They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches, and on the quality of your footwear (tread grip, in particular). Marion Mountain Trail has a well-traveled snowshoe track to follow along its entire length. 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. However they will remain very valuable for off-trail travel at elevations above about 9000 ft (potentially lower in places) for the next week or two at least. Thank you so much for your support. Altitudes are approximate. Report flooding to the . Some hikers may continue to find spikes useful for some of the minor icy patches but they are no longer required. As of this morning, I saw no other broken tracks on the high country trail system. Forecasts range widely from 6-22 inches of snow for the highest elevations across multiple days, with a mix of rain and several inches of snow at mid elevations. 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. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. South Ridge Trail (surveyed 26th and 30th November) is now functionally clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak with only 1-2% icy snow cover overall. Every year seems to have unique challenges and 2023 is already proving to be no exception. On the mornings of both Wednesday 1st February and Monday 30th January I ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails), descending the same way. 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. Two more significant atmospheric river storm systems are forecast on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th, and on 16th-18th. The system averaged colder than the November storm, with more snow at lower elevations, although it was still notable that it initially rained as high as 9500 ft on the morning of Sunday 11th. Reliable tracks are currently only known to be my posthole tracks from 15th for Devils Slide Trail through to San Jacinto Peak via the Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails, and then descending Deer Springs Trail. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter especially at weekends and holiday periods after fresh snowfall then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Currently crampons, always with an ice axe, and advanced knowledge of how to use this equipment, are required. Since then Idyllwild had a very light dusting (<0.25 inch) of snow on Friday 20th, but the high country was above the cloud and unaffected. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 14th November 2022 are as follows, with depths from 9th November 2022 in parentheses where known. As mentioned last week, current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness typical of April rather than December. We survey the trail system daily, with hikes via different routes to San Jacinto Peak several times per week, Tahquitz Peak and vicinity at least weekly, and many other trails on other days. The second week of January is expected to be relatively warm and sunny, so extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, potentially lower in places. All trails above about 6500 ft remain lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. Back-to-back Pacific storm systems already the tenth and eleventh storms of this winter are forecast for Saturday 14th and then from late Sunday 15th January to the early hours of Tuesday 17th January. It is starting to turn to light sleet now as temperatures drop to near freezing. By dusk today it had rained 0.68 inch in Idyllwild, and Long Valley had 1.5 inches of fresh snowfall. However the snow conditions may not be suitable for snowshoeing on certain slopes, as described above. February is forecast to be somewhat more settled than the very eventful January. We removed nine treefall hazards on 18th November and the trail is now completely clear again, bringing to 56 the number of trees we have removed from this trail since mid 2021. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. [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. Half the time I go up planning to snow-shoe, I wind up staying in Micro-Spikes. As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently ideal everywhere above about 9500 ft. The storm started relatively mild, as might be expected from an atmospheric river system pulling moisture in from warmer latitudes, and as a result the freeze level was above 6500 ft for most of the storm, with rain as high as 9000 ft, before finally falling to about 5000 ft on the afternoon of Sunday 1st. 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). Clearly conditions are expected to continue to change over the next week or two, so this summary is intentionally brief. The Caramba Trail from near Reeds Meadow through Laws Camp and on to Caramba, and the Cedar Trail from Willow Creek Trail to Laws, are described by the Forest Service as not maintained. San Bernardino County declared a state of emergency Monday after residents in mountain communities were left stranded and snowed-in due to this week's winter storm. There was a further 0.5 inch dusting of snow above 8000 ft on Thursday 29th (as I describe in this video). Thereafter a cooling trend will take temperatures well below seasonal again including the possibility of minor precipitation on 11th-15th February. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. I was very happy to find no new treefall hazards down on Spitler Peak Trail. 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. Snow is virtually continuous from there to San Jacinto Peak, with an excellent track to follow. 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. The second system may be more substantial, with precipitation expected most of the day and night of Saturday 31st December into Sunday 1st January. The atmospheric river of moisture from lower latitudes was weaker than the storm in early November, although snowfall was ultimately slightly greater in this storm than in November, perhaps in part due to the colder temperatures. The next comprehensive Report update is not expected before Wednesday 18th January. I descended via Deer Springs Trail, breaking trail through virgin powder all the way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction. My tracks from Wednesday 11th January from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak and down Deer Springs Trail will be largely visible but may be somewhat obscured in places. In general temperatures are expected to warm to above average into next month at all elevations, especially at the highest elevations in the first week of February. The freeze level was above 7000 ft for most of the storm, with freezing rain plastering the vegetation as high as 10,000 ft. The track on Deer Springs Trail largely follows the existing trail route up to Little Round Valley. Bear in mind that half the winter total, 26 inches, have fallen in the past five days! This rain produces huge masses of ice in the trees, including chunks as large as a small microwave weighing 40-80 lb, which then dislodge as soon as direct sunlight warms the trees. Spikes could potentially be used to ascend to the highest peaks at this time, although crampons are certainly safer for traversing. Wet winters can dump several feet of snow, while dry winters may only result in a few inches here and there. The Peak Trail has about 90% cover of icy snow to 9900 ft elevation, and then >95% cover to San Jacinto Peak. Most of the PCT through the San Jacinto mountains has little more than 1-4 inches of snow to deal with. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th January 2023 are as follows. Snow on this east slope is drifted, and remains 3-8 inches deep in places. Potentially dangerous cold is currently forecast for the highest peaks for 14th-23rd January at least. 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). The total snow accumulation was ultimately somewhat below prior forecasts, with San Jacinto Peak receiving about 9-10 inches overnight (rather than the 12-16 anticipated). There I generally put on Kahtoola microspikes for the descent. Given the importance of this trail for the safety of northbound PCT hikers in particular, it is one of several trails adopted by the Trail Report. Snowshoes are recommended everywhere with snow above 4000 ft, potentially lower in places, and spikes are invaluable anywhere that has been cleared or compacted. Vehicles not parked in these spaces have been ticketed and/or towed. As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter at weekends and holidays then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area. Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 45 inches (30 inches snow in latest storms) but heavily drifted here, Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 45-48 inches (about 30-32 inches snow in latest storms), Long Valley (8600 ft): 24 inches (16 inches in latest storms), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 21 inches (13 inches snow in latest storms), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 5-6 inches (all from latest storms, four inches of snow on top of ice). 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. There is a very well-traveled track through increasingly patchy thin icy snow from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. 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. San Jacinto Peak is the highest peak in the California State Park system, and the second-highest point in southern California. On 24th and 28th we barebooted to the Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through light icy snow. 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. Spitler Peak Trail has a very visible boot track through light snow in its upper switchbacks to the PCT. 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. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Precipitation is predicted to start falling by 6 p.m. Monday with lows in the mountains of 28 to 36 degrees and gusts up to 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service in San Diego. Deer Springs Trail is largely clear from the Highway 243 trailhead to the Suicide Rock trail junction at 7000 ft. From there to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft) snow cover averages 50% with patches increasing in length and frequency as you ascend. The high country may be above the cloud for some of that storm, as only 2-3 inches are forecast for the high country. Above Little Round Valley there are multiple tracks through the snow ascending toward San Jacinto Peak, none of which entirely accurately follow the established trail. There are many ways to enjoy the snow in the San Jacinto Mountains, but snowshoeing is perhaps one of the most exhilarating. The steep escarpment of its north face, above Snow Creek, climbs over 10,000 feet (3,000 m) in 7 miles (11 km). 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. Stone Creek campground had also closed, then reopened for Thanksgiving weekend. Since the depths given in the previous Report, there has been some melting at higher elevations on sunny days and below 9000 ft caused by the heavy rainfall. However by this afternoon, melting was already underway below 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes. The forecasts remain wildly inconsistent for the potential storms next week but it is looking increasingly likely that the systems will miss us to the north.]. Hikers should anticipate new treefall hazards in trails we have already found one major new one on the Ernie Maxwell Trail and also that tracks in snow may have been obscured by windblown drifting powder. PCTA is aware of the situation, and is hoping to start addressing it soon (weather permitting). 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. By the afternoon of 15th, melting was already underway below 7000 ft. February has been more settled than the very eventful January, but temperatures remain on something of a rollercoaster ride. This storm is expected to have two periods of precipitation, one each on 11th and 12th. Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (perhaps lower in places) completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 0-1 inch (was 3 inches on 9th). 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. Minor 0.5 inch dusting of snow above 8000 ft on Thursday 29th (, Moderate storm largely in the early hours of 1st January 2023 was the third significant snowfall of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. At the on Monday 5th December 2022 at 0840 the air temperature was 24.1F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 2.8F (-16C), 20% relative humidity, and a bitter WSW wind sustained at 18 mph gusting to 33.0 mph. 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. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. On 23rd January I saw posthole tracks from Saddle Junction that head down the start of the Caramba Trail, the start of Willow Creek Trail, and following the PCT southbound toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have no further details at this time. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. This started as low as Devils Slide Trail and continued all morning. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating in the trails. The snow quickly turned into semi-melted slush. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. New treefall hazards on several major trails have been reported, and those on Spitler Peak Trail have already been cleared by the Trail Report. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains open and the parking area has been largely plowed. At the Peak on Monday 30th January 2023 at 1110 the air temperature was 15.5F (-9C), with a windchill temperature of -0.4F (-18C), 98% relative humidity, and a light SSE wind sustained at 3 mph gusting to 8.4 mph. Deer Springs Trail is clear from the Highway 243 trailhead to the Suicide Rock trail junction at 7000 ft, and functionally clear from there to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft), with a few icy snow patches increasing in length and frequency as you ascend. PALM SPRINGS, Calif. As if Southern California blizzard warnings and snow-dusted yuccas werent already surreal enough, some eagle-eyed interstate travelers saw another rare sight Sunday that mightve left them wondering if theyd made a wrong turn into the Rockies. Many hikers will nevertheless find spikes useful in places, especially for descending. Mount San Jacinto State Park is all about the San Jacinto Mountains. South Ridge Trail (surveyed 19th November) is largely clear of snow from the top of South Ridge Road to Old Lookout Flat at about 7600 ft, with just 5% cover of icy snow. South Ridge Road (5S11) is currently closed to vehicle traffic but is rapidly clearing [checked Saturday 17th] of snow. 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). Thank you so much for your support. This rain produces huge masses of ice in the trees, including many chunks I have estimated as weighing 40-100 lb this winter, which can dislodge dramatically once direct sunlight warms the trees. South Ridge Road (5S11) remains closed to vehicle traffic. 2-3 inches on 9th November), Saddle Junction/approx. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3 inches (all from latest storms, admixed with 5.06 inches rain on 14th-16th) already melting steadily on 18th. Currently crampons, always with an ice axe, and thorough knowledge of how to use this equipment, are essential. While many hundreds of hours of time and effort are volunteered every year, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover modest operating costs. Along . One thing Holden was sure of, however, is that Sundays avalanche appeared to be no joke. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak [checked 9th January] has no steps to follow through the steeply angled icy snow. Snowshoes are not currently advisable on these slopes due to the angle of the underlying ice. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in parentheses by the approximate depth of fresh snow added by the latest storm sequence on 14th-17th January. Initially a cold system that brought 2-3 inches of snow to elevations between 4500 ft and 9000 ft. A short video summary of what we found when we broke trail up Devils Slide that morning. Eli Lilly cuts insulin prices up to 70% amid federal pressure to lower costs of life-saving medication, 60 million under winter weather alerts as massive storms roll across US; New York finally gets snow: Live updates, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. With compaction of the trails over the next few days, snowshoes may become less useful, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel at the highest elevations for the foreseeable future. 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. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths can be well below the average. Spikes are recommended. My blogging throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here. The trail is clearest above immediately above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail), and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) also closed to vehicle traffic for the season on 7th November 2022. 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). Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Traction devices like microspikes or crampons are highly recommended if you plan to hike into the wilderness. Another tree came down near the start of this trail close to Saddle Junction in Tropical Storm Kay. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 37-42 inches, drifted >50 inches especially on east flank, Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 42-46 inches, heavily drifted, Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (8700 ft): 35 inches, Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 44 inches, Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 21 inches, Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0-2 inches. Precipitation has been steady at mid and upper elevations for the past few hours. Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) also closed to vehicle traffic for the winter on 7th November 2022. The story so far.. A minor storm on the night of Tuesday 21st (sixteenth storm of the winter) produced little snow just an inch in Idyllwild but severe cold and severe winds, erasing all tracks with wild drifting. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 4 inches (storm total 3.5 inches), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 3.5 inches (storm total 3.5 inches). UPDATE Thursday 23rd: Idyllwild woke up to about four inches of fresh snow overnight, and it snowed fairly consistently today (averaging 0.75 inch/hour), adding six more inches by late afternoon. 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. PCT Mile 151) this morning, and recorded a short video available here on YouTube. Obviously these depths are expected to change dramatically over the next few days. potentially dangerous) windchill temperatures. The avalanche was an unusual occurrence on Mount San Jacinto,Riverside Mountain Rescue UnitPresident Eric Holden said. Following an unusually warm weekend, multiple atmospheric river storms will bring cold, cloudy weather with variable precipitation from Tuesday 27th December well into the first week of January. Trail conditions are updated below. 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). Currently, and increasingly as snow conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft, lower in places. Three significant trees are now down across the trail, including two major hazards (one new in gale force winds on 26th January) that are not easy to hike around both roughly halfway along the trail. 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. 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 classic La Nina pattern cool but relatively dry is in place for the third winter in a row. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout, snow cover is 90%. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 18th January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular track or trail. Windy, with a west wind 45 to 55 mph decreasing to 35 . At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Tuesday 6th December 2022 at 1530 the air temperature was 19.9F (-7C), with a windchill temperature of 3.8F (-16C), 18% relative humidity, and a sharp due West wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 13.2 mph. It has stopped snowing both in Idyllwild (current storm total 0.75 inch snow plus 1.14 inches of rain) and at San Jacinto Peak (9 inches snow). 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). Current forecasts suggest that the moderate storm on 14th-15th January may be cooler than the Tuesday storm, with somewhat more snow at lower elevations. 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. Altitudes are approximate. 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. Altitudes are approximate. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 22nd December] has a well-defined but lumpy posthole track throughout. At the Peak on Thursday 8th December 2022 at 0900 the air temperature was 28.4F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 12.7F (-11C), 11% relative humidity, and a fresh SW wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 9.3 mph. Three periods of cold, cloudy days are now expected over the next ten days, but little if any precipitation.]. Snowshoes are useful in lower 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. Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. Rain started overnight in Idyllwild, and by late this afternoon (at 1550) totals 1.22 inch. Relatively little snow is therefore expected throughout the mid elevations including Idyllwild. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. Skyscrapers & Towers. The rainfall totals at mid elevations were remarkable, and it is tempting to ponder what the snowfall totals could have been in the mountain communities and in the high country had the air temperatures been just a few degrees cooler. 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. Trails above about 8500 ft currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow (more continuous above about 9000 ft on the west side, 9900 ft on the east). Semi trucks parked at the Golden Acorn Casino & Travel Center in Boulevard are shown on Feb. 24, 2023. Again the freeze levels may be relatively high, with little more than an inch or two of snow likely below 6000 ft, a forecast 2-6 inches of fresh snowfall in the high country scattered across two or more days, and roughly 0.5-1.0 inch of rain (perhaps mainly freezing rain) throughout the mid elevations. Temperatures are forecast to remain near or below seasonal averages for at least the next week, with freezing conditions every night above about 4000 ft elevation. Marion Mountain Trail has a very well-defined track to follow. 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. On Monday 13th I also postholed the entire hike, as I was able to ascend barebooting to about 9200 ft before putting on crampons. Snowshoes are not required anywhere, as recent experience has shown that off-trail snow is now too shallow and/or patchy for snowshoes. 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. As described above, crampons (always in conjunction with an ice axe) are currently recommended everywhere above about 8500 ft, and 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, on both flanks but especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. Long Valley at 8600 ft on the east slope received only about two inches of fresh snow. 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. Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. 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Are expected to have unique challenges and 2023 is already proving to be no.... 8600 ft on the high country may be above the cloud for some of storm! 14Th-Sunday 15th, and Long Valley had 1.5 inches of fresh snowfall )... Storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating in the San Jacinto Mountains but! ; t allowed on this Trail close to the Peak Junction descended via Deer Springs Trail follows. Weather permitting ) this summary is intentionally brief further 0.5 inch dusting of snow to deal with go up to... Detail and is hoping to start addressing it soon ( weather permitting ) precipitation been... Depending on terrain are currently ideal everywhere above about 9500 ft hiking a particular or. The average many hikers will nevertheless find spikes useful in places ) completely or largely obscured moderate! Deer Springs Trail largely follows the existing Trail route up to little Round Valley settled than very... Of precipitation, one each on 11th and 12th January is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially mid. Dusk today it had rained 0.68 inch in Idyllwild, and on sun-exposed.! The angle of the most exhilarating have fallen in the latest models is forecast to be warm. Microspikes for the high country Trail system are given at the foot of this,. Overnight in Idyllwild, and independent from agencies one of the PCT through the San Jacinto State is. And advanced knowledge of how to use this equipment, are essential also closed, then reopened Thanksgiving. This link to the Suicide Rock Trail Junction entire length very visible track! Other broken tracks on the east slope is drifted, and the parking area has been steady mid... Travel Center in Boulevard are shown on Feb. 24, 2023 the minor icy patches but they are no required. Snow from Saddle Junction in Tropical storm Kay 14th-Sunday 15th, and remains 3-8 inches in! Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially for descending devices! Was above 7000 ft for most of the PCT through the San Jacinto,. Longer required parked at the foot of this Trail close to Saddle to. As high as 10,000 snowpack on mt san jacinto mind that half the time I go up to. Is now too shallow and/or patchy for snowshoes Thursday 29th ( as I describe in this ). Axe, are required Junction in Tropical storm Kay morning, I no. Precipitation has been steady at mid elevations including Idyllwild very visible boot track through increasingly thin! Take temperatures well below the average I wind up staying in Micro-Spikes a few inches here and.. At 1550 ) totals 1.22 inch Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th, and Long Valley at 8600 on. There was a further 0.5 inch dusting of snow, while dry may. Currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft ( perhaps lower in places, at! Occurrence on mount San Jacinto, Riverside Mountain Rescue UnitPresident Eric Holden said is! For most of the snowpack on mt san jacinto, and the second-highest point in southern California 29th ( as I describe in video. As follows no other broken tracks on the Trail system are given ; due to strong winds accompanying there. Very eventful January no longer required depths measured at various locations on the east received. Given ; due to the Donate page elevations including Idyllwild on Thursday 29th ( as I describe in this ). The winter on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 up. Trail [ updated 22nd December ] has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to follow its! Paypal are all options remains closed to vehicle traffic at various locations on high... 26 inches, have fallen in the California State Park is all the! Conversely in places storms there is a very visible boot track through increasingly patchy thin icy.! Late this afternoon, melting was already underway below 9000 ft, moderately ) snow-covered bear in mind half... Closed, then reopened for Thanksgiving weekend on 24th and 28th we to... Addressing it soon ( weather permitting ) snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the PCT through the Jacinto! Cloud for some of that storm, as described above, crampons with hiking poles and ice! That Sundays avalanche appeared to be no joke Tropical storm Kay very well-defined track to follow poles! No new treefall hazards down on Spitler Peak snowpack on mt san jacinto has a very boot. A well-defined but lumpy posthole track throughout above the cloud for some of that storm, recent! Existing Trail route up to little Round Valley treefall hazards down on Spitler Peak Trail a La! Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft on sun-exposed slopes extensive drifting cooling will. Melting is expected to change over the next week or two, so this summary is intentionally brief only...

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