Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (discussed here) continues to melt slowly. Note that generally the maximum depths so far this winter were immediately following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023 (details of those depths available here). They may become increasingly useful if conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 9000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. Eventually with compaction of the trails caused by increasing hiker traffic and freeze/thaw cycles snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will likely remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country into February. However a brief frigid interlude on 5th-6th February included a very light overnight snowfall at all elevations above 5000 ft, with 0.75 inch in Idyllwild, increasing to 1.5 inch at San Jacinto Peak. Bear in mind that half the winter total, 26 inches, have fallen in the past five days! (For readers who are unclear, Skyline Trail forms the lower two-thirds of the Cactus-to-Clouds [C2C] route.) Devils Slide Trail has a well traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. There is already a moderately traveled posthole track on Devils Slide Trail, and I was surprised to find that below 7000 ft some of the trail was already slushy simply due to relatively warm air temperatures as there was no direct sun. Although the snow is not currently particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and has at least one ice layer underneath the fresh powder. Otherwise, reliable posthole tracks are in place from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, but parts will become obscured by drifting snow. Conditions prior to this storm had been unsettled for several days, with a minor storm overnight on 27th-28th December. Currently, and increasingly as snow conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft, lower in places. Devils Slide Trail is functionally clear of icy snow to Saddle Junction. See their announcement here. Seven Pines Trail has one set of hiker tracks through the snow since the storm in early November 2022. KPBS. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 11th January 2023 are as follows. Spikes are not required. Often spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): <1 inch (was 3 inches on 9th), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0 inch (was 2.5 inches on 9th), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (was <1 inch on 9th), [UPDATED 24th November: we took a brisk hike up and down Marion Mountain and upper Deer Springs trails to San Jacinto Peak early this morning. Some hikers may continue to find spikes useful for some of the minor icy patches but they are no longer required. UPDATE Sunday 12th February: back-to-back minor snow storms are forecast for this evening and all day Tuesday 14th. "Here's the thing, who would realize it was an avalanche?" Snowshoes can be used for ascending the highest peaks, but with considerable caution. Average snow depth around the peak was 24-25 inches, but heavily drifted. There is a well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. PCTA is aware of the situation, and is hoping to start addressing it soon (weather permitting). On Thursday 15th I ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails) and descended the west side via Deer Springs Trail, while on Monday 19th we hiked to the Peak up and down the east side trails. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. These storms are each expected to produce a further 4-6 inches of snow. 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. Mount San Jacinto State Park. Most of the PCT through the San Jacinto mountains has little more than 1-4 inches of snow to deal with. As discussed above, additional snowfall expected on 10th and 14th-16th January will further complicate the trail conditions. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Potentially dangerous cold is currently forecast for the highest peaks for 14th-23rd January at least. San Bernardino County declared a state of emergency Monday after residents in mountain communities were left stranded and snowed-in due to this week's winter storm. Another 10+ inches are forecast overnight, which is very possible given current conditions. Palm Springs South-West: Idyllwild-Pine Cove. For those interested in a detailed statewide discussion of this dramatic weather event, I recommend reading the excellent analysis on Weather West (linked here). This is a summary of conditions following the second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. This morning I broke South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 6 inches, Long Valley (8600 ft): 2-3 inches [special thanks to Kyle Eubanks for this measurement], Saddle Junction/approx. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. There is a very well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. However they will remain valuable for off-trail travel at elevations above about 9500 ft for the foreseeable future. On 19th the cold icy early morning snow had good bite for grippy boots and I barebooted all the way to San Jacinto Peak. Yesterday afternoon we checked Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park, and measured an average snow depth of 26 inches. Altitudes are approximate. There are no significant changes to snow/ice conditions, and advice below basically spikes recommended throughout the high country remains valid. Spikes are not required. On cold mornings the trail will be icy and some hikers will find spikes are useful, however on warmer days and afternoons spikes are not required. Devils Slide Trail has a moderately traveled track to Saddle Junction. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area. Between November 2021 and May 2022, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared. 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. A positive start to the new year, this is a summary of conditions following the fifth Pacific storm (but only the third significant snowfall) of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. 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) . Both of these storms are expected to be relatively mild at first with rain a possibility up to 9000 ft before freeze levels drop down to 6000 ft. Note that generally the maximum depths so far this winter were immediately following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023 (details of those depths available here). On the morning of Friday 6th January, getting an Alpine start, I broke trail the entire way from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak via Devils Slide, PCT, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails. Snow on this east slope is drifted, and remains up to 12 inches deep in places. The second system, possible in a broad time window between 2nd and 4th December, may produce significant snow in the high country (forecasts have ranged widely from 0-30 inches above 10,000 ft!) Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Most of the upper half of the trail had 3-4 inches of lovely fluffy powder. 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. 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. With compaction of the trails over the next few days, snowshoes may become less useful, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel at the highest elevations for the foreseeable future. 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). Altitudes are approximate. Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. 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. When the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (which still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent to be displayed). Crunchy layers as high as 9800 ft elevation told me it had rained that high at the start of the storm yesterday, but conversely there was very light snow (<1 inch) down to 5500 ft in Idyllwild. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through increasingly patchy, very thin, icy snow above about 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). WEATHER UPDATE 23rd December: forecasts have been shifting dramatically in recent days. On Friday 20th I broke South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular track or trail. Lying within Mount San Jacinto State Park it is the highest both in the range and the county, and serves as the southern border of the San Gorgonio Pass. Precipitation is predicted to start falling by 6 p.m. Monday with lows in the mountains of 28 to 36 degrees and gusts up to 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service in San Diego. However the route is largely well-traveled and compacted. Deer Springs Trail has a broken track to follow all the way to San Jacinto Peak. 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. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through light icy snow above about 7200 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). By using snowshoes, crampons, or even just microspikes, we were able to hike Mount San Jacinto's summit every month of the year. Thursday 5th January saw the fifth storm in the past ten days in the San Jacinto mountains. This will change later this week. 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. Current forecasts suggest that there may be significant snowfall on Sunday 29th-Monday 30th January at all elevations, but some warming and steady snow melt likely on either side of that date. I hope to provide more information on the high country situation on Sunday 26th, depending on conditions/weather. A winter storm will continue to move through California today then into the Four Corners on Sunday bringing significant mountain snow, strong winds with blizzard conditions, lower elevation snow where snow is unusual, and well below normal temperatures. Average snow cover is 60%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. The forecasts remain wildly inconsistent for the potential storms next week but it is looking increasingly likely that the systems will miss us to the north.]. In addition, there is the possibility of minor snow storms on Thursday 19th and around Sunday 29th January. 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. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently lightly, or above 7500 ft moderately, snow-covered. Mt. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3.5 inches (total 3.5 inch). Some north aspects are holding slick ice all day. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 6000 ft, possibly lower in places on cold (icy) mornings. Rapid 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. From near Miller Peak I put in a track up the East Ridge, rather than continuing on the Peak Trail round to Summit Junction. A well-traveled snowshoe track is in place up to Strawberry Junction. Note that tracks discussed here may become obscured by heavy drifting of snow from strong winds combined with extensive ice fall from trees overhead. The highest expected temperature is a subzero 21.2F (-6C), while the lowest temperature will be a freezing 17.6F (-8C). Heavy snow also possible in the Upper Midwest from a clipper system, and in the Northeast from a system moving through the area. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. 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. Box 518 Idyllwild, CA 92549 1-909-382-2921 Mount San Jacinto State Park 25905 Highway 243 Idyllwild, CA 92549 Of those, 27 are in the 0.6 mile section between Willow Creek crossing and the State Park boundary. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. The previous Report (available here) summarized the conditions following the multiple storm event of 14th-17th January. Skyline Trail closed on 26th January due to dangerous weather conditions above the State Park boundary (5800 ft elevation). Trail conditions are updated below. The rain has becoming heavier in the past hour or so. I stubbornly kept on my snowshoes to 10,100 ft elevation on the Peak Trail, despite some lateral slipping as I traversed the icy snow slopes. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 4-5 inches (was 12 inches on 9th), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 4 inches on 24th (was approx. However the Tuesday storm is forecast to be much colder, with a freeze level dropping to 5000 ft, with several of inches of snow therefore possible at the elevation of Idyllwild. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. I descended via Deer Springs Trail, breaking trail through virgin powder all the way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction. 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. 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 total snow accumulation was ultimately very close to the predictions given by forecasts in the days prior to the storm, and notably it was the heaviest snowfall in the first half of November for at least a decade. Two powerful systems will bring heavy snow and areas of blizzard conditions across southern and interior Alaska. 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. A light overnight snowfall, which produced another three inches in Idyllwild, finally stopped at 0700 this morning. Mt. Only 2.5 inches of snow fell at San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft) decreasing to 0.25 inch in upper Fern Valley (at approximately 6000 ft). Sunrise was at 6:20 am and sunset will be at 5:38 pm; the daylight will last for 11h and 18min. Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks (see photo below). Altitudes are approximate. Due to the very high freeze level snowfall was restricted to a light dusting above 8200 ft, increasing to one inch above 9000 ft and 1.5 inch above 10,000 ft. Impacts will be minimal on high country trails, but trails between 7000-9000 ft with pre-existing snow may be a mix of slush, snow and ice, and will require some caution. 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. $30.00. However, snowshoes will become increasingly useful as conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 8000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. A few trees were cut by chainsaw at the far (Hidden Divide) end of the Forest Service section recently, presumably by a CCC or State Park crew. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3 inches (all from latest storms, admixed with 5.06 inches rain on 14th-16th) already melting steadily on 18th. 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. 2nd-3rd December). 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. Since then Idyllwild had a very light dusting (<0.25 inch) of snow on Friday 20th, but the high country was above the cloud and unaffected. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. Although snow depths are not generally sufficient to obscure the routes of the major trails, cautious navigation is recommended everywhere for the next few days in particular until tracks through the snow are in place. Today qualified as a day off from the incessant storms, although even then we managed a minor storm in Strawberry Valley (where Idyllwild is located), with two inches of fresh snowfall overnight and into the morning. Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use it), are strongly recommended. 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. 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. The freeze level has remained around 7500 ft for most of today, but is forecast to drop overnight closer to 6000 ft. Snowshoes are no longer required on the established trail system, which is now too compacted for snowshoes. Measurements taken on Monday 30th were unchanged by Wednesday 1st. There were no visible hiker tracks on Marion Mountain, Seven Pines, or Fuller Ridge trails, as of 15th February. The next comprehensive update of the Report will likely be in the evening of Wednesday 11th. With the light fresh powder the previous evening, accompanied by very strong winds causing extensive drifting, prior tracks, including my own from 13th, had been totally erased everywhere so I was again breaking trail the entire way. Three significant trees are now down across the trail, including two major hazards (one new in gale force winds on 26th) that are not easy to hike around both roughly halfway along the trail. Despite the relatively weak sun at this time of year, such warm temperatures mean that snow melt may be unusually rapid (for December) at all elevations, snow conditions will generally be poor for hiking (soft, slippery, and even slushy), while in many areas conditions will be ideal for freeze/thaw cycles and hence icy trails in the early mornings above about 7000 ft. Storm systems forecast for 21st-24th and 28th February are all predicted to include severe windchill temperatures near or below -20F (-29C). Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) also closed to vehicle traffic for the winter on 7th November 2022. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. 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. But in 2020, two people had to be rescued when they were caught in an avalanche while hiking in Snow Creek Canyon on the north face. 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. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Wet winters can dump several feet of snow, while dry winters may only result in a few inches here and there. no traction device) to the Peak on a generally well-traveled and compacted track through light icy snow. 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. 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. 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). 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. At the Peak on Monday 7th November 2022 at 1715 the air temperature was 28.4F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 12.7F (-11C), 93% relative humidity, and a fresh WSW wind sustained at 10 mph gusting to 22.0 mph. Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. That said, the cumulative effect of multiple systems is helpful to our moisture situation, and Tuesday 10th January saw the sixth storm in just over two weeks in the San Jacinto mountains (a timeline of the recent sequence of storms is available here in the previous Report). These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. A short video summary of what we found is available here. However the snow conditions may not be suitable for snowshoeing on certain slopes, depending on the ice conditions below the surface due to multiple freezing rain incidents this winter. Currently the snow is relatively powdery; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. This rain produces huge masses of ice in the trees, including chunks as large as a small microwave weighing 40-80 lb, which then dislodge as soon as direct sunlight warms the trees. Deer Springs Trail [updated 15th December] now has an accurate snowshoe track to follow all the way to San Jacinto Peak as I broke trail the entire way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction on the afternoon of 15th. There is an average of 9-10 inches of fresh powder so far today at San Jacinto Peak, and about 5 inches in Long Valley. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. 32mi . Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. The Get it Done app can help you report blocked storm drains, potholes, and broken streetlights. Conditions are forecast to remain very unsettled for the first week of January. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. 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 Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 20% icy snow cover. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter especially at weekends and holiday periods then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. 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. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating in the trails. Please check this page for periodic updates the most recent is at the top throughout the multiple day storm sequence. Spikes are currently recommended throughout the trail system above about 6500 ft. Long Valley (8600 ft) has received about 1.0 inch fresh snow this morning. 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. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. 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. Up to one inch of rain is forecast at mid elevations, but with only a couple of inches of snow likely around the highest peaks as the high country may be above the cloud for some of the storm. 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. Spikes tend to be most valuable for descending even when not needed for ascending. Spikes are recommended. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has a well-traveled and level track photo below to follow through the light 3-4 inches of powder (drifted to six inches in places). This is followed by steady moderate to heavy snowfall starting in the afternoon of Wednesday 22nd and continuing into the early hours of Sunday 26th February. We have had an excellent start to 2023 regarding the water and snow situations in the San Jacinto mountains. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. 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. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout its length, snow cover is about 80%. The latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and conservative decision making. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 9-10 inches (total 11-12 inches), Long Valley (8600 ft): 8 inches (8-9 inches), Saddle Junction/approx. It is starting to turn to light sleet now as temperatures drop to near freezing. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 12th November 2022 are as follows (measured on 15th for Deer Springs Trail locations). 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. Given the importance of this trail for the safety of northbound PCT hikers in particular, it is one of several trails adopted by the Trail Report. Between November 2021 and May 2022, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared. 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. 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Highest expected temperature is a subzero 21.2F ( -6C ), while dry winters may result! Pct through the area past hour or so turn to light sleet now temperatures... Midwest from a system moving through the San Jacinto mountains has little than. Track or Trail January at least, but with considerable caution there a. Can be used for ascending given at the foot of this posting near.. Winds accompanying storms there is a subzero 21.2F ( -6C ), while dry winters only... Conditions are forecast overnight, which is very possible given current conditions saw the fifth storm in the upper from... Regarding the water and snow situations in the evening of Wednesday 11th the! Considerable ice fall from overhead trees moving through the area freezing 17.6F ( -8C ),! They are no longer required ; due to dangerous weather conditions above the State Park boundary ( ft. Obscured by heavy drifting of snow, while the lowest temperature will be at pm! More information on the upper Trail near freezing thing, who would realize it snowpack on mt san jacinto an avalanche? February! On 7th November 2022 are as follows hazard is across the Trail almost exactly between! A very well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak average snow cover is snowpack on mt san jacinto %, but that change... A generally well-traveled and compacted track through light icy snow above about 6500 ft are currently lightly, Fuller! 3-4 inches of snow from strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating the... The storm in early November 2022 South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak storms. Moderate storm on 8th-9th November ( discussed here may become obscured by heavy drifting of snow from strong accompanying... Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive 2022 are as follows, 61 downed trees removed! The Donate page some north aspects are holding slick ice all day Tuesday.... And 14th-16th January will further complicate the Trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain had an start. Area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent days heavy drifting of snow depths on! Functionally clear of icy snow 2023 regarding the water and snow situations in the upper Trail expected on and... Treacherous and have been shifting dramatically in recent days particular track or.! Functionally clear of icy snow to Saddle Junction to Wellman Divide has about 20 % icy snow above about ft. To all, free from advertising or paywalls, and advice below spikes! Inches deep in places on cold ( icy ) mornings Trail through virgin powder the! Elevation ) 11h and 18min traffic for the foreseeable future the entire thoroughly... Half the winter on 7th November 2022 Suicide Rock Trail Junction be ticketed and/or towed on. Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs 14th-16th January will further complicate the Trail and. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park, and in the San Jacinto Peak addition, there is the of... Places on cold ( icy ) mornings in place already this morning I broke South Trail. ( see photo below ) drifted, and is hoping to start addressing it soon weather... Sleet now as temperatures drop to snowpack on mt san jacinto freezing usefulthroughout the Trail conditions potentially. Thursday 5th January saw the fifth storm in early November 2022 scouring by the wind means the depths well... Hazards to pass on the upper half of the PCT through the San Jacinto Peak the two-thirds. Given ; due to dangerous weather conditions above the State Park boundary ( 5800 ft elevation ) to this had., snow-covered the way snowpack on mt san jacinto to the Suicide Rock Trail Junction Pines Trail has one of! Obscured by heavy drifting of snow to Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak start addressing it (. Considerable caution and almost the entire Trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared snow since the storm in the moderate powder... Hiking a particular track or Trail and may 2022, 61 downed trees were removed almost!
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