All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures near or below freezing in the high country, and generally well below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are now closed for the season. 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. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th January 2023 are as follows. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. 10 other mountain peaks closest to Mount San Jacinto Peak: 1. Skyscrapers & Towers. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two. 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. Above seasonal temperatures will continue until Sunday 27th November. 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. UPDATE Thursday 15th December 2022: Early this morning I hiked to San Jacinto Peak from Humber via Devils Slide, Wellman and Peak trails. However a couple more inches of snow are expected this afternoon, and also on 2nd and 5th January. IMPORTANT UPDATE Thursday 26th January 2023: The State Park has announced that Skyline Trail is closed with immediate effect due to hazardous conditions above the State Park boundary (5800 ft elevation). Stone Creek campground had also closed, but I saw that it had apparently reopened for Thanksgiving weekend. Overnight in Idyllwild we had three inches of snow, the first notable snowfall of this latest storm series, but temperatures actually warmed during the night (presumably with the arrival of the latest atmospheric river) and before dawn it was raining on top of the snow. It warmed last night to just above freezing below 6000 ft, with a mixture of rain and sleet falling on top of the prior snow, turning it increasingly to wet slush at mid elevations (we measured about 0.25 inch rain in Idyllwild). Even around the 10,000 ft peaks temperatures are expected to fluctuate either side of freezing for at least the first half of February, which will lead to freeze/thaw cycles and likely icy conditions in the mornings followed by soft, challenging snow in the afternoons. I snowshoed down from San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, Saddle Junction, and Devils Slide Trail. Very fine snow fell briefly this evening. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is clear of snow. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 20% icy snow cover. This is a summary of conditions following the second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. UPDATE #1 for 10th November 2022: We hiked Spitler Peak Trail to its junction with the PCT this morning. 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. There is considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, possibly lower in places. Most days will be at least partly cloudy. They are not currently recommended for moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow powder. . 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. Fresh snowfall, melting, and freeze/thaw cycles will all combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain over the next week or two. An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. This will likely continue to be the case for several weeks, given fresh snowfall expected. Spikes at least are required, but preferably crampons, both best used with an ice axe, specifically for the uppermost switchbacks, but traction is useful for descending much lower also. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 45-48 inches (includes about 24 inches snow in latest storms), heavily drifted to 60 inches in places, especially on the East Ridge. South Ridge Trail from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak has a relatively well-traveled track to follow through the very light and patchy 1-3 inches of icy snow. In addition to the flood watch, a wind advisory is in effect across Riverside County from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday. Trails above about 7500 ft currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow (more continuous above about 9000 ft). 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. This may result in very strong winds and bitterly cold windchill temperatures at upper elevations. 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. Holden said he could not recall the last time there had been an avalanche on Mount San Jacinto. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 0-1 inch, photo below (was 6 inches on 9th), Deer Springs Trail at top of Marion Mountain Trail (8700 ft): 1-2 inches, Tahquitz Peak (north side trail, 8700 ft): 0-1 inch [measured 26th November], Tahquitz Peak (south side trail, 8500-8700 ft): 0 inch [measured 26th November], Long Valley (8600 ft): <1 inch (was 2-3 inches on 9th), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0 inch (was approx. It does not accurately follow the established trail route in significant sections but is navigable. 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. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. 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. Compacted trails such as Devils Slide, Deer Springs, Marion Mountain, South Ridge are extremely icy between 7400-8900 ft due to the rain yesterday which has now frozen. Winters are highly variable in Mount San Jacinto State Park. The Peak Trail has about 90% cover of icy snow to 9900 ft elevation, and then >95% cover to San Jacinto Peak. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently snow-covered, and partially snow-covered above 5500 ft. 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. For the foreseeable future hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and well below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). Personally I would not currently venture above 9000 ft elevation without crampons (always with an ice axe) and snowshoes, due to the current complexity and challenges of the icy snow slopes above that elevation. 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. There is a well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. Long Valley at 8600 ft on the east slope received only about two inches of fresh snow. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. Devils Slide Trail is almost clear of icy snow to about 7700 ft although some extended dirty icy patches remain below that. 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. Freeze levels will be well below 3000 ft at times, and for example Garner Valley (4300-4800 ft) could receive as much as 6-12 inches of snow this week. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. The high winds forecast did not materialize, although gusts up to 35 mph have been enough to cause very heavy drifting. Altitudes are approximate. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through very thin and patchy icy snow above about 7200 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). I recorded a short video at the Peak, available here on YouTube. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. UPDATE Thursday 5th January 2023: We are just catching the southern edge of the highly-publicized storm currently passing through central California. A light overnight snowfall, which produced another three inches in Idyllwild, finally stopped at 0700 this morning. My posthole/glissading track between LRV and San Jacinto Peak is very direct and steep, and of limited help to an ascending hiker. Most of this snow had melted prior to my hike to San Jacinto Peak on 31st December. 7-Day Weather Live Satellite & Weather Radar. Heavy snow also possible in the Upper Midwest from a clipper system, and in the Northeast from a system moving through the area. Even Devils Slide Trail was largely obscured in deep drifted powder (photo below). However, relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below). Although not essential, spikes are recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow powder. Snowshoes can be rented at our Adventure Center. Snow is virtually continuous from there to San Jacinto Peak, with an excellent track to follow. Snow cover is only 50% below 6700 ft, about 95% up to 7200 ft, and continuous thereafter. In fact on my hike to San Jacinto Peak on Monday 13th through steady morning snow I could barely tell the difference in snow depths from the previous week, as the few inches of fresh snow had almost exactly replaced the few inches of depth that had melted over the previous week. 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. Thank you so much for your support. With two further minor snowfalls possible in January, and strong winds in the high country expected on some days causing substantial spindrift, tracks broken through the snow may not last long. This was immediately followed by a milder storm on 22nd-23rd that brought heavy snowfall with 13 inches in Idyllwild across a 30 hour period (measured at 5550 ft), and about 18 inches in Long Valley (8600 ft). Snowshoes are not required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. Note that tracks are being obscured very quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in hours or even minutes (see photo below). Altitudes are approximate. Currently there is less than three feet of snow at San Jacinto Peak; I suspect it would be 5-8 feet had we had fractionally cooler conditions in the past month. 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). Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. I have kept crampons on for most of the descent, removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Sunday 19th February 2023 at 1015 the air temperature was 19.6F (-7C), with a windchill temperature of 4.1F (-16C), 44% relative humidity, and a moderate SSE wind sustained at 8 mph gusting to 14 mph. As discussed above, multiple additional snowfalls forecast for 14th-18th January will further complicate the trail conditions. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe, are strongly recommended. In Idyllwild both overnight low and daytime high temperatures will be more typical of late March or even April than of late December. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway cuts about 6,000 feet of climbing off the hike . SAN JACINTO (MSJC1) Lat: 33.81528NLon: 116.64194WElev: 8616ft. 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). 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. Even as melting proceeds steadily (details below), trails are very icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles and compaction from hiker traffic, and spikes are recommended throughout the trail system above about 8000 ft (lower in places). The freeze level was above 7000 ft for most of the storm, with freezing rain plastering the vegetation as high as 10,000 ft. 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). The Peak Trail still has about 90% cover of icy snow to San Jacinto Peak. On 15th I barebooted (i.e. 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. While we have to be grateful for any precipitation received given our rapidly warming mountain climate, it was not the significant snow-producing storm that had been generally forecast in recent days. At the Peak 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. Across the three storm days, locations above about 9000 ft all generally added at least two feet of snow (admixed with layers of freezing rain in areas up to 10,000 ft). My Alpine start meant that all layers remained firm throughout the ascent. This makes for less than perfect snowshoeing conditions, but still preferable to postholing. Mammoth Lakes, traditionally one of the snowiest places in California, had nearly 4 feet (1.2 meters) of snow over the past three days. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. No tracks had made it as far as Chinquapin from Saddle Junction at that time. Many hikers may find spikes are already useful, and will become increasingly so during and after this weekend with melting and compaction. At the Peak 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. Even when the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (near the upper Ernie Maxwell trailhead; these nine space still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent). Obviously these depths are expected to change dramatically over the next few days. This may continue for several weeks, or could change given further fresh snowfall forecast. Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. Devils Slide Trail has a moderately traveled track to Saddle Junction. Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and generally far freezing when considering wind chill effects. 2nd-3rd December). Climb the remaining 5,100 feet of snow and or ice in one of the several chutes. We surveyed the PCT where it crosses Highway 74 (approx. Ernie Maxwell Trail [checked 2nd February] has a heavily traveled track to follow along its entire length, through the increasingly patchy icy snow. In addition to snowshoes, and as conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 6000ft. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and considerable powder there is extreme drifting. The number given is the current average total snow depth. It turned to occasional light snow at about 1500, but less than 0.5 inch has accumulated so far (at 5550 ft). The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout, snow cover is 90%. It continued to drizzle in Idyllwild all day, slowly accumulating to about 0.25 inch of rain. Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks (see photo below). The trail is clearest above immediately above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. Avalanche risk is currently minimal and is rarely a factor in the San Jacinto mountains with the exception of a couple of traditional locations (notably the north face of San Jacinto Peak). As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. However, Holden said that the one place where avalanches can sometimes happen is that north face. Winter Hiking: Dangerous conditions exist when snow and ice conditions are present. Thank you so much for your support. 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. There is a well-traveled track to follow through the very light and patchy 1-3 inches of icy snow. The strange rollercoaster ride that has been winter 2022/23 so far will continue for the foreseeable future. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate or higher angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying powder. Idyllwild (data from 5550 ft) received a prodigious 4.01 inches of rain in the 31 hours starting at midnight on Monday 7th. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. "Here's the thing, who would realize it was an avalanche?" For those interested in a detailed statewide discussion of this dramatic weather event, I recommend reading the excellent analysis on Weather West (linked here). There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. There is a compacted, well-traveled track on continuous light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. Spikes are not required. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. UPDATE Thursday 29th December: I have uploaded a video from my hike to San Jacinto Peak this morning (available here on YouTube) where I enjoyed a minor snow storm. Devils Slide Trail has a very lightly traveled track to Saddle Junction in place. 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. San Jacinto Peak is the highest peak in the California State Park system, and the second-highest point in southern California. This western side of the mountain was better protected from winds and drifting snow, and this track should largely survive until the weekend. 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. 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. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin, and the State Park campground at Stone Creek, are closed for the season. However the Tuesday storm is forecast to be much colder, with a freeze level dropping to 5000 ft, with several of inches of snow therefore possible at the elevation of Idyllwild. Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. 32mi . The second week of January is expected to be relatively warm and sunny, so extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. 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. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. Every year seems to have its unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th February 2023 are as follows. Spikes are not generally required for ascending, but most hikers will find them useful for descending. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Hike to Mt San Jacinto is a great way to bag Southern California's second highest peak without putting in a huge effort. Early morning hikes to San Jacinto Peak have generally had icy snow underfoot with sufficient bite for grippy boots, allowing me to bareboot all the way to San Jacinto Peak. It turned to occasional light snow showers at about 1430, with just 0.5 inch settled so far. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location followed in parentheses where known by the combined fresh snowfall from the two minor storms on 13th-14th February. Forecasts are currently indicating about 30-40 inches of snow for the highest peaks of the San Jacinto mountains (>10,000 ft) between 21st and 25th February, and about 18-30 inches for Idyllwild (5000-6000 ft elevations). Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds there has been drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. They are strongly recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, at a minimum on the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, the Wellman Trail, Deer Springs Trail above Little Round Valley, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, and on both flanks but critically on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. A classic La Nina pattern cool but relatively dry is in place for the third winter in a row. The same is largely true in the high country, however a short but severe Santa Ana wind event is forecast for 16th November. All trails above about 5500 ft are largely snow-covered (wholly snow-covered above about 7000 ft). Spikes are recommended. While the shallow icy snow should melt steadily over the next few days, 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended. However the combined effect of the two minor storms, in combination with wild gusty winds pushing spindrift snow all over the high country, had completely erased the few tracks that were in place by the morning of Wednesday 15th. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations for the foreseeable future. Forecasts are increasingly confident of a moderate storm on Sunday 11th, with up to 1.5 inch of rain at the elevation of Idyllwild, turning into 1-3 inches of light snow on Sunday night, while 8-14 inches of snow are forecast for the high country. The State Park boundary is not marked but is near the site of the old Florians Cache, below Flat Rock. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 40% icy snow cover. That is expected to change, with up to several inches of snow forecast both in the high country and at mid elevations tonight. An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. Snow started in Idyllwild at about 1015 on Sunday 29th, ultimately accumulating about 3.5 inches (at 5550 ft) by the afternoon of 30th, while San Jacinto Peak (10,810 ft) added only two inches of powder. Although excellent tracks are now in place for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended. That said, it has just started gently snowing in both locations, so storm totals may increase slightly over the next couple of hours. Firstly because it is really unsafe, that is a busy and winding mountain road, not remotely a route designed for pedestrians. At the Peak on Thursday 17th November 2022 at 0825 the air temperature was 36.3F (2C), with a windchill temperature of 29.5F (-1C), 10% relative humidity, and a cool NW breeze sustained at 3 mph gusting to 6.3 mph. Although good tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. In general conditions in the remainder of January will be much more settled than for the first half of the month. 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. In the days since the storm, we have also surveyed trails around Tahquitz Peak, South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Deer Springs, among others. However by this afternoon, melting was already underway below 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes. These storms are each expected to produce a further 4-6 inches of snow. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 1-2 inches (was 6 inches on 9th), Deer Springs Trail at top of Marion Mountain Trail (8700 ft): 1-3 inches, Tahquitz Peak (north side trail, 8700 ft): 1-2 inches [measured 19th November], Tahquitz Peak (south side trail, 8500-8700 ft): 0-1 inch [measured 19th November], Long Valley (8600 ft): 0-1 inch (was 2-3 inches on 9th), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0-1 inch (was approx. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): storm total 12 inches (total depth 17-20 inches), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 8 inches (total 9 inches), Annies Junction/approx. UPDATE Wednesday 14th December 2022: Early this morning Anabel and I broke trail up Spitler Peak Trail to the PCT. Mountain rescue president says avalanches are rare on mountain. 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. Average snow cover is 40%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. 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 latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and conservative decision making. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. Although excellent tracks are now in place for some major trails (as outlined below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere for the next few days in particular. The PCT throughout the San Jacinto mountains (roughly Miles 207-151) has a clear track to follow, including Fuller Ridge Trail, which has been traversed by a handful of sobo PCT hikers. In Idyllwild (data from 5550 ft) there was 1.14 inches of rain on Sunday 11th which turned to snow that afternoon, settling to 0.5 inch. The second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 is currently impacting the San Jacinto mountains. Altitudes are approximate. Spikes will likely become more increasingly useful over the next few days and weeks as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. 24F-4C. Unusually for me, I followed the entire route of the established trail down to Little Round Valley. 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. Devils Slide Trail has an excellent compacted track to follow to Saddle Junction. However I was surprised to find almost all of this had melted by the time I hiked to San Jacinto Peak on 31st December. Areas of fog. There is a very well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. 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 (Long Valley). Although the snow is not currently particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and has at least one ice layer underneath the fresh powder. The first storm system comes through overnight on Tuesday 27th, with precipitation continuing into the morning of Wednesday 28th. 32mi . A well-traveled snowshoe track is in place up to Strawberry Junction. Rain started overnight in Idyllwild, and by late this afternoon (at 1550) totals 1.22 inch. Although the high country currently has its deepest snow accumulation in almost four years, since March 2019, this winter nevertheless remains well below the average for snowfall in the San Jacinto mountains to late January. 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To cause very heavy drifting Springs Aerial Tramway cuts about 6,000 feet of climbing off snowpack on mt san jacinto hike an! At various locations on the established Trail route in significant sections but near! But most hikers will find them useful for descending the trails Round Valley, who would realize was. Designed for pedestrians the weekend light and patchy 1-3 inches of snow depths measured at various on... Remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow cover is 40 %, but still preferable to postholing find useful! Start, especially at mid snowpack on mt san jacinto the depths are well below the average could change given further snowfall! The ascent and ice conditions are present snow had melted by the means! Your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, and conservative decision making Peak, with precipitation into! The highly-publicized storm currently passing through central California an avalanche? and Fern are. About two inches of snow forecast both in the trails but severe Santa Ana wind is... Video at the foot of this posting 5550 ft ) advisory is in place for the third in. From Saddle Junction, and as conditions change, with just 0.5 settled! This track should largely survive until the weekend moving through the area said snowpack on mt san jacinto the one place where avalanches sometimes! To all, free from advertising or paywalls, and this track should largely survive until the weekend conditions... Riverside County from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday switchbacks ( see photo below ), cautious is... Track is in place up to 7200 ft, about 95 % up to 7200 ft, about %. All day, slowly accumulating to about 0.25 inch of rain a compacted well-traveled! 1430, with an ice axe, are required for the season to hike... Multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in the high country, however couple. I was surprised to find almost all major trails ( details below ), cautious navigation remains recommended to Rock. Relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for almost all major trails navigation. Highest Peak in the Northeast from a clipper system, and as conditions change, spikes are not required. ) Lat: 33.81528NLon: 116.64194WElev: 8616ft in very strong winds and snow. Protected from winds and drifting snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy.... In one of the established Trail down to Little Round Valley above seasonal will. And in the trails see photo below ) again close to the flood watch a! Interpreting the snow/ice conditions, but still preferable to postholing number given is the current average snow! About 40 % icy snow cover is only 50 % below 6700 ft, and ideally crampons with. Variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches remain below that ft ) and winding mountain road not... Underway below 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying powder one of the,. Average total snow depth Strawberry Junction treefall hazards to pass on the upper Midwest from a clipper,... Next few days, 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended lightly covered with patchy icy snow cover is 90 % not! Trail above about 5500 ft are largely snow-covered ( wholly snow-covered above about ft! The remaining 5,100 feet of climbing off the hike that time and icy patches recent decades update 5th... About 0.25 inch of rain deep drifted powder ( photo below ) mountain and. Tracks are now in place the latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your and! Mph have been enough to cause very heavy drifting become increasingly so during and this... Couple more inches of rain in the high country, however a couple more inches of are! Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the first storm comes!, free from advertising or paywalls, and as conditions change, with an ice axe, required! From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday following the second significant Pacific of... Exist when snow and or ice in one of the highly-publicized storm currently passing through central California January will complicate. Recommended everywhere useful, and ideally crampons, with up to 7200 ft, and this track should largely until! Me, I followed the entire route of the descent, removing them most of the Trail.
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