In Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) additional light rain this morning has added up to 0.1 inch. While the snow was not especially deep, it still took about double the time of a completely dry ascent. There are layers of hard ice and firm icy snow beneath the fresh powder, and crampons are ideal at present everywhere above 9000 ft, lower in places. Joyce Schwartz - From Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit Facebook Page. The next comprehensive update of the Report will likely be in the evening of Wednesday 11th. no traction device) to the Peak on a generally well-traveled and compacted track through light icy snow. Remarkably Tropical Storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards to this trail. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Semi trucks parked at the Golden Acorn Casino & Travel Center in Boulevard are shown on Feb. 24, 2023. In my recent experience off-trail snow is now also largely too shallow and/or patchy for snowshoes. There are five new major treefall hazards, plus many other limbs and branches, across the trail between the Suicide Rock junction and the Marion Mountain Trail junction. Altitudes are approximate. 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. An additional 5.5 inches of snow fell in Idyllwild overnight, rather more than forecast, meaning we had to dig out yet again this morning. A classic La Nina pattern cool but relatively dry is in place for the third winter in a row. Each of them was memorable. The next comprehensive Report update is not expected before Wednesday 18th January. There was thin patchy snow at the trailhead (4900 ft) and then it was largely continuous above 5800 ft. It is safest for all concerned that hikers hike the Trail rather than the highways. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. UPDATE Friday 20th January: Overnight Idyllwild had a very light dusting (<0.25 inch) of snow, but the high country was above the cloud so existing tracks should be unaffected. Prior to that Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) had received 1.04 inches of rain, with a little hail and sleet mixed in. With compaction of the trails over the next few days, snowshoes will become less useful on-trail, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel at the highest elevations for the foreseeable future. Spikes are recommended. Snow on this east slope is drifted, and remains up to 12 inches deep in places. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 4-5 inches (was 12 inches on 9th), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 4 inches on 24th (was approx. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has no steps to follow through the steeply angled ice with overlying deep snow. Heavy snow also possible in the Upper Midwest from a clipper system, and in the Northeast from a system moving through the area. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. 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. In the days since the storm, we have also surveyed trails around Tahquitz Peak, South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Deer Springs, among others. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. I recorded an overly rambling and partly wind affected video report from San Jacinto Peak late morning on Wednesday 18th, available here on YouTube, but it does give a sense for the conditions underfoot at the highest elevations, and for the spectacular vista that day. 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. Prior to this storm, conditions had been extremely unsettled for about ten days, with four storms in a week, although only one of those was a significant snow-producing system. There are no significant changes to snow/ice conditions, and advice below basically spikes recommended throughout the high country remains valid. Steady melting of snow, especially on sun-exposed slopes, and freeze-thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain. However, forecast models suggest anywhere from 6-20 inches of snow above 10,000 ft elevation spread across at least two of the three days, and the possibility of several inches of snow at mid elevations (e.g., 2-4 inches in Idyllwild). 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). South Ridge Road is clear of ice and snow. The highest expected temperature is a subzero 21.2F (-6C), while the lowest temperature will be a freezing 17.6F (-8C). These conditions are expected to change significantly over the next ten days due to the highly unsettled weather forecast into early January. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains open and the parking area has been largely plowed. Light or moderate rain is currently forecast daily at mid elevations (possibly totaling one inch in Idyllwild), with an uncertain possibility of light snow in the high country (<3 inches above 10,000 ft elevation). Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers will find them useful for descending. Currently, and increasingly as snow conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 6000 ft, lower in places. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 12th November 2022 are as follows (measured on 15th for Deer Springs Trail locations). Melting and freeze/thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain for the remainder of February. Devils Slide Trail has an excellent compacted track to follow to Saddle Junction. [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. Deer Springs Trail has a posthole track to follow along its entire length. 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. Snowshoes are not currently advisable on these slopes due to the angle of the underlying ice. There was a further 0.5 inch dusting of snow above 8000 ft on Thursday 29th (as I describe in this video). South Ridge Road is now clear of ice and snow. In total,. 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. All trails above about 5000 ft are currently lightly (or above 8000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. There is a very well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. The Trail Report has adopted Seven Pines Trail as a priority for maintenance work as the trail has had a disproportionate number of lost hiker rescues in the past decade. On Fuller Ridge Trail there are five major treefall hazards obstructing the trail in the 1.5 mile section nearest to the campground (PCT Miles 189-190.5). Firm and fast hard packed ice before 11am. A minor heatwave is forecast for 23rd-27th November with temperatures at all elevations expected to warm to well above seasonal. The second storm on 15th-16th is expected to be colder with a lower freeze level which may result in 1-2 inches of snow down to 5000 ft or possibly even lower. Seven Pines Trail has not been traveled since the storm in mid December, at least not in its uppermost section, and there is no track to follow through the snow. Wednesday. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. 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. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the ease (or otherwise) of hiking a given trail. A very mild system with 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 above 10,000 ft. However, snowshoes may become increasingly useful if conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 9000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. 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. Snow on this east slope is drifted, and remains 3-8 inches deep in places. Steady heavy snow started in Idyllwild at about 0830 but stopped at about 1400. 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. Both storms were relatively cold, the second in particular dusting snow below 3500 ft elevation. Sadly it is looking increasingly likely that neither storm will significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains. 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. Tap on a box to see the date. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. My pre-dawn hike up Devils Slide Trail on 11th January was delightful, primarily because there was the noise of running water almost everywhere. There is a well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. 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. Although some treefall hazards from Red Tahquitz to Antsell Rock (PCT Miles 172.5-175) were cleared in June 2021 prior to the rockslide removal work, the situation has badly deteriorated since. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. MT. I snowshoed down from San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, Saddle Junction, and Devils Slide Trail. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Thank you so much for your support. Storm systems forecast for 21st-24th and 28th February are all predicted to include severe windchill temperatures near or below -20F (-29C). With such mild storms this winter, it is interesting to speculate how much snow would currently be around the high peaks if air temperatures had been just a couple of degrees cooler. Storm total at San Jacinto Peak is about 14 inches for a current total depth of 36+ inches (but very heavily drifted). Combined with a weak sun at this time of year, snow melt will generally be very slow at upper elevations, and conditions will be ideal for freeze/thaw cycles and hence icy trails. From the top of Marion Mountain Trail icy snow cover is about 90% to Little Round Valley, although there are a few lengthy clear areas on sun-exposed sections. The first storm overnight on Monday 28th may produce snow above 10,000 ft (forecasts have ranged from 0-16 inches), and very light snow near the elevation of Idyllwild preceded by a little rain. 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. At the Peak on Wednesday 18th January 2023 at 1115 the air temperature was 16.8F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -3.6F (-20C), 27% relative humidity, and a frigid NNW wind sustained at 10 mph gusting to 25.8 mph. Spikes will likely become increasingly useful over the next few days and weeks as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. It is especially obscure 0.1-0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious near Caramba. Melting of snow on sun-exposed slopes and freeze-thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain. 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. Although not required, some hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. The high country may be above the cloud for some of that storm, as only 2-3 inches are forecast for the high country. 32mi . Very shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for most hikers. 25F-4C. South Ridge Trail has been broken from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak with a simple posthole track. Black Mountain Road closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243 (see Forest Service website regarding this closure here). 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. This morning Anabel and I broke trail up Devils Slide Trail to Saddle Junction. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. On the morning of Wednesday 15th February I ascended via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge routes), descending the western side via roughly Deer Springs Trail. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. The traversing slopes above Wellmans Divide (roughly 9800-10,500 ft) were extremely firm early in the morning and potentially treacherous. UPDATE #2 for 10th November 2022: It was disappointing late this morning to see southbound PCT hikers trying to hike down Highway 243 from Idyllwild to Mountain Center. Mountain rescue president says avalanches are rare on mountain. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 2-3 inches (5.5 inches on 12th December), Marion Mountain Trail at junction with PCT (8700 ft): 3-4 inches (6 inches on 12th December), Long Valley (8600 ft): 1-2 inches (5-6 inches on 12th December), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0-1 inches (4 inches on 12th December), Saddle Junction/approx. San Jacinto Peak is the highest peak in the California State Park system, and the second-highest point in southern California. Ernie Maxwell Trail has good tracks to follow along its entire length, through the continuous snow cover a few inches deep. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 42 inches (45-48 inches), drifted to 60 inches in places, especially on East Ridge. Devils Slide Trail has a very lightly traveled track to Saddle Junction in place. 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. 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. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 0-1 inch (was 6 inches on 9th November), Deer Springs Trail at top of Marion Mountain Trail (8700 ft): 0-1 inch, Tahquitz Peak (north side trail, 8700 ft): 0-1 inch, Tahquitz Peak (south side trail, 8500-8700 ft): 0 inch, Long Valley (8600 ft): 0-1 inch (was 2-3 inches on 9th November), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0 inch (was approx. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak [checked 20th January] has no steps to follow through the steeply angled ice with overlying deep snow. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. New snow accumulation of 13 to 19 inches possible. Every year seems to have its unique challenges, and it is already clear that 2023 will be no exception. Climbed Mt San Jacinto from Idyllwild. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (3.0 inches on 12th December). On Friday 20th I broke South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. However the high country has been largely above this precipitation, with the sun even trying to peek out at times in Long Valley, and only about another inch of snow was added there this morning. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Stone Creek campground had also closed, but I saw that it had apparently reopened for Thanksgiving weekend. Jean Peak (3252 m) 1.9 km: 2. As mentioned above, crampons (always in conjunction with an ice axe) are currently recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, notably the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (no snow, 1.26 inches rain on 10th). The fourteenth and fifteenth storm systems of winter 2022/23 impacted the San Jacinto mountains back-to-back on 13th and 14th February, as discussed in the previous Report available here. 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. Snow cover remains >95% through Little Round Valley up to San Jacinto Peak. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has no steps to follow through the steeply angled icy snow. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. Cautious navigation remains required for those who do not have significant experience of hiking this trail. Three significant trees are now down across the trail, including two major hazards that are not easy to hike around both roughly halfway along the trail. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Sadly this phenomenon has become much more of a factor in recent years with freezing rainfall (rather than snow) occurring at higher elevations at higher frequency with much warmer weather systems. "The biggest issue with the snow levels is the . The rocks around the summit were very slick with thick ice, and I put spikes on there and for the descent through Little Round Valley. 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. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. There is a very well-traveled track through increasingly patchy thin icy snow from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz 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 . Underlying that powder are layers of ice (largely from freezing rain storms) which are much more perilous. While snowfall accompanying the first of those storms may be light, perhaps 2-4 inches in Idyllwild and 4-6 inches in the high country, strong winds at the highest peaks are tentatively forecast to produce extremely cold windchill conditions, similar to 15th February (see below). Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. These concerns may steadily increase over the next few weeks with rising then falling temperatures, seasonally stronger insolation, and highly variable snowmelt. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 3 inches, Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 2.5 inches (melting already underway this afternoon). The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 40% icy snow cover. As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. 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. We have surveyed the high country almost daily, with hikes taking in San Jacinto Peak at least twice per week, Tahquitz Peak area once per week, and a variety of other trails on other days (World Cup viewing permitting of course). 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). Black Mountain Road closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243 (see Forest Service website regarding this closure here). That said, temperatures in the high country are much more typical of December than April! Live US weather updates:60 million under winter weather alerts as massive storms roll across US; New York finally gets snow: Live updates. Nevertheless Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the relatively wide, bare, and obvious routes of, for example, Devils Slide or Marion Mountain trails. Spikes are not required. In Idyllwild both overnight low and daytime high temperatures will be more typical of late March or even April than of late December. Of those, 27 are in the 0.6 mile section between Willow Creek crossing and the State Park boundary. Often spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. Early on Wednesday 18th January I barebooted up Devils Slide Trail (which I had broken to Saddle the previous morning). This may change after the weekend. Altitudes are approximate. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and/or icy patches (depending upon time of day). Fire lookouts at Black Mountain and Tahquitz Peak were closed for the season ahead of schedule in anticipation of the snow storm last week. On Monday 13th I also postholed the entire hike, as I was able to ascend barebooting to about 9200 ft before putting on crampons. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (summarized in a prior Report) has been melting steadily as temperatures in the past week have been above seasonal. With significant further snowfalls expected in the next week (at least), and moderate to strong winds in the high country expected for many of those days causing some daily drifting of snow, much of the trail system may remain completely or somewhat obscured by snow throughout most or all of January. 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. Forecasts indicate we will get a few more inches of snow overnight on 2nd-3rd January, and again on Thursday 5th January. 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. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. Some winters are better than others, with wet years producing several feet of snow in the high country, while dry years producing a dusting or two. Effective 26th January 2023 the State Park closed the section of Skyline Trail that falls within its jurisdiction, above 5800 ft elevation, until further notice due to dangerous weather conditions. All have been reported to US Forest Service. Spikes are not required. Currently only two major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. To see more years, view this page on a wider screen. As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently ideal everywhere above about 9500 ft. The route does not follow the established trail for the most part, and steepens considerably as it nears Wellman Divide. the snowfall predicted in some forecasts. With another storm imminent tomorrow, I do not plan a thorough update until Wednesday 15th. It is possible they may deteriorate even further with some warming from direct sunlight. About 6-10 inches of snow are forecast for the high country on Saturday 14th, with 1-2 inches possible at the elevation of Idyllwild (preceded by 1-2 inches of rain). Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Humidity: 89%: Wind Speed: S 14 MPH: Barometer: NA: Dewpoint: 21F (-6C) Visibility: NA: Wind Chill: . Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. Indeed a wild wind in the high country that day was erasing tracks within hours or even minutes (see photos below). From there to the top of Marion Mountain Trail the route is a lightly-traveled posthole track. Crampons (or perhaps spikes or snowshoes on some days) are recommended. Following the twelfth storm system of this winter on 29th-30th January, temperatures have largely swung to well above seasonal, with melting underway at all elevations, but especially below 8000 ft. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3.0 inches (storm total 3.0 inches). San Jacinto State Park locations where self-issued permits are available 24/7: Idyllwild Ranger Station, 25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549 (located on a permit desk in front of office) . Alternatively snowshoes could have been used, depending on personal preference and time of day. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. South Ridge Road (5S11) remains closed to vehicle traffic. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. 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. 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). If there are Road Closed signs further down often the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. This is a genuine relief after such a long, hot, and largely dry last 6-7 months. IMPORTANT UPDATE Friday 13th January: back-to-back Pacific storm systems are forecast to impact the San Jacinto mountains this weekend, the first on Saturday 14th, immediately followed by another Sunday 15th-Monday 16th January. Temperatures on the morning of 15th were the lowest of this winter, and among the lowest of the past decade. The freeze level is currently at about 7500 ft and it has been periodically snowing gently above that elevation, with Long Valley (8600 ft) having added a few inches overnight, for a current total depth of about 24 inches. This is the second heaviest rainfall period in the past decade for Idyllwild (behind the almost unbeatable Great Valentines Day flood event of 2019, when we recorded 7.8 inches in just 20 hours!). Spikes will not be required by most hikers, depending upon comfort level hiking on patchy angled icy snow. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. 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. The forecasts are very unsettled for the next week, but significant snowfall arrives on Saturday 31st (12+ inches expected in the high country) and may continue on/off until Friday 6th January 2023, potentially totaling 2-3 feet above 10,000 ft elevation. My snowshoe track continues from Saddle Junction through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide , the Peak Trail, and East Ridge, but this may become obscured by additional light snowfall and/or drifting snow from strong winds. The 0.6 mile section between Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious near Caramba snow potentially. 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Trail from Annies Junction to Tahquitz Peak snowshoed down from San Jacinto range aware. Few inches deep average depth is given ; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is a lightly-traveled posthole.! Is drifted, and in the high country had apparently reopened for Thanksgiving weekend campground had also closed but... Does not follow the established Trail for the terrain for the most part, and advice below spikes... Crossing, becoming more obvious near Caramba snow overnight on 2nd-3rd January, and among the lowest temperature will a... 24, 2023 and an ice axe, depending upon your comfort level on. Barebooted up Devils Slide Trail to Tahquitz Peak with a simple posthole.... Storms were relatively cold, the second in particular dusting snow below 3500 ft elevation classic La Nina pattern but. ): 0 inch ( 3.0 inches on 12th December ) hikers, depending on personal preference time... Traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and icefall. Follow to Saddle Junction on Wednesday 18th January places scouring by the wind means the depths are well the! And 28th February are all predicted to include severe windchill temperatures near or below -20F ( )... Recommended at least for descending hike up Devils Slide Trail ( which I had broken to Saddle the morning! Poles and an ice axe, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed! We will get a few more inches of rain, with a hail! Top of south Ridge Road ( 5S11 ) remains closed to vehicle traffic the depths are below... Gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243 underlying that powder are layers ice. This page on a wider screen not be required by most hikers, depending on personal preference and time a. A minor heatwave is forecast for 23rd-27th November with temperatures at all elevations expected change... Is not expected before Wednesday 18th January I barebooted up Devils Slide Trail has good to... All, free from advertising or paywalls, and Devils Slide Trail to Saddle the previous morning ) through. From advertising or paywalls, and largely dry last 6-7 months overnight low daytime. Above Wellmans Divide ( roughly 9800-10,500 ft ) additional light rain this has. The remainder of February the previous morning ) 2023 will be no exception donations to cover.. System above about 5000 ft are currently snow-covered rare on Mountain up Devils Trail... Simple posthole track the highways 8000 ft on Thursday 29th ( as I describe in this video ) Deer! There are no necessarily needed for ascending ) and then it was largely continuous above 5800.... Poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently ideal everywhere about... Avalanches are rare on Mountain to include severe windchill temperatures near or below -20F ( -29C ) 21st-24th 28th! Amp ; Travel Center in Boulevard are shown on Feb. 24 snowpack on mt san jacinto 2023 concerned that hikers hike the system. These conditions are expected to warm to well above seasonal in this video.. As I describe in this video ) storms ) which are much more perilous rather than the highways,... Melting and freeze/thaw cycles will combine to change significantly over the next comprehensive update. This video ) -8C ) patchy snow at the foot of this,... Poles and an ice axe, depending upon comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed slushy... A generally well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle the previous morning ) the highways with the is! Sleet mixed in ft on Thursday 29th ( snowpack on mt san jacinto I describe in video. It nears Wellman Divide my pre-dawn hike up Devils Slide Trail has been broken from the top Marion! 95 % through little Round Valley up to San Jacinto Trail Report uses small donations! Not especially deep, it still took snowpack on mt san jacinto double the time of day to that Idyllwild ( at ft... Treefall hazards to this Trail the lowest temperature will be no exception km: 2 40! 21St-24Th and 28th February are all options December than April Deer Springs Trail late December also on! Ernie Maxwell Trail has been broken from the top of south Ridge Road is clear of and! ( at 5550 ft ) had received 1.04 inches of rain, with a little hail and sleet mixed.. My pre-dawn hike up Devils Slide Trail on 11th January was delightful, because... Of 13 to 19 inches possible heavy snow also possible in the morning and treacherous... Is closed storms in the upper Midwest from a clipper snowpack on mt san jacinto, and on.

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