Overall, melting is proceeding faster than expected, especially with warmer than forecast temperatures, but this weekend trails will be very icy. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular route, as discussed below. The Ernie Maxwell Trail [surveyed 10th January] has minor patches of snow along its entire length, however it is largely clear for long sections, and the remaining snow is rarely icy. Melting and freeze/thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain for the remainder of February. There is a very well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak (multiple photos below). Although excellent tracks are now in place for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended. I recorded a brief video at San Jacinto Peak at about 0930 on Friday 6th (available here on YouTube) which discusses conditions at that time. Indeed there were no other tracks anywhere above Humber Park, not even on lower Devils Slide Trail. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. Webcams. This trail has had limited hiker traffic since November 2018, largely because Dark Canyon Road has only been open for a few months since the Great Valentines Day flood of 2019. There I generally put on Kahtoola microspikes for the descent. "The biggest issue with the snow levels is the . I recorded a short video at San Jacinto Peak early on the morning of Wednesday 9th November (available here) which gives a feel for conditions as the storm finally cleared. Currently trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) are largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. From there I put in a direct ascending track roughly following the old East Ridge Trail to the Peak. I put in a posthole track the entire way up, but crampons (with an ice axe) were necessary on the upper switchbacks above about 8300 ft due to the usual steeply angled ice obscured underneath 6-12 inches of powder. This information will be updated daily over the next week as details are changing significantly with every new forecast. The high country was above the weather most of the night, and added an inch of fresh snow at most, however there were 2.25 inches in Idyllwild, and also roughly the same fresh snow depth at Humber Park and Saddle Junction. In combination with the four inches of rain since Saturday, not to mention the many inches of rain earlier this winter, the mid elevations, including the mountain communities, are now best described as a very soggy and slushy mess. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. I ultimately kept my Kahtoola microspikes on until just past the top of Marion Mountain Trail, but could have removed them somewhat sooner. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and far below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). Use this relief map to navigate to mountain peaks in the area of Mount San Jacinto Peak. On 24th and 28th we barebooted to the Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through light icy snow. MT. Minor storm overnight on 27th-28th December. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 10 inches (was 12 inches on 9th), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 7-8 inches (photo above), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 3 inches (was 4 inches on 9th), Round Valley (9100 ft): was 4 inches on 9th, Annies Junction/approx. 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. In summary there are good tracks in place through the very shallow snow, and spikes are not required (but may be useful for some hikers depending on their experience in thin icy snow). So, to see something like this happen is very rare.. My tracks from Wednesday were still largely visible and helped a little with traction. At the Peak on Monday 23rd January 2023 at 1010 the air temperature was 11.1F (-11C), with a windchill temperature of -16.2F (-26C), 47% relative humidity, and a bitter NNE wind sustained at 20 mph gusting to 27.7 mph. I recorded an overly rambling and partly wind affected video report from San Jacinto Peak late morning on Wednesday 18th, available here on YouTube, but it does give a sense for the conditions underfoot at the highest elevations, and for the spectacular vista that day. 13:00. The switchbacks up to Tahquitz Peak average only 20% icy snow cover, but the frequency and length of ice patches increases on the uppermost switchbacks. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating in the trails. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 25-27 inches (includes 2.5 inches snow added on 10th January) but very heavily drifted, Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 24 inches (2 inches on 10th January), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 16 inches (1.5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 10th), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 16 inches (1.5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 10th), Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail/PCT Mile 184.9 (8700 ft): 13 inches (1 inch snow on 10th), Long Valley (8600 ft): 8 inches (1 inch snow plus 1.5 inches rain on 10th), Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183.3 (8100 ft): 6 inches (1 inch snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 10th), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 8 inches (1 inch snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 10th), Deer Springs Trail at Suicide Rock Trail junction (6950 ft): 0-1 inch (0.5 inch snow plus >1.0 inch rain on 10th), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0.5 inch (0.5 inch snow plus >1.0 inch rain on 10th). Spitler Peak Trail is functionally clear of snow, but see photo below regarding patches of ice fallen from trees. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Tuesday 27th December 2022 at 0850 the air temperature was 31.2F (-1C), with a windchill temperature of 15.1F (-9C), 31% relative humidity, and a sharp WSW wind sustained at 17 mph gusting to 26.1 mph. A fourth and final minor system is expected on 28th February-1st March. Conversely, lower down Devils Slide Trail is a combination of very light snow cover, slush, and multiple stream crossings, with much water flowing down the trail. This is the flattest portion of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains, and snow depth currently averages about 13 inches. 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. All trails above about 8000 ft are obscured by snow at this time, and cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. In the week since the last storm we have surveyed trails around Tahquitz Peak twice, plus South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Marion Mountain trails, among others. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Suitable waterproof footwear is strongly recommended. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. Spikes are strongly recommended as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. On the afternoon of Monday 6th I was treated to moody clouds and virga, a cloud base just above my head at San Jacinto Peak, and the briefest possible flurry of small snow flakes while at the Peak (but nothing settled). Ernie Maxwell Trail has good tracks to follow along its entire length, through the continuous snow cover a few inches deep. Although I carried snowshoes it would have been risky to try to use them on the icy traverses. Altitudes are approximate. Current known total accumulations are 4 inches in Idyllwild, 6 inches at Devils Slide Trailhead, 9 inches at Saddle Junction, and 8 inches at Long Valley. 32mi . No, it wasn't snowfall in the Santa Cruz Mountains or at Mt. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all now options. Once you reach the snow tongue of Snow Creek you will need crampons and ice axe. This morning I broke South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. To see more years, view this page on a wider screen. There is a well-traveled track on continuous light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. All trails above about 6500 ft remain lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. South Ridge Road (5S11), Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail), and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) are currently closed to vehicle traffic, as is Black Mountain Road at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. Hamilton, we saw snow falling and covering the Saratoga Hills, just about 15 minutes from town. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations. Multiple atmospheric river storm systems are forecast to bring very unsettled weather to the San Jacinto mountains starting Tuesday 27th December, lasting well into the first week of January. The Trail Report has adopted Seven Pines Trail as a priority for maintenance work as the trail has had a disproportionate number of lost hiker rescues in the past decade. Otherwise, reliable posthole tracks are in place from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, but parts will become obscured by any additional light snowfall and/or especially by drifting snow from strong winds. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. Snowshoes are no longer required anywhere on the established trail system, which is now too compacted for snowshoes. Although not essential, spikes are recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. UPDATE #2 for 10th November 2022: It was disappointing late this morning to see southbound PCT hikers trying to hike down Highway 243 from Idyllwild to Mountain Center. On cold mornings the trail will be icy and some hikers will find spikes are useful, however on warmer days and afternoons spikes are not required. Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. Mount Baldy Ski Lifts. On the afternoon of 18th I saw posthole tracks that head down the start of the Caramba Trail, and following the PCT southbound toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have no further details at this time. 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. Current snow depth at Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park is 4-5 inches on top of 1-2 inches of ice/icy snow from recent freezing rain. Currently crampons, always with an ice axe, and advanced knowledge of how to use this equipment, are required. 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). Spikes are recommended at least for descending, and will become increasingly important with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. Snow expected in the high country in the early hours of Wednesday 28th is not expected to be sufficient to obscure some of the higher elevation trails and complicate navigation. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Altitudes are approximate. While my snowshoe track continues from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, this may rapidly become obscured by additional light snowfall and/or drifting snow from strong winds. Excessive precipitation of 1.3" (33mm) is anticipated. 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). With at least two further snowfalls expected in the next few days, and strong winds in the high country expected for the next week causing substantial daily drifting of snow, much of the trail system will remain largely obscured by light to moderate snow until the second week of January. Above seasonal temperatures will continue until Sunday 27th November. Currently crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use both), are strongly recommended. UPDATE Wednesday 28th December: the overnight rain storm produced 0.73 inch in Idyllwild (measured at 5550 ft) while Long Valley (8600 ft) led San Jacinto mountain locations in rainfall with 1.01 inch. At the Peak on Monday 21st November 2022 at 1610 the air temperature was 36.5F (3C), with a windchill temperature of 28.0F (-2C), 9% relative humidity, and a steady WSW breeze sustained at 6 mph gusting to 9.2 mph. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 6th February 2023 at 0930 the air temperature was 11.1F (-12C), with a windchill temperature of -11.0F (-24C), 59% relative humidity, and a frigid NNW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 20.2 mph. Devils Slide Trail has a traveled and largely compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. potentially dangerous) windchill temperatures. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Snow Play at Mount San Jacinto Park Easily accessible from Palm Springs, this snowy mountain top is only a short ride up the mountain. Altitudes are approximate. Today qualified as a day off from the incessant storms, although even then we managed a minor storm in Strawberry Valley (where Idyllwild is located), with two inches of fresh snowfall overnight and into the morning. About six inches of snow fell at San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft) decreasing to 0.5 inch in upper Fern Valley (at c.6000 ft). I snowshoed the rest of the way to San Jacinto Peak through lovely light powder. A major warming trend will significantly change conditions on the trail system in the next week or two. Although excellent tracks are now in place for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended. Note that the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has announced they will be closed tomorrow, Saturday 25th, due to extreme weather. Spitler Peak Trail had 10 new treefall hazards, almost all in the upper switchbacks. The State Park boundary is not marked but is near the site of the old Florians Cache, below Flat Rock. The primary purpose of this update is an advisory of imminent major snow accumulation forecast due to a triple storm sequence. This is a brief summary of conditions following the second Pacific storm, and the first significant snowfall, of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. Further strong winds and blowing powder had eliminated much of these tracks again by Wednesday, and I again largely re-broke trail that day too. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. A few minor patches exist close to the top. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 30th January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) and checked again on 1st February are as follows. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 7000 ft, possibly lower in places on cold (icy) mornings. Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. The Get it Done app can help you report blocked storm drains, potholes, and broken streetlights. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. All have been reported to US Forest Service. 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. Southwest Montana snowpacks rebounded in February after storms dumped an impressive amount of snow on the area's river basins, according to a Natural Resources Conservation Service report . I measured an average of about four inches of snow at Old Lookout Flat, although with some deeper drifts in the trail. Two or more inches of rain are likely for mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild) on 27th-30th, with several inches of snow possible above 10,000 ft elevation on various days over the next week or so. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is functionally clear of icy snow, although a few minor patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and/or icy patches (depending upon time of day). February is forecast to be somewhat more settled than the very eventful January. Crampons (or perhaps spikes or snowshoes on some days) are recommended. Tracks of myself and a couple of others from recent days were largely visible up Devils Slide Trail, and I barebooted to Saddle Junction through thin powder overlying ice. If hiking/snowshoeing/skiing into the State Wilderness, you must fill out a wilderness day-use permit. 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. Palm Springs South-West: Idyllwild-Pine Cove. 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). The latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and conservative decision making. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Thank you so much for your support. The peak is also frequently called Mount San Jacinto. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (3.0 inches on 12th December). On 24th the road had about 30% patchy ice cover. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 2nd-5th December 2022 are as follows, with depths after the only significant storm of this winter to date (on 9th November) for comparison in parentheses where known. Mount Waterman. Two ascents of San Jacinto Peak in three days had challenging snow and weather, but both were hugely enjoyable. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0.75 inches (melting rapidly this afternoon). Early on Monday 23rd January I ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails) that I had broken last Wednesday 18th, and descended the west side via (more-or-less) Deer Springs Trail. Snow cover remains virtually continuous, but a few small patches are clearing below 7000 ft. Spikes are strongly recommended, at least for descending. Altitudes are approximate. 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). Clear of snow, although with some deeper drifts in the trails and conservative making. Navigate to Mountain peaks in the morning as the snow tongue of snow at time. Afternoon ) 28th we barebooted to the top I snowshoed the rest the... 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