Joyce Schwartz - From Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit Facebook Page. 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. I put in a posthole track the entire way up, but crampons (with an ice axe) were essential at that time on the upper switchbacks above about 8300 ft due to the typical steeply angled ice obscured underneath 6-12 inches of powder (photos below). Only five of these require cutting, and I was able to remove three by hand earlier in February. The Peak Trail has about 90% cover of icy snow to 9900 ft elevation, and then >95% cover to San Jacinto Peak. At the on Monday 13th February 2023 at 1010 the air temperature was 16.8F (-10C), with a windchill temperature of -1.3F (-19C), 95% relative humidity, and a wintry NNW wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 13.2 mph. On 13th, Idyllwild received 2.75 inches, and I measured five inches at San Jacinto Peak, with 3-4 inches at locations in between. The natural traction was superb, and I barebooted all the way to just above Wellman Divide (9700 ft) before finally putting on Kahtoola microspikes, accompanied by an ice axe. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 40% icy snow cover. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 19th-20th February (east and south side locations) and 15th February 2023 (west side) are as follows. Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, plus an ice axe (and thorough knowledge of how to use it) are currently required for traversing these slopes. Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 45 inches, heavily drifted, Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 40 inches (45 inches), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 44 inches (45-48 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, Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183 (8100 ft): 15 inches, Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 19 inches (21 inches), Suicide Rock Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (6950 ft): 1-3 inches, Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 2-4 inches (5-6 inches), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0-2 inches (3 inches). All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. Snowshoes are recommended everywhere with snow above 4000 ft, potentially lower in places, and spikes are invaluable anywhere that has been cleared or compacted. Spikes are recommended at least for descending, and will become increasingly important with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. 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. On 14th, about 2.0 inches fell in Idyllwild, with an inch all the way down to 3500 ft (and a dusting even lower), but upper elevations received a similar amount, with 2.5 inches in Long Valley (8600 ft) and at Wellman Divide (9700 ft), and no more than three inches at San Jacinto Peak. 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 . This western side of the mountain was better protected from winds and drifting snow, and this track should largely survive until the weekend. At least two further minor storm systems are forecast, overnight into Tuesday 3rd January, and then again all day on Thursday 5th January, as described in more detail in the Weather section below. South Ridge Trail [hiked 13th and 17th December] has a well-traveled posthole track through shallow snow as far as Tahquitz Peak. Three numbers are given: the first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in brackets by the new snow accumulation from the storm on 29th-30th January, and finally in parentheses by the maximum depth where known so far this winter, generally on 18th January following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023. However, snowshoes will become increasingly useful as conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 8000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. At the Peak 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 gentle WNW wind sustained at 5 mph gusting to 9.9 mph. Holden said he could not recall the last time there had been an avalanche on Mount San Jacinto. 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. While all time and effort is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report requests small private donations to cover costs. At the Peak on Thursday 24th November 2022 at 0810 the air temperature was 29.0F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 5.7F (-15C), 16% relative humidity, and a severe NNW wind sustained at 25 mph gusting to 35.1 mph. This is followed by steady moderate to heavy snowfall starting in the afternoon of Wednesday 22nd and continuing into the early hours of Sunday 26th February. WEATHER MOUNT DIABLO SAN FRANCISCO SNOW SKIING RAIN TRAFFIC. 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. Early on the morning of Saturday 17th I broke trail back-and-forth across the 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak which now has a lightly traveled posthole track to follow through the drifted powder (photo below). Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. The remainder of February is currently forecast to continue the cold temperatures of recent days, generally at or below seasonal at all mountain elevations, and to be increasingly unsettled. Trails remain very icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles and compaction from hiker traffic, so spikes are recommended throughout the trail system above about 8000 ft (lower in places). Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Snowshoes are likely to become useful (even essential in early January), at least above about 9000 ft, if there is significant snowfall during the coming week or so as forecast. She was driving on Interstate 10 (and had to concentrate on the road!) The freeze level will initially be above 10,000 ft, ultimately only falling to about 9000 ft, so many of the main access trails to the high country may get no new snowfall. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 36-40 inches (winter max depth 45-48 inches), drifted >50 inches in places, Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 38 inches (45 inches), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 44 inches (48 inches), Long Valley (8600 ft): 20 inches (24 inches), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 18 inches (22 inches), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0-3 inches, partly melted by afternoon of 6th (6 inches), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): <1.0 inch, largely melted by afternoon of 6th (4 inches). Snow cover is about 60% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.0 mile (roughly 8500 ft), and thereafter >90% to San Jacinto Peak. One thing Holden was sure of, however, is that Sundays avalanche appeared to be no joke. All trails above about 6500 ft remain lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. Current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness feeling more typical for April or May than late November. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Seven Pines Trail has not been traveled since last weeks storm, at least not in its uppermost section, and there is no track to follow through the snow. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. With the light fresh powder the previous evening, accompanied by very strong winds causing extensive drifting, prior tracks, including my own from 13th, had been totally erased everywhere so I was again breaking trail the entire way. Although that day was not as cold and windy as 15th, I ascended in heavy cloud conditions with steady snowfall for the first three hours. Altitudes are approximate. 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. 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. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Deer Springs Trail (surveyed 8th December) is functionally clear of ice to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft). A mixed assortment of weather is possible for the remainder of November. Spikes could potentially be used to ascend to the highest peaks at this time, although crampons are certainly safer for traversing (e.g., see photo below). Final totals for Idyllwild for the three day storm event were 6.5 inches of snow, plus an impressive 5.06 inches of rain. A fourth and final minor system is expected on 28th February-1st March. Snowfall in Long Valley (8600 ft) has been steady until largely stopping by 1600, with close to 10 inches added since yesterday for a total accumulation there of nearly three feet. 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. A weather system, possibly in two waves across a broad time window between 2nd and 5th December, is currently forecast to produce light precipitation at all elevations, including a possible dusting of snow in the high country [update 1st December: no precipitation is now expected from these storms passing to the north of us]. 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. However this may change next week with new snowfall possible as discussed below. Winters are highly variable in Mount San Jacinto State Park. Current air temperature at San Jacinto Peak is 17.8F (-8C) with a windchill of -5.6F (-21C) and a steady SW wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 30.2 mph. Some hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending. New snow accumulation of 13 to 19 inches possible. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Make Yahoo Your Homepage Discover something new every day from News, Sports, Finance, Entertainment and more! Wet winters can dump several feet of snow, while dry winters may only result in a few inches here and there. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Thursday 24th November 2022 at 0810 the air temperature was 29.0F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 5.7F (-15C), 16% relative humidity, and a severe NNW wind sustained at 25 mph gusting to 35.1 mph. 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). [UPDATE 1st December 2022: the double storm system that looks likely to bring significant precipitation to northern and central California appears to be missing the San Jacinto mountains, despite optimistic forecasts over the previous week. It wasnt until early in the morning on Wednesday 9th, by which time the bulk of the storm system had passed, that the snow level fell to near 5000 ft, with 0.75 inch snow recorded at 5550 ft elevation. 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. After a relatively benign day, it started snowing gently at 1340, and has become steady with large wet flakes in the past hour or so. Extremely cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. 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). Check out the Mount San Jacinto State Park, CA WinterCast. While my snowshoe track continues from Saddle Junction through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, this was already becoming partially obscured by a combination of ice fall from overhead trees, melting of surface snow, and light drifting of powder in some areas. Strong winds expected on 11th-12th February, and again on 14th, will likely obscure many tracks with spindrift. In the days since the storm, we have also surveyed trails around Tahquitz Peak, South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Deer Springs, among others. "The biggest issue with the snow levels is the . 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). Although my original track accurately followed the trail above Little Round Valley, there are now a fair number of alternate shortcut tracks across this slope, so cautious navigation is advised. Devils Slide Trail is almost clear of icy snow to about 7700 ft although some extended dirty icy patches remain below that. All trails above about 8000 ft are obscured by snow at this time, and cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Above that elevation, icy snow cover is about 60% to Saddle Junction. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 23rd January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. 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. 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). Average snow cover is 60%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. Willow Creek Trail remains a relatively slow, messy hike for a couple of miles. At the Peak on Thursday 29th December 2022 at 0910 the air temperature was 25.8F (-3C), with a windchill temperature of 7.2F (-14C), 81% relative humidity, and a harsh WNW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 25.4 mph. Tap on a box to see the date. 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. Temperatures will be below seasonal for December for at least the next week, with many days cloudy or at least partly cloudy. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. A short video giving a feel for current snow conditions at San Jacinto Peak is available here on YouTube. Forecasts are inconsistent regarding the amount of snowfall in this next storm, but those that I trust suggest 12+ inches in Idyllwild over the next 24 hours, with 1-2 feet in the high country. 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. 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. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 28th November 2022 at 0855 the air temperature was 26.2F (-3C), with a windchill temperature of 8.8F (-13C), 11% relative humidity, and a sharp due West wind sustained at 17 mph gusting to 24.6 mph. There had been an additional six inches of snow (plus an unknown amount of rain) since my measurement two days earlier, for a current total snow depth of about 21 inches at Saddle Junction. Report flooding to the . Snow on this east slope is drifted, and remains up to 12 inches deep in places. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. A classic La Nina pattern cool but relatively dry is in place for the third winter in a row. If the Report is useful to you in any way, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Nevertheless, snowshoes will be valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000ft for the foreseeable future, and on trail where tracks have not yet been broken. UPDATE 17th November 2022: as predicted, and even as melting proceeds steadily, trails are getting increasing icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles, and spikes are recommended throughout the trail system above about 7000 ft. On my hike to San Jacinto Peak this morning, again I did not need spikes to ascend, but they were invaluable for descending all the way down to upper Devils Slide Trail. Every year seems to have its unique challenges, and it is already clear that 2023 will be no exception. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. Spikes will not be required by most hikers, depending upon comfort level hiking on patchy angled icy snow. I switched to crampons and then finished breaking the Peak Trail through to near Miller Peak (photo below). Note that averages are given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. They tend to be especially valuable for descending trails. 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). Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and light powder there is extreme drifting. Very fine snow fell briefly this evening. South Ridge Road (5S11) is currently closed to vehicle traffic but is rapidly clearing [checked Saturday 17th] of snow. An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. "Here's the thing, who would realize it was an avalanche?" By 1st February there was a somewhat meandering snowshoe track from Round Valley (and presumably Long Valley) up to San Jacinto Peak, ultimately using the East Ridge route from near Miller Peak, that generally followed lower angle terrain and avoided the traversing slopes of the Peak Trail. Many hikers may find spikes are already useful, and will become increasingly so during and after this weekend with melting and compaction. 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. 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. The system was generally very mild, with the freeze level near 8000 ft, but this is expected to drop overnight, by which time the precipitation will have largely passed. Forecasts for snowfall have varied greatly in both timing and volume, the latter ranging from inches to feet. Once it stopped snowing, the mountain was shrouded in thick foggy cloud, such that visibility was as low as 100 feet on the exposed slopes of the Peak Trail. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains open and the parking area has been largely plowed. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. There is a well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. Hikers should expect to encounter new treefall hazards due to the enormous weight of ice from freezing rain associated with the early November storm, followed by recent Santa Ana winds, and after the passage of Tropical Storm Kay in September. Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. The next, much more substantial, wave of snow arrives later this afternoon. I kept those on for the rest of the ascent, and almost all of the descent, finally removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. Palm Springs South-West: Idyllwild-Pine Cove. 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. A short video summary of what we found is available here. Marion Mountain Trail has a well-traveled snowshoe track to follow along its entire length. no traction device) to the Peak on a generally well-traveled and compacted track through light icy snow. I put spikes on at the Peak for the descent and ultimately kept on my Kahtoola microspikes until about 9000 ft, one mile north of Saddle Junction. The storm brought down four new treefall hazards down on upper Spitler Peak Trail, awkward but all passable with care. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide, from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak, and up South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. Thank you so much for your support. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. 34 minutes ago. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover costs. Altitudes are approximate. The PCT from Snow Creek south to at least Saddle Junction (roughly Miles 207-179) has a clear track to follow. For both storms snow estimates for the highest elevations range from 10-15 inches, with perhaps only an inch of snow in Idyllwild following some rainfall. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. San Jacinto State Park boundary (Strawberry Junction, Round Valley, Tamarack Valley or Little Round Valley) contact State Park Headquarters 1-951-659-2607. . Spikes are not required. Ernie Maxwell Trail [checked 23rd and 26th January] has good tracks to follow along its entire length, through the shallow icy snow (still >90% snow cover). 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). Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through increasingly patchy, very thin, icy snow above about 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). 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. Temperatures will climb steadily this week and be well above seasonal for at least 21st-28th December. 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