Spikes are strongly recommended as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. Indeed it rained as high as San Jacinto Peak multiple times on 7th and 8th November. Icy snow cover is 80% overall, becoming increasingly patchy below about 7000 ft, and again in the sun-exposed areas above 8000 ft. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. South Ridge Trail [updated 24th December] has about 30% icy snow cover from the top of South Ridge Road to Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). This may change after the weekend. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 19th December (east side) or 15th December (west side) 2022 are as follows. This information will be updated daily over the next week as details are changing significantly with every new forecast. 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. However a couple more inches of snow are expected this afternoon, and also on 2nd and 5th January. Humidity: 89%: Wind Speed: S 14 MPH: Barometer: NA: Dewpoint: 21F (-6C) Visibility: NA: Wind Chill: . With such dramatic rainfall throughout the mountain range last week, and with snow now available for melting in the high country, I do not expect to be reporting on water conditions until next year. Icy snow cover is 60% overall, becoming increasingly patchy below about 7000 ft, and again in the sun-exposed areas above 8000 ft. Spikes are useful, especially for descending. 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. but probably light rain and/or about an inch of snow at the elevation of Idyllwild. No tracks had made it as far as Chinquapin from Saddle Junction at that time. Most notable for our region is the remaining uncertainty within the meteorological models, which could result in us receiving half (or double!) 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. The total snow accumulation was ultimately very close to that forecast in the days immediately prior to the storm. MT. Although I made a concerted effort to put in a track as faithful to the trail routes as conditions permitted, wild winds and spindrift powder on all the exposed slopes rendered that fairly pointless. Spikes are generally not required for ascending, but most hikers find them useful at least for descending. On my hike up to San Jacinto Peak it started snowing gently at 1025 in the high country. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. The high country remained above the cloud for this one, with no fresh snowfall above about 8000 ft. Snow depths measured at many locations on the trail system on 11th January are given at the foot of this posting. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 15th February 2023 are as follows. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. There was thin patchy snow at the trailhead (4900 ft) and then it was largely continuous above 5800 ft. Some hikers will find spikes preferable. The steep escarpment of its north face, above Snow Creek, climbs over 10,000 feet (3,000 m) in 7 miles (11 km). There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. Deep snow at 10,500 feet Spikes are not essential for ascending, but most hikers will find them useful at least for descending. Snowshoes are very strongly recommended for any trails in, or leading to, the high country. The East Ridge Trail (from near Miller Peak to San Jacinto Peak) has a handful of tracks through the continuous snow, though none (including mine) accurately follow the trail route. This may result in very strong winds and bitterly cold windchill temperatures at upper elevations. A winter storm will continue to move through California today then into the Four Corners on Sunday bringing significant mountain snow, strong winds with blizzard conditions, lower elevation snow where snow is unusual, and well below normal temperatures. As discussed above, multiple additional snowfalls forecast for 14th-18th January will further complicate the trail conditions. However excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place for most of the major trails (details below). Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (possibly lower in places) obscured by moderate snow, and even fresh tracks being erased by spindrift snow in places. The snow quickly turned into semi-melted slush. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. My blogging throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here. Snowshoes are useful in low to moderate angle terrain with adequate snow depth above about 8000 ft, for example the Tahquitz area meadows near Saddle Junction, sections of Deer Springs Trail, and Long Valley/Round Valley. On 13th, Idyllwild received 2.75 inches, and I measured five inches at San Jacinto Peak, with 3-4 inches at locations in between. It stopped snowing at about 0800. The storm sequence starts with a minor storm on the night of Tuesday 21st, which may only produce 2-3 inches of snow at all elevations, but accompanied by high winds and bitterly cold temperatures. Snowshoes are no longer required anywhere on the established trail system, which is now too compacted for snowshoes. Storm total at San Jacinto Peak is about 14 inches for a current total depth of 36+ inches (but very heavily drifted). In Idyllwild at 5550 ft, rainfall storm total today is 1.14 inches. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Snow cover is about 60% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.0 mile (roughly 8500 ft), and thereafter >90% to San Jacinto Peak. This facilitated survey of the highest parts of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains (roughly Miles 179-181 and 185.5-183.5) plus several of its side trails. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 23rd January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. From there I used snowshoes to ascend via Annies Junction and Wellman Divide. The section where the avalanche occurred rarely has people on it, he said, because climbing options are limited to a very technical route that is typically attempted only by experienced climbers later in the season. In the high country temperatures will be 10-20F above seasonal and, more significantly regarding snow/ice conditions, well above freezing for at least a week. UPDATE Tuesday 13th December 2022: This morning Anabel and I broke trail up South Ridge Road and South Ridge Trail to Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). Devils Slide Trail is largely clear of icy snow to about 7400 ft (Middle Spring) although some extended patches remain below that. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. This morning I broke South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. 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. 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). Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. However, Holden said that the one place where avalanches can sometimes happen is that north face. Three significant trees are now down across the trail, including two major hazards that are not easy to hike around both roughly halfway along the trail. It is possible they may deteriorate even further with some warming from direct sunlight. Given colder temperatures for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to slow (or almost stop in the high country) and spikes will remain recommended well into December at least. Spikes are useful but not strictly required for ascending, but most hikers will continue to find them very useful for descending. While these are expected to bring significant precipitation throughout the state, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California. On both days I was able to ascend barebooting to about 8800 ft on 30th and to 9200 ft on 1st, before putting on crampons. Most people hike 2-3 hours to the tram for a ride down off the mountain. This will make trail conditions more complicated, and if in any doubt whatsoever carry and use traction devices accordingly (see discussion in introduction above). Sadly it is looking increasingly likely that neither storm will significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 0-1 inch (was 3 inches on 9th November), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0 inch (was 2.5 inches on 9th November), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (was <1 inch on 9th November). While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover costs. SAN JACINTO (MSJC1) Lat: 33.81528NLon: 116.64194WElev: 8616ft. 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. The PCT on the south-facing slope (Angels Glide) for about 1.0 mile north of Saddle Junction is largely clear of snow (spikes not required). So, that avalanche looks very large.. I ultimately kept my Kahtoola microspikes on until just past the top of Marion Mountain Trail, but could have removed them somewhat sooner. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 6 inches, Long Valley (8600 ft): 2-3 inches [special thanks to Kyle Eubanks for this measurement], Saddle Junction/approx. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has a well-traveled and level track photo below to follow through the light 3-4 inches of powder (drifted to six inches in places). The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 40% icy snow cover. On South Ridge Trail spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks. This will likely continue to be the case for several weeks, given fresh snowfall expected. Average snow cover is 40%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. Each of them was memorable. Consequently the trail conditions and snow depths reported herein will change dramatically over the next few days. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations. Todays rainfall total has passed an inch in Idyllwild, and various locations in Pine Cove (5800-6500 ft) were reporting 1.1 to 1.3 inches two hours ago. Altitudes are approximate. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Overall, melting is proceeding somewhat faster than expected but this holiday weekend trails will remain very icy. Above that elevation, icy snow is largely continuous to Saddle Junction. On 21st I again barebooted (i.e. 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. 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). There were posthole tracks heading south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat. They are now invaluable on heavily traveled, compacted, icy tracks (before they clear of snow in the coming weeks) such as Devils Slide, Ernie Maxwell, and Deer Springs trails, at least, especially mornings when conditions tend to be most icy, and for descending. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. The high country currently has the deepest snow accumulation in the San Jacinto mountains in almost four years, since March 2019. Current forecasts suggest that there may be significant snowfall on Sunday 29th-Monday 30th January at all elevations, but some warming and steady snow melt likely on either side of that date. They will be especially valuable on well-consolidated tracks over the coming weeks before they clear of snow (e.g., Devils Slide, Ernie Maxwell, Deer Springs trails, at least), on colder mornings when conditions are icy, and for descending. I put on my Kahtoola microspikes to descend from the Peak, ultimately leaving them on most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. Temperatures during and after both storms are forecast to be below seasonal for late November, colder than the storm system in early November, and windy and hence especially cold in the high country. Temperatures are expected to remain below average for January for the remainder of the month in Strawberry Valley (Idyllwild area), but are forecast to swing well above average (above freezing) for the highest elevations on 21st-26th January. I snowshoed the rest of the way to San Jacinto Peak through lovely light powder. Skyscrapers & Towers. On 24th the road had about 30% patchy ice cover. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Potentially stormy weather forecast for four periods in the past ten days all failed to significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains. I measured 15 inches of snow during a check of Devils Slide trailhead (6520 ft) at Humber Park this morning. Thank you so much for your support. Seven Pines Trail has one set of hiker tracks through the snow since the storm in early November 2022. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular track or trail. "Here's the thing, who would realize it was an avalanche?" Lightly-traveled snowshoe and/or posthole tracks radiate away from Saddle Junction around the meadow trail and south toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have not checked how accurately they follow established trail routes or how far they continue. Very shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for hiking. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. Melting on sun-exposed slopes is already well underway, e.g., on lower Devils Slide Trail, South Ridge and lower Deer Springs trails. 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). from. 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. Many hikers may find spikes are already useful, and will become increasingly so during and after this weekend with melting and compaction. My snowshoe track continues from Saddle Junction through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide , the Peak Trail, and East Ridge, but this may become obscured by additional light snowfall and/or drifting snow from strong winds. Prior to that Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) had received 1.04 inches of rain, with a little hail and sleet mixed in. Deer Springs Trail has a broken track to follow all the way to San Jacinto Peak. An informal use trail to Laws is much more direct and avoids all of the very challenging bushwhacking of the former trails (local hikers Charles Phelan and Mark Gumprecht kindly nicknamed it the King Trail when I established the route in 2019). At the Peak 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. Spikes will likely become increasingly useful over the next few days and weeks as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. Rainfall in Idyllwild (at 5550ft) has also maintained a steady pace, with close to 0.7 inch so far today. There is a well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. 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). 13:00. Tap on a box to see the date. Many hikers will nevertheless find spikes useful in places, especially for descending. The open section of trail below 5800 ft is clear of snow. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 0-1 inch (4 inches on 12th December), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0 inch (3.5 inches on 12th December). There are five new major treefall hazards, plus many other limbs and branches, across the trail between the Suicide Rock junction and the Marion Mountain Trail junction. They tend to be especially useful for descending. Snowshoes are currently not required on the established trail system, which is now too heavily traveled and compacted for snowshoes. I kept my crampons on for the entire descent, taking advantage of excellent cross-country glissading conditions, and made it from San Jacinto Peak back to Humber Park in just over two hours. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. You will encounter 35 to 45 degree snow slopes, with the angle increasing as you get near the top. The trail is clearest above immediately above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. 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. The week from 21st-26th December may be among the warmest on record for the year-end holiday period. Spikes are currently recommended throughout the trail system above about 6500 ft. Despite the relatively weak sun at this time of year, such warm temperatures mean that snow melt may be unusually rapid (for December) at all elevations, snow conditions will generally be poor for hiking (soft, slippery, and even slushy), while in many areas conditions will be ideal for freeze/thaw cycles and hence icy trails in the early mornings above about 7000 ft. More rain and snow is expected in the San Diego area Monday and forecast to arrive . 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. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains open and the parking area has been largely plowed. Altitudes are approximate. Spikes could potentially be used to ascend to the highest peaks at this time, although crampons are certainly safer for traversing. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. San Jacinto State Park boundary (Strawberry Junction, Round Valley, Tamarack Valley or Little Round Valley) contact State Park Headquarters 1-951-659-2607. . 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. 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. Conditions prior to this storm had been unsettled for several days, with a minor storm overnight on 27th-28th December. 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. Snow Creek and San Jacinto Peak to Tram Hard 4.7 (99) San Jacinto Wilderness Photos (5,943) Directions Print/PDF map Length 28.3 miElevation gain 10,242 ftRoute type Point to point Try this 28.3-mile point-to-point trail near Whitewater, California. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures well 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). 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). Due to the very high freeze level snowfall was restricted to a light dusting above 8200 ft, increasing to one inch above 9000 ft and 1.5 inch above 10,000 ft. Impacts will be minimal on high country trails, but trails between 7000-9000 ft with pre-existing snow may be a mix of slush, snow and ice, and will require some caution. 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. UPDATE Wednesday 14th December 2022: Early this morning Anabel and I broke trail up Spitler Peak Trail to the PCT. The first number is the current total snow depth, followed in parentheses by the greatest depth of the winter to date following the latest storm on 11th-12th December. 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). Conditions remain very unsettled for the first week of January. As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. NA. Idyllwild received 2.75 inches, and I measured five inches at San Jacinto Peak on my hike through the storm this morning, with 3-4 inches at locations in between. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 14th November 2022 are as follows, with depths from 9th November 2022 in parentheses where known. 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 freeze level will again start very high, but is forecast to fall lower, with the possibility of a light dusting of snow down to about 5500 ft. Another inch of rain is forecast for mid elevations, but a heavier snowfall is expected in the high country, with predictions ranging from 8-20 inches above 10,000 ft. Further precipitation is tentatively forecast for 3rd-6th January, but amounts, timing, and freeze levels remain uncertain this far ahead. The forecasts are very unsettled for the next week, but significant snowfall arrives on Saturday 31st (12+ inches expected in the high country) and may continue on/off until Friday 6th January 2023, potentially totaling 2-3 feet above 10,000 ft elevation. While fresh snow may be optimum for snowshoeing for the next couple of weeks, 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. 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. I hope to provide more information on the high country situation on Sunday 26th, depending on conditions/weather. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. 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). In addition, there is the possibility of minor snow storms on Thursday 19th and around Sunday 29th January. 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. 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 the days since the storm, we have also surveyed trails around Tahquitz Peak, South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Deer Springs, among others. There are layers of hard ice and firm icy snow beneath the fresh powder, and crampons are ideal at present everywhere above 9000 ft, potentially lower in places. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. Above Little Round Valley there are at least half-a-dozen tracks ascending toward San Jacinto Peak, none of which accurately follow the established trail route. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. As mentioned last week, current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness typical of April rather than December. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all now options. There is steep, dangerous snow along the PCT on Mount San Jacinto, and in the mountains further north all the way to Canada. 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). Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Preview trail Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. 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. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 1st January 2023 are as follows. 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. A key feature of this sequence of storms will be the relative warmth of the air masses which will lead to high freeze levels. They will be especially valuable on well-consolidated tracks over the coming days and weeks before they clear of snow (e.g., Devils Slide, Ernie Maxwell, Deer Springs trails, at least), on colder mornings when conditions are icy, and for descending. 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Depths measured at various locations on the upper trail have found this Report useful, please consider using link... But this holiday weekend trails will remain very icy in places scouring by the wind means the DEPTHS are below... Will nevertheless find spikes useful in places feet spikes are not essential for ascending, but preferably crampons are... ) has also maintained a steady pace, with close to the page... Information on the upper trail may deteriorate even further with some warming from direct sunlight inches of snow at foot... Average snow cover Ridge trail to Tahquitz Peak next few days get near the top Sunday 29th.... Volunteered, the San Jacinto State Park boundary ( Strawberry Junction, Round Valley ) contact Park! Trail from Annies Junction and Wellman Divide has about 40 % icy snow cover is %! To this storm had been unsettled for several days, with close to inch! You have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to Peak. Descending upper Deer Springs trail has one set of hiker tracks through the snow is icy... Is now hard, compacted and very icy of icy snow cover is 40 % icy snow is now,...