. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 2 inches (was 3 inches on 9th), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): patchy 0.5-1.0 inch (was 2.5 inches on 9th). They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Thursday 15th December 2022 at 0715 the air temperature was 28.0F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 13.9F (-10C), 52% relative humidity, and a chilly WNW wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 14.5 mph. San Jacinto State Park locations where self-issued permits are available 24/7: Idyllwild Ranger Station, 25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549 (located on a permit desk in front of office) . Heavy snow also possible in the Upper Midwest from a clipper system, and in the Northeast from a system moving through the area. Snow on this east slope is drifted, and remains 3-8 inches deep in places. The next comprehensive update to the Report will hopefully be tomorrow evening, Friday 6th. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. Winter is a real bona fide season at Mount San Jacinto State Park. Trails remain icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles and compaction from hiker traffic, and spikes are useful throughout the trail system above about 9000 ft (lower in places). Combined with a weak sun at this time of year, snow melt will generally be very slow at upper elevations, and conditions will be ideal for freeze/thaw cycles and hence icy trails. Overall, melting is proceeding somewhat faster than expected but this holiday weekend trails will remain very icy. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Altitudes are approximate. All trails above about 5000 ft are currently lightly (or above 8000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. A short video summary of what we found is available here. While all time and effort is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report requests small private donations to cover costs. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail is largely clear of icy snow, with a few patches remaining, mostly close to Humber Park. Steady melting of snow, especially on sun-exposed slopes, and freeze-thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain. On Monday 14th we ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails) and descended the west side via Deer Springs Trail. Mt. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 0915 the air temperature was 24.0F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 5.8F (-15C), 74% relative humidity, and a bitter NNW wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 24.5 mph. Seven Pines Trail has not been traveled since the early November storm, at least not in its uppermost section, and there is no track to follow through the snow. Above Little Round Valley there are multiple tracks through the snow ascending toward San Jacinto Peak, none of which entirely accurately follow the established trail. Yesterday afternoon we checked Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park, and measured an average snow depth of 26 inches. If there are Road Closed signs further down at the junction with Forest Drive as is often the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. On the morning of Wednesday 15th February I ascended via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge routes), descending the western side via roughly Deer Springs Trail. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and light powder there is extreme drifting. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. NA. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through light icy snow above 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). All trails above about 4500 ft are snow-covered. Mount San Jacinto State Park. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are now closed for the season. In Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) additional light rain this morning has added up to 0.1 inch. 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. The main track is clearest just above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. As described above, crampons (always in conjunction with an ice axe) are currently recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, at a minimum on the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, the Wellman Trail, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, on both flanks but especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (discussed here) continues to melt slowly. Spikes are recommended. From there the Peak Trail was easy going, having been well-traveled by hikers coming up the Tram. See their announcement here. Spikes can be useful for descending in particular. It leaves the Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction (0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning), descending largely on established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek just upstream from the old Laws Camp. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. 34 minutes ago. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): <1 inch (was 3 inches on 9th), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0 inch (was 2.5 inches on 9th), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (was <1 inch on 9th), [UPDATED 24th November: we took a brisk hike up and down Marion Mountain and upper Deer Springs trails to San Jacinto Peak early this morning. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. The storm expected on 28th November failed to materialize, producing only below average temperatures, wind, and spectacular clouds (photos below). Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. The next full update will likely be on the afternoon of 25th. Three significant trees are now down across the trail, including two major hazards (one new in gale force winds on 26th) that are not easy to hike around both roughly halfway along the trail. Above Little Round Valley the track through the snow does not follow the trail route to San Jacinto Peak, and is steep and direct. On multiple recent ascents of San Jacinto Peak I have generally ascended and descended via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge routes). As described above, crampons (always in conjunction with an ice axe) are currently recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, at a minimum on the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and generally far freezing when considering wind chill effects. There is a well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. Note that tracks discussed here may become obscured by heavy drifting of snow from strong winds combined with extensive ice fall from trees overhead. At the Peak on Saturday 31st December 2022 at 1650 the air temperature was 24.9F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 4.8F (-15C), 62% relative humidity, and a bitter WSW wind sustained at 18 mph gusting to 30.1 mph. At this time there is no further significant precipitation forecast prior to mid February. Alternatively snowshoes could have been used, depending on personal preference and time of day. Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. These storms are each expected to produce a further 4-6 inches of snow. Deer Springs Trail has a broken track to follow all the way to San Jacinto Peak. Snow at all elevations will become increasingly firm and icy following multiple freeze-thaw cycles, and compaction by increasing hiker traffic in places, and I cannot overemphasize the importance of having both appropriate equipment and the right skill set for the terrain. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. My 2022 survey counted 97 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. The latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and conservative decision making. $30.00. We have had an excellent start to 2023 regarding the water and snow situations in the San Jacinto mountains. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. There is an average of 9-10 inches of fresh powder so far today at San Jacinto Peak, and about 5 inches in Long Valley. Melting may be slow and largely confined to the most sun-exposed slopes, but freeze/thaw cycles, compaction, and low overnight temperatures may lead to very icy conditions. Current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness feeling more typical for April or May than late November. Forecasts are currently predicting 30-50 inches of snow for the highest peaks of the San Jacinto mountains (>10,000 ft) mainly between 23rd and 25th February, and about 18-30 inches for the Idyllwild area (5000-6000 ft elevations). There are many ways to enjoy the snow in the San Jacinto Mountains, but snowshoeing is perhaps one of the most exhilarating. 10 inches on 9th), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 1-2 inches (was 4 inches on 9th), Annies Junction/approx. Although snow depths are not generally sufficient to obscure the routes of the major trails, cautious navigation is recommended everywhere for the next few days in particular until tracks through the snow are in place. Although I carried snowshoes it would have been risky to try to use them on the icy traverses. Strong winds expected on 11th-12th February, and again on 14th, will likely obscure many tracks with spindrift. If there are Road Closed signs across Fern Valley Road at its junction with Forest Drive likely the case at least on weekends and holidays when significant snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. However it is thinning rapidly everywhere, and will look radically different in a week or so. Prior to that Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) had received 1.04 inches of rain, with a little hail and sleet mixed in. The storm forecast for 29th-30th January looks less dramatic than previously predicted, with the high country largely above the storm (only an inch of snow forecast), and only 2-4 inches now expected at the elevation of Idyllwild. We surveyed the PCT where it crosses Highway 74 (approx. Given cold temperatures for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to slow (or largely stop in the high country). At mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild) temperatures are forecast to warm for the next ten days, and to be above seasonal averages well into the second half of November. At the Peak on Thursday 15th December 2022 at 0715 the air temperature was 28.0F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 13.9F (-10C), 52% relative humidity, and a chilly WNW wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 14.5 mph. The Weather section below is updated. Note that tracks are being obscured very quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in hours or even minutes (see photo below). It finally stopped snowing at about 0700, and some blue sky has resulted in spectacular vistas. Snow Play at Mount San Jacinto Park Easily accessible from Palm Springs, this snowy mountain top is only a short ride up the mountain. Forecasts indicate we will get a few more inches of snow overnight on 2nd-3rd January, and again on Thursday 5th January. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location followed in parentheses by the maximum depth where known so far this winter, generally immediately following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023. Nevertheless Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the relatively wide, bare, and obvious routes of, for example, Devils Slide or Marion Mountain trails. 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