Climb the remaining 5,100 feet of snow and or ice in one of the several chutes. 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). Snowfall at the elevation of Long Valley (8600 ft) has been similarly steady, and 3-4 inches of fresh powder there takes the total depth close to one foot. 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. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. It will however be very icy in the early mornings for the next few days at least. PCT Mile 151) this morning, and recorded a short video available here on YouTube. Nothing unduly dangerous, but something to be aware of for the next couple of days. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Marion Mountain Trail has a very well-defined track throughout. 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. 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). 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. 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 Saddle there was a layer of fresh powder (from the previous night) on top of a thick layer of ice, itself on top of more snow from prior storms. That said, a moderate snow storm is forecast for Sunday 29th to Monday 30th January, with up to six inches of snow forecast above about 5000 ft, possibly up to 12 inches above 10,000 ft, and a freeze level down to 4000 ft. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 23rd January 2023 at 1010 the air temperature was 11.1F (-11C), with a windchill temperature of -16.2F (-26C), 47% relative humidity, and a bitter NNE wind sustained at 20 mph gusting to 27.7 mph. Schwartz said her and a friend were driving west on Interstate 10, making their way to Palm Springs. Devils Slide Trail has a well traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. As mentioned above, the focus is on heavy snowfall expected over the next 5-6 days (and potentially again on 28th February-1st March). These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures well below freezing in the high country, and far below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). 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. In combination with the four inches of rain since Saturday, not to mention the many inches of rain earlier this winter, the mid elevations, including the mountain communities, are now best described as a very soggy and slushy mess. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 19th December (east side) or 15th December (west side) 2022 are as follows. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. Minor snow storm update 11th January 2023, Weather and trail update 27th December 2022, Moderate snow storm 11th-12th December 2022, Moderate snow storm 8th-9th November 2022. There is a well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. 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). Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. Spikes will not be required by most hikers, depending upon comfort level hiking on patchy angled icy snow. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 7000 ft, possibly lower in places on cold (icy) mornings. Spikes are useful at least for descending. Above that elevation, icy snow cover is about 60% to Saddle Junction. . There is the possibility that this will end abruptly with a minor storm on Monday 28th November, with 1-3 inches of snow possible above 10,000 ft. Thank you for taking the time to read this. 43 minutes ago Distance: 8km. This trail is great for hiking and snowshoeing, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. On the morning of Monday 6th February I ascended San Jacinto Peak for the fifth time in the past two weeks, this time via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails), descending the same way. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th February 2023 are as follows. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are now closed for the season. Devils Slide Trail has an excellent compacted track to follow to Saddle Junction. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. 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). 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. Current forecasts for precipitation suggest as much as three inches of rain around the elevation of Idyllwild (5000-6000 ft) between the evening of Tuesday 27th December 2022 and Friday 6th January 2023. My tracks from today (Friday 6th January) from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak and back will be largely visible but will be somewhat obscured in places. There is steep, dangerous snow along the PCT on Mount San Jacinto, and in the mountains further north all the way to Canada. Forecast precipitation is currently only a dusting of 1-2 inches of snow at upper elevations, but combined with strong winds this will be sufficient to complicate route-finding. 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. A minor storm on the night of Tuesday 21st will include severe cold and severe winds, followed by milder, moderate storm on 22nd-23rd, and then an unusual atmospheric river combined with very cold air again producing heavy snowfall for 23rd-25th February. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. At the Peak on Thursday 24th November 2022 at 0810 the air temperature was 29.0F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 5.7F (-15C), 16% relative humidity, and a severe NNW wind sustained at 25 mph gusting to 35.1 mph. 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. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 6000 ft, potentially lower in places. 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. 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. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. But in 2020, two people had to be rescued when they were caught in an avalanche while hiking in. 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. Currently, and increasingly as snow conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft, lower in places. I measured an average of about four inches of snow at Old Lookout Flat, although with some deeper drifts in the trail. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Above Little Round Valley there are at least half-a-dozen tracks ascending toward San Jacinto Peak, none of which entirely accurately follow the established trail route. I snowshoed down from San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, Saddle Junction, and Devils Slide Trail. Most significantly in terms of snow conditions daytime temperatures at all elevations will be well above freezing for about a week starting 20th. I have typically postholed barebooting to 8900-9200 ft before putting on crampons. This storm is expected to have two periods of precipitation, one each on 11th and 12th. Although the snow is not particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and steeply angled, and has at least one ice layer underneath the fresh powder. 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. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. 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. The traversing slopes above Wellmans Divide (roughly 9800-10,500 ft) were extremely firm early in the morning and potentially treacherous. The Peak Trail has about 80% cover of icy snow, largely continuous above 9900 ft. Spikes are recommended. At the Peak on Thursday 29th December 2022 at 0910 the air temperature was 25.8F (-3C), with a windchill temperature of 7.2F (-14C), 81% relative humidity, and a harsh WNW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 25.4 mph. Altitudes are approximate. 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. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Some hikers may continue to find spikes useful for some of the minor icy patches but they are no longer required. Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers will find them useful at least for descending the uppermost section. SNOW DEPTHS measured on or around 28th November 2022 are as follows, with depths after the last significant storm (on 9th November) for comparison in parentheses where known. 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. Through LRV and up to San Jacinto Peak, there are at least three tracks (two posthole, one snowshoe), none of which attempt to follow the trail route, and all are steep and very direct. Melting has already reduced the snow cover to 90% as far as Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Further light snow is expected starting this evening, followed by much heavier snow overnight on 28th February-1st March. On 22nd for example I wore spikes down to about 7500 ft on Marion Mountain Trail, while on 27th I wore spikes down the Peak and Wellman trails and PCT down to 9000 ft. Two new trees were down on the upper trail, unsurprising given the huge weight of ice from freezing rain plastered all over the trees. 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). 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. New treefall hazards on several major trails have been reported, and those on Spitler Peak Trail have already been cleared by the Trail Report. Willow Creek Trail remains a relatively slow, messy hike for a couple of miles. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. Deep snow at 10,500 feet Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. I descended via Deer Springs Trail, breaking trail through virgin powder all the way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction. Rainfall in Idyllwild (at 5550ft) has also maintained a steady pace, with close to 0.7 inch so far today. Currently the snow is relatively powdery; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. On Mount San Jacinto, the conditions just arent good for avalanches with the slopes and amount of trees we have, he said. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 20% icy snow cover. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. That is expected to change, with up to several inches of snow forecast both in the high country and at mid elevations tonight. Average snow depth around the peak was 24-25 inches, but heavily drifted. Precipitation on Sunday 4th into the early hours of Monday 5th is significantly less likely in the latest models. In the days since the storm, we have also surveyed trails around Tahquitz Peak, South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Deer Springs, among others. Spikes are currently recommended throughout the trail system above about 7500 ft, potentially lower in places. However, relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below). All trails above about 5500 ft are currently lightly (or above 8500 ft, moderately) snow-covered. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area. The first couple of days early next week (20th-21st) may warm slightly above seasonal, before promptly dropping well below average again, accompanying another unsettled period of multiple consecutive storm systems on 22nd-28th. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Given cold temperatures for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to slow (or largely stop in the high country). 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. Every year seems to have its challenges and it is clear already that 2023 will be no exception. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through light icy snow above 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). Minor storm overnight on 27th-28th December. While fresh snow may be optimum for snowshoeing for the next couple of weeks, snow at all elevations will become increasingly firm and icy following multiple freeze-thaw cycles, and compaction by increasing hiker traffic in places, and I cannot overemphasize the importance of having both appropriate equipment and the right skill set for the terrain. Consequently I put on crampons at Wellmans Cienega, keeping them on all day until low down on Deer Springs Trail. Skyline Trail is now largely clear, but has very limited patchy, thin, icy snow above about 7200 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use it), are strongly recommended. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, plus an ice axe (and thorough knowledge of how to use it) are currently required for traversing these slopes. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. This trail has had limited hiker traffic since November 2018, largely because Dark Canyon Road has only been open for a few months since the Great Valentines Day flood of 2019. The peak is also frequently called Mount San Jacinto. 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. In Idyllwild for several days both overnight low and daytime high temperatures will be more typical of March or even April than of late December. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. South Ridge Trail has been broken from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak with a simple posthole track. The natural traction was superb, and I barebooted all the way to just above Wellman Divide (9700 ft) before finally putting on Kahtoola microspikes, accompanied by an ice axe. 10 other mountain peaks closest to Mount San Jacinto Peak: 1. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 22nd December] has a well-defined but lumpy posthole track throughout. Snow. Monday 5th was the first day since the snow storm in early November that I did not use spikes for descending, as the icy snow in the high country was crisp and grippy in cold, cloudy conditions. An additional six inches of accumulation today brings the total in Idyllwild since 21st February to 20.5 inches. 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. South Ridge Road (5S11) is also currently closed to vehicle traffic. 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. 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. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Wednesday 1st February 2023 at 0935 the air temperature was 16.6F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -8.0F (-22C), 13% relative humidity, and a wild NNE wind sustained at 21 mph gusting to 35.2 mph. Although excellent tracks are now in place for almost all major trails (details below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. Spitler Peak Trail (last surveyed 18th November) is clear of snow. NA. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout its length, snow cover is about 80%. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. They tend to be especially useful for descending trails. 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. This may change after the weekend. Tracks of myself and a couple of others from recent days were largely visible up Devils Slide Trail, and I barebooted to Saddle Junction through thin powder overlying ice. Snowshoes can be used for ascending the highest peaks, but with considerable caution. I kept my crampons on for the entire descent, taking advantage of excellent cross-country glissading conditions, and made it from San Jacinto Peak back to Humber Park in just over two hours. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. This will continue to be the case for at least a week, given fresh snowfall expected. The lower half of the trail should be largely clear of snow by the weekend. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently ideal everywhere above about 9500 ft. South Ridge Road is clear of ice and snow. For example, San Jacinto Peak received about 9 inches of fresh powder (on top of about 2-4 patchy inches of icy snow remaining from November) on Sunday 11th, with an additional inch falling on Monday 12th. Ernie Maxwell Trail has a well traveled track to follow along its entire length, through the increasingly patchy icy snow. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (3.0 inches on 12th December). "The biggest issue with the snow levels is the . While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through increasingly patchy, very thin, icy snow above about 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Trails above about 7500 ft currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow (more continuous above about 9000 ft). Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. High freeze levels may mean rain and/or freezing rain at the highest peaks at times, and icy or mixed snow/ice conditions at all elevations. 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