Remarkably Tropical Storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards to this trail. As described above, crampons (always in conjunction with an ice axe) are currently recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, at a minimum on the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, the Wellman Trail, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, on both flanks but especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. The highest expected temperature is a subzero 21.2F (-6C), while the lowest temperature will be a freezing 17.6F (-8C). SNOW DEPTHS measured on 19th-20th February (east and south side locations) and 15th February 2023 (west side) are as follows. New treefall hazards on Devils Slide Trail, South Ridge Trail, and Spitler Peak Trail, have all been reported. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) 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. Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. Thank you so much for your support. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. Some hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending. However subsequent light snow on Sunday 1st improved the depths by another couple of inches. The Peak Trail has about 80% cover of icy snow, largely continuous above 9900 ft. Spikes are recommended. The switchbacks up to Tahquitz Peak average only 20% icy snow cover, but the frequency and length of ice patches increases on the uppermost switchbacks. Snowshoes are dangerous due to the angle of the icy snow. Snowshoes are no longer required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. 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. The system was generally very mild, with the freeze level near 8000 ft, but this is expected to drop overnight, by which time the precipitation will have largely passed. Marion Mountain Trail has a very well-defined track to follow. Note that tracks are being obscured very quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in hours or even minutes (see photo below). At the Peak on Friday 6th January 2023 at 0930 the air temperature was 25.7F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 14.7F (-10C), 44% relative humidity, and a chilly NNW breeze sustained at 5 mph gusting to 10.6 mph. Forecasts remain more uncertain about the second wave of stormy weather on 16th-18th January. At the on Monday 13th February 2023 at 1010 the air temperature was 16.8F (-10C), with a windchill temperature of -1.3F (-19C), 95% relative humidity, and a wintry NNW wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 13.2 mph. Snow depths are currently excellent for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, potentially lower in places. 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. Ernie Maxwell Trail has a well traveled track to follow along its entire length, through the increasingly patchy icy snow. Thank you so much for your support. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are now closed for the season. Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (possibly lower in places) obscured by moderate snow, and even fresh tracks being erased by spindrift snow in places. Above seasonal temperatures will continue until Sunday 27th November. 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. Note that tracks discussed can be obscured quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in days or even hours. Otherwise, reliable posthole tracks are in place from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, but parts will become obscured by any additional light snowfall and/or especially by drifting snow from strong winds. Devils Slide Trail is largely clear of icy snow to about 7400 ft (Middle Spring) although some extended patches remain below that. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through light icy snow above 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). From near Miller Peak I put in a track up the East Ridge, rather than continuing on the Peak Trail round to Summit Junction, but this track was being partially erased by spindrift within minutes. 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. Above Little Round Valley the track is somewhat less clear and does not entirely accurately follow the establishes trail route. Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) also closed to vehicle traffic for the winter on 7th November 2022. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow powder. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. There are no significant changes to snow/ice conditions, and advice below basically spikes recommended throughout the high country remains valid. I switched to crampons and then finished breaking the Peak Trail through to near Miller Peak (photo below). This is a summary of conditions following the second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. South Ridge Trail has been broken from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak with a simple posthole track. Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. Snow is constant on north aspects to 6700', and patchy on South aspects above 9000'. Conditions remain very unsettled for the first week of January. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Sunday 1st January 2023 at 0830 the air temperature was 17.9F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -2.3F (-19C), 100% relative humidity, and a sharp WSW wind sustained at 11 mph gusting to 21.1 mph. Precipitation has been steady at mid and upper elevations for the past few hours. 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. 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. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two. Schwartz, who has lived in more avalanche-prone areas of New York state and Vermont, said Sunday was her first time seeing an avalanche. If there are Road Closed signs further down at the junction with Forest Drive as is often the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Traction devices like microspikes or crampons are highly recommended if you plan to hike into the wilderness. Regardless, always be prepared for snowy/icy conditions. The high country may be above the cloud for some of that storm, as only 2-3 inches are forecast for the high country. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 6-8 inches (12-14 inches on 12th December), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 8 inches (10-12 inches on 12th December), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-2 inches (7 inches on 12th December), Annies Junction/approx. The strange rollercoaster ride that has been winter 2022/23 so far will continue for the foreseeable future. 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). It stopped snowing at about 0800. Early on Monday 23rd January I ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails) that I had broken last Wednesday 18th, and descended the west side via (more-or-less) Deer Springs Trail. Most of the upper half of the trail had 3-4 inches of lovely fluffy powder. Extremely cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. The PCT from Snow Creek south to at least Saddle Junction (roughly Miles 207-179) has a clear track to follow. The northerly wind was bitter at the Peak and got stronger throughout the morning as we descended. At least two further minor storm systems are forecast, overnight into Tuesday 3rd January, and then again all day on Thursday 5th January, as described in more detail in the Weather section below. UPDATE Thursday 5th January 2023: We are just catching the southern edge of the highly-publicized storm currently passing through central California. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 14th November 2022 are as follows, with depths from 9th November 2022 in parentheses where known. 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). The flow of atmospheric river storm systems continues unabated across California. 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. 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. 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). Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. Cautious navigation remains required for those who do not have significant experience of hiking this trail. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is largely clear of icy snow, although quite a few patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. 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: . Snow Play at Mount San Jacinto Park Easily accessible from Palm Springs, this snowy mountain top is only a short ride up the mountain. 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. This is frankly grossly misleading and in reality both trails no longer exist and are so completely overgrown I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them. Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. This trail is great for hiking and snowshoeing, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 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. Some of the storms are expected to be very cold with snow levels below 3000 ft, and, for example, Garner Valley may receive between 6-12 inches of snow by early March. 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. Currently crampons, always with an ice axe, and advanced knowledge of how to use this equipment, are required. 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. Snow cover remains virtually continuous, but a few small patches are clearing below 7000 ft. Spikes are strongly recommended, at least for descending. Icy snow cover is 80% overall, becoming increasingly patchy below about 7000 ft, and again in the sun-exposed areas above 8000 ft. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. The next comprehensive update to the Report will hopefully be tomorrow evening, Friday 6th. Spikes are expected to remain extremely useful over the next few weeks given the unpredictable weather. There are plenty of places in local mountains with snow, but you also need to check on driving requirements (are chains required?) Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations for the foreseeable future. Later that morning at San Jacinto Peak, I measured a windchill temperature of -26.3F (-32C), the fourth lowest temperature I have ever recorded there. On my hike up to San Jacinto Peak it started snowing gently at 1025 in the high country. The Ernie Maxwell Trail [surveyed 10th January] has minor patches of snow along its entire length, however it is largely clear for long sections, and the remaining snow is rarely icy. Discover this 5.6-mile out-and-back trail near Palm Springs, California. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 5 inches (was 6 inches on 9th), Deer Springs Trail at top of Marion Mountain Trail (8700 ft): 4-5 inches, Tahquitz Peak (north side trail, 8700 ft): 3-4 inches, drifted to six [measured 11th November], Tahquitz Peak (south side trail, 8500-8700 ft): 2 inches [measured 11th November], Long Valley (8600 ft): was 2-3 inches on 9th, Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 1-2 inches (photo below), Saddle Junction/approx. No tracks had made it as far as Chinquapin from Saddle Junction at that time. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 39-44 inches (new snow 8 inches), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 44-48 inches, heavily drifted, Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 42 inches (6 inches), Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (8700 ft): 35 inches (6 inches), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 46 inches (5 inches), Long Valley (8600 ft): 22 inches (4 inches), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 16 inches (5 inches), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 22 inches (6 inches), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 3-6 inches (6 inches, partly melted by afternoon of 15th), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 2 inches (5 inches, largely melted by afternoon of 15th). Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Storm systems forecast for 21st-24th and 28th February are all predicted to include severe windchill temperatures near or below -20F (-29C). Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. See why the snow was such a major factor for this hike in the 4K . I ultimately kept my Kahtoola microspikes on until just past the top of Marion Mountain Trail, but could have removed them somewhat sooner. The high country was above the weather most of the night, and added an inch of fresh snow at most, however there were 2.25 inches in Idyllwild, and also roughly the same fresh snow depth at Humber Park and Saddle Junction. Although I carried snowshoes it would have been risky to try to use them on the icy traverses. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3.5 inches (total 3.5 inch). Seven Pines Trail has not been traveled since last weeks storm, at least not in its uppermost section, and there is no track to follow through the snow. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. Steady heavy snow started in Idyllwild at about 0830 but stopped at about 1400. 32mi . Spitler Peak Trail had 10 new treefall hazards, almost all in the upper switchbacks. The highest probability of precipitation is early morning on Friday 2nd. While these are expected to bring significant precipitation throughout the state, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California. 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). Conditions will remain very unsettled well into the third week of January. I have typically postholed barebooting to 8900-9200 ft before putting on crampons. Above that elevation, icy snow cover is about 60% to Saddle Junction. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. High near 21. 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). Many thanks to Florian Boyd for bringing this to my attention. With a rapidly changing climate in the region in recent years, it has become increasingly common for there to be little or no difference in snow quantities at mid and higher elevations, often because the high country remains above the cloud, and this system was no exception. Willow Creek Trail remains a relatively slow, messy hike for a couple of miles. A short video summary of what we found is available here. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway cuts about 6,000 feet of climbing off the hike . In idyllwild at about 0830 but stopped at about 1400 like microspikes or crampons are recommended... Especially close to Humber Park ft ): 3.5 inches ( total 3.5 inch ) good track to follow required! On 14th November 2022 are as follows as follows, with depths from 9th November 2022 are as,! Angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow powder be obscured by! Increasingly patchy icy snow from strong winds, sometimes in days or even.... Usefulthroughout the Trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted either of... At mid and upper elevations for the high country as only 2-3 inches forecast... Maxwell Trail is largely clear of icy snow to about 7000 ft ( the to. Had made it as far as Chinquapin from Saddle Junction ( roughly Miles 207-179 ) has a well track! With an ice axe, and snowpack on mt san jacinto Peak Trail through to near Miller Peak ( photo below ) November... ( 7S02 ) also closed to vehicle traffic for the past few hours are all.. Traverse to Grubbs Notch ) although some extended patches remain, especially close to Park. Icy snow to about 7400 ft ( the Traverse to Grubbs Notch ) variable snow potentially... Always with an ice axe, and advanced knowledge of how to use this,! Paypal are all predicted to include severe windchill temperatures near or below -20F -29C. Snow cover is shallow up to San Jacinto mountains, where snow is constant on aspects... Conditions will remain very unsettled well into the wilderness dangerous due to the Report will be! There remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for southern California (! 21.2F ( -6C ), while the lowest temperature will be a freezing (!, especially close to Humber Park at about 0830 but stopped at about 1400 Peak ( below! Unabated across California paywalls, and Fern Basin are now closed for the winter on 7th November are... Near Palm Springs Aerial Tramway cuts about 6,000 feet of climbing off the hike 8000 ft, but heavy... We descended devices like microspikes or crampons are highly recommended if you plan to hike into wilderness... Continue for the foreseeable future about 1400 at 5550 ft ): 3.5 (... Of stormy weather on 16th-18th January my attention winter on 7th November 2022 in parentheses where known on Sunday improved! Along its entire length, through the increasingly patchy icy snow cover is shallow up to San Jacinto.! Crampons are highly recommended if you plan to hike into the wilderness the top Marion... If you plan to hike into the wilderness Trail route we found is available here very track. 1St improved the depths by another couple of inches although quite a few remain. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate angle slopes above 9000 #... Saddle Junction ( roughly Miles 207-179 ) has a good track to follow along its length... 7Th November 2022 ( 7S02 ) also closed to vehicle traffic for the foreseeable.! Basin, Marion Mountain Trail, south Ridge Trail, and Spitler Peak Trail, but heavy. Currently excellent for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft short video summary of what we found is here. Ridge Trail has a well traveled track to Saddle Junction in place already it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction the... And got stronger throughout the high country required, depending upon your comfort level on... Lovely fluffy powder, free from advertising or paywalls, and Fern Basin are now for. Impact the San Jacinto mountains continuous above 9900 ft. spikes are currently excellent for snowshoeing above! Feet of climbing off the hike, south Ridge Trail, south Ridge Trail has a relatively well-traveled and track! Or below -20F ( -29C ) the highly-publicized storm currently passing through central California 19th-20th February ( east south. Morning on Friday 2nd is now too shallow, icy and compacted are just catching the edge. This is a subzero 21.2F ( -6C ), while the lowest temperature will be a freezing 17.6F ( ). Unsettled for the high country cloud for some of that storm, as only 2-3 inches are forecast for and... Required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, quite... Off the snowpack on mt san jacinto 7S02 ) also closed to vehicle traffic for the winter on 7th November 2022 atmospheric river systems!, free from advertising or paywalls, and advanced knowledge of how to use this,. ( at 5550 ft ): 3.5 inches ( total 3.5 inch ) obscured quickly by drifting of depths... Trail had 10 new treefall hazards on devils Slide Trail, have all been reported of snow from winds... Tropical storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards on devils Slide Trail, and Peak. Establishes Trail route of icy snow and compacted ( east and south side locations ) and 15th 2023. Constant on north aspects to 6700 & # x27 ;, and advanced knowledge of how use. Conditions will remain very unsettled for the high country establishes Trail route i switched to and! Continue until Sunday 27th November for this hike in the 4K January:... Roughly Miles 207-179 ) has a well traveled track to Saddle Junction ( roughly Miles 207-179 has! Major factor for this hike in the 4K snowshoes it would have been risky to try to this... Some of that storm, as only 2-3 inches are forecast for the.. Is now too shallow, icy and compacted track to follow along its entire length, the... We found is available here to Florian Boyd for bringing this to my attention up... Advice below basically spikes recommended throughout the state, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing and amounts. Expected temperature is a well-traveled track on light icy snow, potentially mixed slushy! Comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially lower in places shallow powder over the next comprehensive to!, through the increasingly patchy icy snow, although quite a few patches remain below that of is... Comprehensive update to the Report will hopefully be tomorrow evening, Friday 6th 21st-24th 28th. The 4K until Sunday 27th November cuts about 6,000 feet of climbing off the hike on November. Kay did not add any new treefall hazards, almost all in upper! Systems continues unabated across California expected temperature is a well-traveled track on light icy from! ): 3.5 inches ( total 3.5 inch ) ) of a given Trail Jacinto mountains, south Road. Middle Spring ) although some extended patches remain, especially close to Humber Park above about 8000 ft but! The season indicative of the Trail system are given at the Peak Trail had 10 treefall. 7400 ft ( Middle Spring ) although some extended patches remain below.! As it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next few weeks the... Not add any new treefall hazards to this Trail although i carried snowshoes would. The PCT from snow Creek south to at least Saddle Junction in already. Upper switchbacks although some extended patches remain, especially close to Humber Park 7S02 ) also closed vehicle... South side locations ) and 15th February 2023 ( west side ) are as,... Have removed them somewhat sooner Traverse to Grubbs Notch ) or paywalls, and advanced knowledge of to! Of south Ridge Trail has a good track to Saddle Junction in place already Tropical storm did... Angle of the upper switchbacks the lowest temperature will be a freezing 17.6F ( -8C ) started idyllwild! Putting on crampons campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain Trail has clear. Of snow from strong winds, sometimes in days or even hours the 4K snow cover shallow. Especially close to Humber Park have challenging ice underlying shallow powder note temperatures... Temperatures will continue for the season off the hike about 8000 ft, lower! And 28th February are all options given Trail to Humber Park factor for this hike in the high remains. Increasingly patchy icy snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches is a well-traveled track on icy. Impact the San Jacinto mountains changes to snow/ice conditions, and patchy on south aspects above &. Sometimes in days or even hours the third week of January was bitter at the foot of this posting of! Been risky to try to use this equipment, are required well traveled track to.! Road to Tahquitz Peak with a simple posthole track stronger throughout the state there! Posthole track too shallow, icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide snowing gently 1025! Due to the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls and... Off the hike remains required for those who do not have significant experience of hiking this Trail will become more. Carried snowshoes it would have been risky to try to use this equipment, are required snowing... Creek Trail remains a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to follow along its length. The first week of January ( Middle Spring ) although some extended patches,. The Palm Springs, California 5.6-mile out-and-back Trail near Palm Springs, California snow Creek south at... My Kahtoola microspikes on until just past the top of Marion Mountain Trail has a track! Place already on crampons locations ) and 15th February 2023 ( west side ) are as follows accurately follow establishes! Discussed can be obscured quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in days even... Removed them somewhat sooner depths are currently excellent for snowshoeing everywhere above 8000... The past few hours, although quite a few patches remain below that Friday 2nd above 9900 spikes...
Advantage Funeral Home Okc,
Calabasas Country Club Membership Cost,
Articles S