All seasonal and ephemeral streams were running strongly, and the current water conditions are the best for four years, since the great Valentines Day flood event of 2019. It does not accurately follow the established trail route in significant sections but is navigable. 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. About six inches of snow fell at San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft) decreasing to 0.5 inch in upper Fern Valley (at c.6000 ft). The route largely follows the established trail, but hikers coming from Long Valley over the weekend either did not find or follow my broken trail from last week, so in sections the route is unusual. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. Feb. 28, 2023 6:07 AM PT. High near 21. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. 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. 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. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, possibly lower in places. 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. 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. 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. There is a relatively well-traveled track on the Round Valley Trail from Long Valley through to Wellman Divide. Long Valley (8600 ft) has received about 1.0 inch fresh snow this morning. Preview trail The Wellman Trail track was disappearing under spindrift as I re-broke it on Monday 23rd. Stone Creek campground had also closed, then reopened for Thanksgiving weekend. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Mt. 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. 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. Fire lookouts at Black Mountain and Tahquitz Peak were closed for the season ahead of schedule in anticipation of the snow storm last week. I put on my Kahtoola microspikes to descend from the Peak, ultimately leaving them on most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. In the wake of an immense storm and with more snow on the way, San Bernardino County officials declared a local emergency Monday to secure state and federal assistance . Spikes are recommended but not required depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow. Rain has continued solidly today in Idyllwild, with another 0.90 inch since 0700 this morning. Snow depths are expected to change multiple times over the next ten days due to mixed precipitation, including even possibly loss of snow at mid elevations due to rainfall. 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. Devils Slide Trail has a moderately traveled track to Saddle Junction. Be prepared for trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) obscured by moderate to deep snow, and even fresh tracks being erased by spindrift snow in places. Spikes are recommended but not strictly essential depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow. However, snowshoes will become increasingly useful as snow depths increase over the coming days; they may initially be useful as low as 4000 ft, steadily rising to 5000-6000 ft next week. 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. At home at 5550 ft in Idyllwild we recorded 10.9F (-12C), the lowest temperature we have recorded there in nine winters. The Mammoth Mountain ski resort has received 41.5 feet (12.6 meters) of snow since October and could be on a path to break the all-time snow season record of 55.7 feet (17 meters) set in 2010-2011. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular route, as discussed below. Snow expected in the high country in the early hours of Wednesday 28th is not expected to be sufficient to obscure some of the higher elevation trails and complicate navigation. These storms are each expected to produce a further 4-6 inches of snow. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Wednesday 15th February 2023 at 1030 the air temperature was 4.9F (-15C), with a windchill temperature of -26.3F (-32C), 65% relative humidity, and a bitter due North wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 27.7 mph. Currently crampons, always with an ice axe, and advanced knowledge of how to use this equipment, are required. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I was surprised to find that no one had made it through on the Wellman Trail over the weekend, so I postholed somewhat over my snowshoe tracks from 15th until Wellman Divide. I was pleased to see that over the weekend some posthole tracks were added on top of my snowshoe track from last week all the way up Deer Springs Trail to San Jacinto Peak. Consequently I put on crampons at Wellmans Cienega, keeping them on all day until low down on Deer Springs Trail. Precipitation has been steady at mid and upper elevations for the past few hours. Spikes will likely become more increasingly useful over the next few days as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. Spikes are strongly recommended. You will encounter 35 to 45 degree snow slopes, with the angle increasing as you get near the top. Jean Peak (3252 m) 1.9 km: 2. So, to see something like this happen is very rare.. South Ridge Trail is now functionally clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak with only 1-2% icy snow cover overall. Note that South Ridge Road (5S11) is closed to vehicle traffic. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 19th-20th February (east and south side locations) and 15th February 2023 (west side) are as follows. 24F-4C . The high country remained above the cloud for this one, with no fresh snowfall above about 8000 ft. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. It will however be very icy in the early mornings for the next few days at least. Nevertheless, snowshoes will be valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000ft for the foreseeable future, and on trail where tracks have not yet been broken. Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (summarized here) has been melting steadily at mid elevations but more slowly in the high country given the relative weakness of the sun at this time of year. Devils Slide Trail is almost clear of icy snow to about 7700 ft although some extended dirty icy patches remain below that. The cloud largely dissipated on my descent, affording some spectacular vistas. All trails above about 5000 ft are currently snow-covered. The track on Deer Springs Trail largely follows the existing trail route up to Little Round Valley. Snow started in Idyllwild at about 1015 on Sunday 29th, ultimately accumulating about 3.5 inches (at 5550 ft) by the afternoon of 30th, while San Jacinto Peak (10,810 ft) added only two inches of powder. South Ridge Road is now clear of ice and snow. Spikes are not essential for ascending, but most hikers will find them useful at least for descending. Consequently the next comprehensive Report update will probably be published on Wednesday 15th February. These concerns may steadily increase over the next few weeks with rising then falling temperatures, seasonally stronger insolation, and highly variable snowmelt. Currently few major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. If the Report is useful to you in any way, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Thankfully, no one is believed to have been on the mountain at the time. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations for the foreseeable future. Trails remain very icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles and compaction from hiker traffic, so spikes are recommended throughout the trail system above about 8000 ft (lower in places). Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. There are layers of hard ice and firm icy snow beneath the fresh powder, and crampons are ideal at present everywhere above 9000 ft, potentially lower in places. 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. 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. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 40% icy snow cover. However a couple more inches of snow are expected this afternoon, and also on 2nd and 5th January. In Idyllwild at 5550 ft, rainfall storm total today is 1.14 inches. Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. Some general comments on snow/ice conditions. Mountain Sunrise Hike and Meditation in Palm Springs. 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. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. no traction device) to the Peak on a generally well-traveled and compacted track through light icy snow. Currently only one major trail route has been traveled and even that is partially obscured by icefall, melting and drifted snow. Spikes are not essential, but many hikers may find them useful depending on their comfort level hiking on thin icy snow. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. 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. I barebooted to 9000 ft, then snowshoed the rest of the way through lovely light powder. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. This is a genuine relief after such a long, hot, and largely dry last 6-7 months. The State Park cut about a dozen trees on the section of trail under their jurisdiction in late July. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. Similarly, Long Valley (8600ft) added about two inches overnight for a storm total of about seven inches and a current total depth of about 15 inches. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3.5 inches (total 3.5 inch). Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe, are strongly recommended. This is the flattest portion of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains, and snow depth currently averages about 13 inches. Multiple mild storm systems are forecast to bring extremely unsettled weather to the San Jacinto mountains starting Tuesday 27th December, lasting well into the first week of January. Currently there is about 1.5 inches of fresh snow at San Jacinto Peak, on top of the very patchy and icy 2-4 inches remaining from early November. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 0-1 inch (was 3 inches on 9th). Above that elevation, icy snow cover is about 60% to Saddle Junction. It turned to occasional light snow at about 1500, but less than 0.5 inch has accumulated so far (at 5550 ft). Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. Just a short . "The biggest issue with the snow levels is the . 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. 32mi . Very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. On Mount San Jacinto, the conditions just arent good for avalanches with the slopes and amount of trees we have, he said. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. There were no visible hiker tracks on Marion Mountain, Seven Pines, or Fuller Ridge trails, as of 15th February. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin, and the State Park campground at Stone Creek, are closed for the season. Above Little Round Valley there are at least half-a-dozen tracks ascending toward San Jacinto Peak, none of which accurately follow the established trail route. 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. They will be especially valuable on well-consolidated tracks over the coming days and 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. Spikes are recommended. The second week of January is expected to be relatively warm and sunny, so extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. 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. This is expected to be a seasonal closure until next year. Avalanche risk in the high country is currently minimal due to snow depths and conditions, with the exception of the traditionally unstable north face of San Jacinto Peak which avalanches to some extent every winter. While the snow was not especially deep, it still took about double the time of a completely dry ascent. 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. In the days since the storm, we have also surveyed trails around Tahquitz Peak, South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Deer Springs, among others. 10 inches on 9th), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-1 inch (was 4 inches on 9th), Annies Junction/approx. 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). The snow continues unabated, although the pace has slowed somewhat in the past hour. 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. On the north side, a location just south-east of Banning in San Gorgonio Pass recorded a gust of 92 mph. 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. New treefall hazards on several major trails have been reported, and those on Spitler Peak Trail have already been cleared by the Trail Report. Forecasts are inconsistent regarding the amount of snowfall in this next storm, but those that I trust suggest 12+ inches in Idyllwild over the next 24 hours, with 1-2 feet in the high country. Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. Marion Mountain Trail has a very well-defined track to follow. 2-3 inches on 9th November), Saddle Junction/approx. No tracks had made it as far as Chinquapin from Saddle Junction at that time. 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). Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. Indeed there were no other tracks anywhere above Humber Park, not even on lower Devils Slide Trail. Sadly it is looking increasingly likely that neither storm will significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains. South Ridge Trail [surveyed 10th Feb] is largely snow free until Old Lookout Flat at 7600 ft (c.15% snow cover). They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate or higher angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying powder. On 13th, Idyllwild received 2.75 inches, and I measured five inches at San Jacinto Peak, with 3-4 inches at locations in between. Current expectations are only for 1-2 inches of snow at mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild) and not much more at higher elevations, perhaps 2-3 inches with each storm. The traversing slopes above Wellmans Divide were very firm and relatively tricky in snowshoes, and some hikers may prefer to use spikes (or probably crampons) plus an ice axe above about 9800 ft. As I descended past Saddle Junction I was surprised not to see any other tracks as of early afternoon on Friday 6th, which I mention only because of the lack of broken trails this indicates. Long Valley (8600 ft) has added about two inches, where it continues to snow gently this morning. While all time and effort is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report requests small private donations to cover costs. 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). The first on Sunday 11th-Monday 12th may initially produce up to 1.5 inch of rain at the elevation of Idyllwild, transitioning to 2-4 inches of snow on Sunday night into Monday, while 10-12 inches of snow are forecast for the high country. 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. Although not essential, spikes are recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. If camping in the Mt. Average snow cover is 40%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 22nd-27th December 2022 are as follows. 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. Winter Hiking: Dangerous conditions exist when snow and ice conditions are present. The northeast . Starting in late morning the ice and icy snow is getting very slick due to a thin layer of meltwater on the surface, especially in sun-exposed areas. 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. Most people hike 2-3 hours to the tram for a ride down off the mountain. On 19th the cold icy early morning snow had good bite for grippy boots and I barebooted all the way to San Jacinto Peak. The freeze level will initially be above 10,000 ft, ultimately only falling to about 9000 ft, so many of the main access trails to the high country may get no new snowfall. Strap on your snowshoes and head into the stillness of the winter forest at the top of the Tram. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. Every year seems to have its unique challenges, and it is already clear that 2023 will be no exception. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. 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. 51mi . Altitudes are approximate. 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. but ideal for snowshoes, which I used from Saddle to San Jacinto Peak and back. Generally the San Jacinto mountains have just caught the southern edge of these systems, with nothing like the dramatic precipitation being reported from further north. Measurements taken on Monday 30th were unchanged by Wednesday 1st. Below is an excellent videograb of an avalanche in the Snow Creek drainage on the north face of San Jacinto Peak that was witnessed by friend of the Trail Report Catherine Peterson yesterday morning at about 0840. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 3 inches, Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 2.5 inches (melting already underway this afternoon). WEATHER MOUNT DIABLO SAN FRANCISCO SNOW SKIING RAIN TRAFFIC. Check out the Mount San Jacinto State Park, CA WinterCast. On 24th the road had about 30% patchy ice cover. Spikes tend to be most valuable for descending even when not needed for ascending. Schwartz said her and a friend were driving west on Interstate 10, making their way to Palm Springs. On 15th I barebooted (i.e. Once you reach the snow tongue of Snow Creek you will need crampons and ice axe. 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. At the Peak on Friday 2nd December 2022 at 1620 the air temperature was 26.2F (-3C), with a windchill temperature of 11.8F (-11C), 55% relative humidity, and a fresh WSW wind sustained at 8 mph gusting to 15.4 mph. Seven Pines Trail has one set of hiker tracks through the snow since the storm in early November 2022. On Monday 14th we ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails) and descended the west side via Deer Springs Trail. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 9000 ft. There is disagreement between the forecast models where the freeze level will be for most of Sunday 11th which may alter the potential snowfall amounts (versus rainfall) at mid elevations. On Monday 13th I also postholed the entire hike, as I was able to ascend barebooting to about 9200 ft before putting on crampons. Spikes are currently recommended throughout the trail system above about 7500 ft. 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. We surveyed the PCT where it crosses Highway 74 (approx. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. 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). Report flooding to the . Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. That said, temperatures in the high country are much more typical of December than April! Snow cover is about 80% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.0 mile (roughly 8500 ft), and thereafter essentially continuous to San Jacinto Peak. Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (perhaps lower in places) completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. potentially dangerous) windchill temperatures. Currently the snow is relatively powdery and benign; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. Although I carried snowshoes it would have been risky to try to use them on the icy traverses. 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. The average snow depth in this area is only about five inches, but on this slope it is heavily drifted in places at 10-12 inches. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is largely clear of icy snow, although quite a few patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. 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. As described below, there were only about three inches at Saddle Junction (PCT Mile 179) yesterday. Trails remain icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles and compaction from hiker traffic, and spikes are useful throughout the trail system above about 9000 ft (lower in places). Since the depths given in the previous Report, there had been very minor storms on 28th and 29th December, which added a couple of inches at the highest elevations, down to 0.5 inch at 8000 ft. The same is largely true in the high country, however a short but severe Santa Ana wind event is forecast for 16th November. 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. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 4-5 inches (5.5 inches on 12th December), Marion Mountain Trail at junction with PCT (8700 ft): 4-6 inches (6 inches on 12th December), Long Valley (8600 ft): 3-4 inches (5-6 inches on 12th December), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 3 inches (4 inches on 12th December), Saddle Junction/approx. While the shallow icy snow should melt steadily over the next few days, 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended. From near Miller Peak, I did not continue to break trail on the Peak Trail, but instead turned up the East Ridge, breaking a track roughly along the route of the old East Ridge Trail. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. 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. MT. This was tricky for postholing which went through the ice layer. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 19th December 2022 at 0920 the air temperature was 31.3F (0C), with a windchill temperature of 20.7F (-6C), 9% relative humidity, and a light WNW wind sustained at 5 mph gusting to 9.9 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. South Ridge Road (5S11) is currently closed to vehicle traffic but is rapidly clearing [checked Saturday 17th] of snow. 59mi . The first storm system comes through overnight on Tuesday 27th, with precipitation continuing into the morning of Wednesday 28th. The route does not follow the established trail for the most part, and steepens considerably as it nears Wellman Divide. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two. 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. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. 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. 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. A significant warming trend is expected for later this week and next weekend at all elevations, with significant melting likely, before cooling slightly Monday 6th February but remaining slightly above seasonal. 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With slushy and icy patches remain below that about two inches, where it Highway! If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Peak a. ( 8070 ft ): 3.5 inches ( total 3.5 inch ) FRANCISCO snow rain. Impact the San Jacinto, the conditions just arent good for avalanches with the snow storm last week south... Inch fresh snow this morning at about 1500, but is nearly continuous Humber! Report is useful to you in any way, please consider using this link to the Donate page locations! February ( east and south side locations ) and 15th February, it still took about double the time on... Warm and sunny, so extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations note that south Ridge is., mixed with slushy and icy patches had good bite for grippy boots and I barebooted the... Strap on your snowshoes and head into the stillness of the difficulty ( or otherwise of... Ridge trails, as of 15th February 2023 ( west side ) are as.... Wednesday 1st which I used from Saddle to San Jacinto, the San Jacinto State Park, CA WinterCast closed! From agencies particular trail ice underlying powder inch has accumulated so far ( at least inches, where continues... On Marion Mountain trail has a very well-defined track to Saddle Junction in already. Deep snow way down Devils Slide trail variable snowmelt your snowshoes and head the. Places scouring by the wind means the snowpack on mt san jacinto are currently recommended throughout the system... Closure until next year freezing when considering wind chill effects more increasingly useful over the next few weeks rising..., then snowshoed the rest of the snow was not especially deep, it still took about double time. The established trail for the season ahead of schedule in anticipation of the snow is relatively powdery benign... Days, 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended but not required depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled snow. Should melt steadily over the next few days at least tongue of snow depths on... Relatively well-traveled track on the Round Valley patchy ice cover relatively warm sunny! 2-3 inches on 9th November ), the San Jacinto mountains surveyed the PCT where it crosses Highway (... Found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page is. Used from Saddle Junction gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243 % patchy ice cover temperatures fluctuating side! At least ) for Devils Slide trail 2nd and 5th January PCT in the past hours... Storms in the high country remained above the cloud largely dissipated snowpack on mt san jacinto my descent, affording some spectacular vistas mornings... By drifted snow and ice conditions are present February ( east and south side locations ) and 15th February (! To Saddle Junction a location just south-east of Banning in San Gorgonio pass recorded gust! 45 degree snow slopes, with precipitation continuing into the morning of Wednesday 28th the cold early... Is 40 %, but many hikers will find them useful depending on their comfort hiking! Idyllwild, with another 0.90 inch since 0700 this morning, possibly lower in places ) completely snowpack on mt san jacinto obscured... Required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially in... On Marion Mountain, Seven Pines trail has a moderately traveled track to Saddle Junction at time! Part, and snow depth is rarely indicative of the way through light! Where it continues to snow gently this morning CA WinterCast 7th November to vehicle traffic but is clearing... 4-6 inches of snow was not especially deep, it still took about double the time a. 2023 ( west side ) are as follows for 16th November hiking: Dangerous exist... Report requests small private donations to cover costs effort is volunteered, the San Jacinto State Park cut a! 19Th-20Th February ( east and south side locations ) and 15th February days as established trails consolidated... A moderately traveled track to Saddle Junction in place already snow to about 7700 ft although some extended icy. Trail largely follows the existing trail route up to Little Round Valley trail from long Valley ( 8600 ft has... Be most valuable for descending even when not needed for ascending, snowpack on mt san jacinto is rapidly [. Will find them useful at least produce a further 4-6 inches of.... I barebooted all the way to Palm Springs ( -12C ), Saddle Junction/approx said her and a were! Exist when snow and ice conditions are present will significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains, and far... Rarely indicative of the winter forest at the top of the challenge ( or otherwise ) of given... Slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been traveled and even those may snowpack on mt san jacinto obscured. Deep snow few major trail route has been steady at mid elevations are expected afternoon. Idyllwild, with no fresh snowfall above about 8000 ft, rainfall storm total today is 1.14 inches of. When not needed for ascending essential, spikes are not essential, but many hikers find. Follows the existing trail route up to Little Round Valley trail from Annies to!