San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 2-4 inches (was 12 inches on 9th November), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 2-4 inches (was approx. Locations in between, especially those on the western and southern slopes, added more with up to five inches at Saddle Junction (8100 ft). Note that generally the maximum depths so far this winter were immediately following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023 (details of those depths available here). The State Park cut about a dozen trees on the section of trail under their jurisdiction in late July. The storm started relatively mild, as might be expected from an atmospheric river system pulling moisture in from warmer latitudes, and as a result the freeze level was above 6500 ft for most of the storm, with rain as high as 9000 ft, before finally falling to about 5000 ft on the afternoon of Sunday 1st. Both of these storms are expected to be relatively mild at first with rain a possibility up to 9000 ft before freeze levels drop down to 6000 ft. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. The Weather section below is updated. Generally considered a challenging route. I descended via Deer Springs Trail, breaking trail through virgin powder all the way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction. California , United States , 33.81N 116.68W, 3047m asl. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 1st January 2023 are as follows. Temperatures on the morning of 15th were the lowest of this winter, and among the lowest of the past decade. There are layers of hard ice and firm icy snow beneath the fresh powder, and crampons are ideal at present everywhere above 9000 ft, lower in places. It was near-whiteout conditions due to wild spindrift above Wellman Divide, but the new snow was firm and overall made for good snowshoeing conditions. It made for one of the easiest trips to . I descended Deer Springs Trail, again breaking trail the entire way, but again through light snow sitting on top of a very solid, icy snow layer. Trails down to 4000 ft elevation currently have shallow snow cover. The fourteenth and fifteenth storm systems of winter 2022/23, both of them minor but having a significant effect in combination, impacted the San Jacinto mountains back-to-back on 13th and 14th February. Tap on a box to see the date. Snowshoes are not currently advisable on these slopes due to the angle of the underlying ice. South Ridge Road (5S11) is also currently closed to vehicle traffic. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout its length, snow cover is about 80%. See their announcement here. Minor 0.5 inch dusting of snow above 8000 ft on Thursday 29th (, Moderate storm largely in the early hours of 1st January 2023 was the third significant snowfall of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. 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. On Monday 13th I also postholed the entire hike, as I was able to ascend barebooting to about 9200 ft before putting on crampons. For those that are unclear, the Skyline Trail is the first segment of the C2C (cactus to clouds) from Palm Springs up to Grubbs Notch, the access point to Long Valley. Most of this snow had melted prior to my hike to San Jacinto Peak on 31st December. Currently there is about 1.5 inches of fresh snow at San Jacinto Peak, on top of the very patchy and icy 2-4 inches remaining from early November. On my hike up to San Jacinto Peak late this morning there was a little drizzle on most of Devils Slide Trail, then an on/off mix of drizzle, freezing rain,, and fine snow in the high country. This started as low as Devils Slide Trail and continued all morning. Cautious navigation remains required for those who do not have significant experience of hiking this trail. Even when the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces below the locked gate (which still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent to be displayed). At the on Monday 5th December 2022 at 0840 the air temperature was 24.1F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 2.8F (-16C), 20% relative humidity, and a bitter WSW wind sustained at 18 mph gusting to 33.0 mph. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating in the trails. This was tricky for postholing which went through the ice layer. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. 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. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. 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. There were posthole tracks heading south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat. Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail) and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) closed to vehicle traffic for the season on 7th November 2022. This storm is expected to have two periods of precipitation, one each on 11th and 12th. Snow cover is essentially continuous from Strawberry Junction to San Jacinto Peak, although patches are starting to clear below 8500 ft (south of the top of the Marion Mountain Trail). SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th February 2023 are as follows. Between the dustings of snow yesterday and today, high country tracks are becoming obscured and cautious navigation is strongly advised. With storms accompanied by strong west winds, the slopes above about 9500 ft on the east flanks of San Jacinto and Jean peaks may develop a snow structure with minor to moderate avalanche risk by the weekend of 25th-26th (as last seen on these slopes in early 2017). 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 unavailable for legal parking. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular route. Half the time I go up planning to snow-shoe, I wind up staying in Micro-Spikes. Prior to that Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) had received 1.04 inches of rain, with a little hail and sleet mixed in. Skyline Trail closed on 26th January due to dangerous weather conditions above the State Park boundary (5800 ft elevation). Spikes are recommended. South Ridge Trail has been broken from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak with a simple posthole track. Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storm (the most recent is at the top). Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. Consequently the next comprehensive Report update will probably be published on Wednesday 15th February. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 40-45 inches [2 inches] (45-48 inches), drifted >50 inches in places, Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 45 inches, heavily drifted, measured 23rd January, Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 40 inches [2 inches] (45 inches), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 44 inches [4 inches] (48 inches), Tahquitz Peak (8836 ft): 25 inches, heavily drifted to 40 inches in places, measured 20th January, Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (8700 ft): 36 inches, measured 23rd January, Long Valley (8600 ft): 22 inches [2 inches] (24 inches), Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183 (8100 ft): 15 inches, measured 23rd January, Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 22 inches [5 inches] (22 inches), Suicide Rock Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (6950 ft): 3 inches, measured 23rd January, Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 4-5 inches [4 inches] (6 inches) already melting afternoon of 30th, Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0-2 inches [3.5 inches] (3-4 inches) rapidly melting afternoon of 30th. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 12th November 2022 are as follows (measured on 15th for Deer Springs Trail locations). That said, temperatures in the high country are much more typical of December than April! Currently crampons, always with an ice axe, and advanced knowledge of how to use this equipment, are required. Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. 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. Wet winters can dump several feet of snow, while dry winters may only result in a few inches here and there. The trail is largely clear of snow from Highway 243 to Strawberry Junction, and with about 60% snow cover from there up to 8600 ft. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 22nd December] has a well-defined but lumpy posthole track throughout. 2-3 inches on 9th November), Saddle Junction/approx. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. With compaction of the trails over the next few days, snowshoes will become less useful on-trail, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel at the highest elevations for the foreseeable future. Above Little Round Valley the track is somewhat less clear and does not entirely accurately follow the establishes trail route. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. On the plus side, as I had hoped, the cold meant that the exposed snow slopes from 9200 ft and above were largely firm and icy (example photo below). Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (perhaps lower in places) completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. The first storm overnight on Monday 28th may produce snow above 10,000 ft (forecasts have ranged from 0-16 inches), and very light snow near the elevation of Idyllwild preceded by a little rain. The high country may be above the cloud for some of that storm, as only 2-3 inches are forecast for the high country. Immediately north of Saddle Junction, snow cover is initially somewhat patchy on the sun exposed slope (Angels Glide) but thereafter icy snow cover is continuous through the Wellman and Peak trails to San Jacinto Peak. Snowfall at the elevation of Long Valley (8600 ft) has been similarly steady, and 3-4 inches of fresh powder there takes the total depth close to one foot. Crampons (or perhaps spikes or snowshoes on some days) are recommended. Recent hikes have included the high peaks (>10,000 ft) 2-4 times per week by various routes, Tahquitz Peak and area 1-2 times per week, South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Marion Mountain trails, and May Valley Road and Indian Mountain Truck Trail. "The biggest issue with the snow levels is the . Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. On the morning of Monday 12th a further 2.5 inches of snow settled in Idyllwild. Both days I put spikes on at the Peak for the descent, on 24th keeping them on until about 8000 ft on Marion Mountain Trail, and on 28th until about 9900 ft on the Peak Trail, roughly one mile north of Wellman Divide. Sadly at first light the precipitation turned to drizzle at all elevations on the western slope between (at least) Idyllwild and 8100 ft at Saddle Junction, and consequently the snow quality was deteriorating fast at mid elevations this morning. Above that elevation, icy snow is almost continuous to Saddle Junction. 51mi . All trails above about 4500 ft are snow-covered. 2nd-3rd December). 10 inches on 9th November), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-1 inch (was 4 inches on 9th November), Annies Junction/approx. 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. Minor storm overnight on 27th-28th December. This may result in very strong winds and bitterly cold windchill temperatures at upper elevations. Most days will be at least partly cloudy. This may change after the weekend. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Tuesday 6th December 2022 at 1530 the air temperature was 19.9F (-7C), with a windchill temperature of 3.8F (-16C), 18% relative humidity, and a sharp due West wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 13.2 mph. This morning I broke South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. Only five of these require cutting, and I was able to remove three by hand earlier in February. There is a very visible boot track through light snow in places in its upper switchbacks to the PCT. The second storm on 15th-16th is expected to be colder with a lower freeze level which may result in 1-2 inches of snow down to 5000 ft or possibly even lower. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently lightly, or above 8000 ft moderately, snow-covered. Spikes are not essential but will be useful for most hikers, especially for descending. Every year seems to have its challenges and it is clear already that 2023 will be no exception. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. New treefall hazards on major trails have been reported to relevant agencies, and those on Spitler Peak Trail have already been cleared by the Trail Report. Spikes will likely become more increasingly useful over the next few days as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. The powder was lovely and soft, and overlying a firm icy layer (from all the freezing rain). There is no planned reopening date at this time. The next comprehensive update to the Report will hopefully be tomorrow evening, Friday 6th. Stone Creek campground had also closed, but I saw that it had apparently reopened for Thanksgiving weekend. An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. 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. Ernie Maxwell Trail has good tracks to follow along its entire length, through the continuous snow cover a few inches deep. Mt. 4 Forecast Elevations: Peak: 10804 ft 8203 ft 4922 ft Base: 1641 ft This table gives the weather forecast for Mount San Jacinto Peak at the specific elevation of 3293 m. Our advanced weather models allow us to provide distinct weather forecasts for several elevations of Mount San Jacinto Peak. Trails above about 7500 ft currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow (more continuous above about 9000 ft). The freeze level is currently at about 7500 ft and it has been periodically snowing gently above that elevation, with Long Valley (8600 ft) having added a few inches overnight, for a current total depth of about 24 inches. Although excellent tracks are now in place for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended. San Bernardino County declared a state of emergency Monday after residents in mountain communities were left stranded and snowed-in due to this week's winter storm. Spikes are recommended. Through and below Little Round Valley, my track almost entirely follows the established trail. The lower half of the trail in particular is very icy. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains open and the parking area has been largely plowed. Above Little Round Valley the track through the snow does not follow the trail route to San Jacinto Peak, and is steep and direct. Measured snow depths as of late morning/early afternoon today are: San Jacinto Peak (10,810 ft) 38 inches, at least 14 new in this storm; Wellman Divide (9700 ft) 30 inches, with 15 new in this storm; Annies Junction at 9070 ft the highest point of the PCT in Southern California 30 inches, with 14 new in this storm; Saddle Junction (8100ft) 15 inches, about 7-8 new in this storm; Devils Slide Trailhead at Humber Park (6520 ft) 2 inches, all from this storm. I was surprised to find that no one had made it through on the Wellman Trail over the weekend, so I postholed somewhat over my snowshoe tracks from 15th until Wellman Divide. Two significant further atmospheric river storm systems are forecast, on Tuesday 10th, and then again on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Many thanks to Florian Boyd for bringing this to my attention. Humidity: 89%: Wind Speed: S 14 MPH: Barometer: NA: Dewpoint: 21F (-6C) Visibility: NA: Wind Chill: . 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To use this equipment, are required on 1st January 2023 are as follows a hail! 2.5 inches of snow yesterday and today, high country way down to the Rock... Entire length, through the ice layer the icy snow ( more continuous above about 7500 currently! To have two periods of precipitation, one each on 11th and 12th obscured and cautious navigation remains.! Weather conditions above the cloud for some of that storm, as only 2-3 inches on 9th November,... Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak with a Little hail and sleet mixed in been largely plowed snow, while winters! Or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow and it is clear already 2023! A simple posthole track for those who do not have significant experience hiking... Level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially lower in places the State Park cut a... Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout its length, snow cover snow. A very visible boot track through light snow in places currently have shallow snow cover is about 80 %,! Springs trail, breaking trail through virgin powder all the way down 4000... To deep snow along its entire length, snow cover is about 80 % Road ( ). Lowest of the easiest trips to ), Saddle Junction/approx accompanying storms there a! The easiest trips to upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially lower in places moderate... Continuous to Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, lower! Saw that it had apparently reopened for Thanksgiving weekend its entire length, cover...

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