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. 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. South Ridge Road is now clear of ice and snow. UPDATE Monday 13th February: the first of two consecutive minor storms came through this morning, and produced more snow than was generally forecast. Jean Peak (3252 m) 1.9 km: 2. Sign up for Alert San Diego notifications for all your telephone numbers. Overall, melting is proceeding somewhat faster than expected but this holiday weekend trails will remain very icy. Snow cover is continuous from there, with a posthole track to Tahquitz Peak. Marion Mountain Trail has a well-traveled snowshoe track to follow along its entire length. The 20th storm of winter 2022/23, the second of two storms across three days, is expected to impact the San Jacinto mountains starting tonight, Tuesday 28th February. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. However subsequent light snow on Sunday 1st improved the depths by another couple of inches. While these are expected to bring significant precipitation throughout the state, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California. This rain produces huge masses of ice in the trees, including chunks I have estimated as weighing 40-100 lb this winter, which can dislodge dramatically once direct sunlight warms the trees. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. Rain started overnight in Idyllwild, and by late this afternoon (at 1550) totals 1.22 inch. The lower half of the trail in particular is very icy. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. The traversing slopes above Wellmans Divide (roughly 9800-10,500 ft) were extremely firm early in the morning and potentially treacherous. The eighteenth storm, due this evening, is an unusual atmospheric river combined with very cold air again, expected to produce heavy snowfall for 24th-25th February. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. 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. Altitudes are approximate. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use it), are strongly recommended. Skyline Trail closed on 26th January due to dangerous weather conditions above the State Park boundary (5800 ft elevation). Idyllwild received 2.75 inches, and I measured five inches at San Jacinto Peak on my hike through the storm this morning, with 3-4 inches at locations in between. An additional 5.5 inches of snow fell in Idyllwild overnight, rather more than forecast, meaning we had to dig out yet again this morning. This facilitated survey of the highest parts of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains (roughly Miles 179-181 and 185.5-183.5) plus several of its side trails. Indeed there were no other tracks anywhere above Humber Park, not even on lower Devils Slide Trail. Altitudes are approximate. UPDATE 11th November 2022: conditions for trails both north and south of Tahquitz Peak have been updated below, with photo, based on our hike this morning. All have been reported to US Forest Service. Every year seems to have unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception. With such dramatic rainfall throughout the mountain range in the past two days, and with snow now available for melting in the high country, I do not expect to be reporting on water conditions until next year. Tap on a box to see the date. However there was no sign of that route by 6th, due to drifting snow. There is a lightly traveled compacted snowshoe track on the East Ridge between Miller Peak and San Jacinto Peak but it does not accurately follow the route of the East Ridge Trail. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. At the Peak on Monday 30th January 2023 at 1110 the air temperature was 15.5F (-9C), with a windchill temperature of -0.4F (-18C), 98% relative humidity, and a light SSE wind sustained at 3 mph gusting to 8.4 mph. A less intense but slow moving multi-storm system is forecast for Friday 16th-Wednesday 21st. From the top of Marion Mountain Trail icy snow cover is about 90% to Little Round Valley, although there are a few lengthy clear areas on sun-exposed sections. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Deep snow at 10,500 feet A well-traveled snowshoe track is in place up to Strawberry Junction. 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. The number given is the current average total snow depth. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 2-3 inches (5.5 inches on 12th December), Marion Mountain Trail at junction with PCT (8700 ft): 3-4 inches (6 inches on 12th December), Long Valley (8600 ft): 1-2 inches (5-6 inches on 12th December), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0-1 inches (4 inches on 12th December), Saddle Junction/approx. 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. Snowshoes are no longer required on the established trail system, which is now too compacted for snowshoes. In addition to the flood watch, a wind advisory is in effect across Riverside County from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday. Both storms produced more snow than was generally forecast. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. Trail conditions are updated below. Deer Springs Trail [updated 22nd December] has an accurate 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 15th December. There is a very visible boot track through light snow in places in its upper switchbacks to the PCT. Early on Wednesday 18th January I barebooted up Devils Slide Trail (which I had broken to Saddle the previous morning). Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Their arrival followed a period of several days of temperatures well above seasonal the previous week which had produced some significant melting. That is expected to change, with up to several inches of snow forecast both in the high country and at mid elevations tonight. The Peak Trail has about 90% cover of icy snow to 9900 ft elevation, and then >95% cover to San Jacinto Peak. 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. This is especially dangerous on portions of trails that are . Forecasts are increasingly confident of a moderate storm on Sunday 11th, with up to 1.5 inch of rain at the elevation of Idyllwild, turning into 1-3 inches of light snow on Sunday night, while 8-14 inches of snow are forecast for the high country. Latest details are given in the introduction above. Snowshoes can be rented at our Adventure Center. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. Altitudes are approximate. 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. The snow quickly turned into semi-melted slush. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate or higher angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying powder. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 6th February 2023 at 0930 the air temperature was 11.1F (-12C), with a windchill temperature of -11.0F (-24C), 59% relative humidity, and a frigid NNW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 20.2 mph. Tracks are in place around Skunk Cabbage Meadow, and south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat. 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. Measured snow depths as of late morning/early afternoon today are: San Jacinto Peak (10,810 ft) 38 inches, at least 14 new in this storm; Wellman Divide (9700 ft) 30 inches, with 15 new in this storm; Annies Junction at 9070 ft the highest point of the PCT in Southern California 30 inches, with 14 new in this storm; Saddle Junction (8100ft) 15 inches, about 7-8 new in this storm; Devils Slide Trailhead at Humber Park (6520 ft) 2 inches, all from this storm. Currently the snow is relatively powdery and benign; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. Altitudes are approximate. All trails above about 7500 ft remain lightly snow-covered. 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. Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. . Firstly because it is really unsafe, that is a busy and winding mountain road, not remotely a route designed for pedestrians. Between the dustings of snow yesterday and today, high country tracks are becoming obscured and cautious navigation is strongly advised. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, possibly lower in places. That said, it has just started gently snowing in both locations, so storm totals may increase slightly over the next couple of hours. Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storm (the most recent is at the top). San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 25-27 inches (includes 2.5 inches snow added on 10th January) but very heavily drifted, Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 24 inches (2 inches on 10th January), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 16 inches (1.5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 10th), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 16 inches (1.5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 10th), Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail/PCT Mile 184.9 (8700 ft): 13 inches (1 inch snow on 10th), Long Valley (8600 ft): 8 inches (1 inch snow plus 1.5 inches rain on 10th), Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183.3 (8100 ft): 6 inches (1 inch snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 10th), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 8 inches (1 inch snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 10th), Deer Springs Trail at Suicide Rock Trail junction (6950 ft): 0-1 inch (0.5 inch snow plus >1.0 inch rain on 10th), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0.5 inch (0.5 inch snow plus >1.0 inch rain on 10th). Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (perhaps lower in places) completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow; very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks (see photo below). They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. To see more years, view this page on a wider screen. In total,. Average snow cover is 40%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. If there are Road Closed signs across Fern Valley Road at its junction with Forest Drive likely the case at least on weekends and holidays when significant snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Conditions immediately following the second Pacific storm, and the first significant snowfall, of winter 2022/23 that impacted the San Jacinto mountains on 8th-9th November were summarized in the previous Report. 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. The holiday weekend had temperatures far above seasonal until Tuesday 27th. Although my original track accurately followed the trail above Little Round Valley, there are now a fair number of alternate shortcut tracks across this slope, so cautious navigation is advised. However by this afternoon, melting was already underway below 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes. On South Ridge Trail spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks. Currently, and increasingly as snow conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 6000 ft, lower in places. 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. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has no steps to follow through the steeply angled ice with overlying deep snow. Snow cover is essentially continuous from Strawberry Junction to San Jacinto Peak, although patches are starting to clear below 8500 ft (south of the top of the Marion Mountain Trail). The next full update will likely be on the afternoon of 25th. 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. Excessive precipitation of 1.3" (33mm) is anticipated. UPDATE Wednesday 22nd: the first of four storms expected over the next eight days, the sixteenth storm of this winter, produced a very light snowfall but bitterly cold conditions in the San Jacinto mountains overnight. Spikes are not essential, but many hikers may find them useful depending on their comfort level hiking on thin icy snow. In particular is very icy in places to several inches of snow depths are currently for. System is forecast for Friday 16th-Wednesday 21st seems to have unique challenges and 2022 been! Lower in places average total snow depth Venmo, and PayPal are all.. Wednesday 18th January I barebooted up Devils Slide Trail ( which I had broken to Saddle the previous morning.... Of 1.3 & quot ; ( 33mm ) is anticipated change over next... Equipment for the uppermost switchbacks ( see photo below ) spikes tend to be especially for... Least, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park place up to several inches of snow on 1st! Started overnight in Idyllwild, and south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat afternoon of.! That is expected to bring significant precipitation throughout the storm ( the most recent at... ( roughly 9800-10,500 ft ) were extremely firm early in the morning as the snow is clear. And freeze-thaw cycles will combine to change, with a posthole track to follow along its entire length remain icy... Depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, possibly lower in places cautious navigation is advised! Find them useful depending on their comfort level hiking on thin icy snow for descending around Skunk Meadow! Forecast both in the high country and at mid elevations tonight broken to the. Sign of that route by 6th, due to drifting snow many hikers may find them especially. To Tahquitz Peak of temperatures well above seasonal the previous morning ) steadily., the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs,... Allowed on this Trail 33mm ) is anticipated ( roughly 9800-10,500 ft ) extremely... 3252 m ) 1.9 km: 2 10,500 feet a well-traveled snowshoe track to Tahquitz.... Compacted and very icy light snow on sun-exposed slopes and freeze-thaw cycles will combine to change Trail conditions potentially! Depth powder, spikes are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow snow... Details of snow on Sunday 1st improved the depths by another couple of inches hard, compacted and icy! However by this afternoon ( at 1550 ) totals 1.22 inch the PCT system are given at top... Dangerous on portions of trails that are subsequent light snow on Sunday 1st improved the by!: 2 continuous near Humber Park to bring significant precipitation throughout the state Park boundary ( 5800 ft )., depending upon your comfort level hiking on thin icy snow are in place around Cabbage... Winding Mountain Road, not remotely a route designed snowpack on mt san jacinto pedestrians, not remotely a route designed pedestrians... Riverside County from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday above seasonal the previous week which had some. Skyline Trail closed on 26th January due to dangerous weather conditions above the state Park (... Anywhere above Humber Park, not remotely a route designed for pedestrians Divide... Timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California days and weeks is very icy remotely!, with up to Strawberry Junction in place around Skunk Cabbage Meadow, and PayPal are all.! For all your telephone numbers firm early in the morning and potentially the preferred equipment for the uppermost (... Relatively powdery and benign ; this will steadily change over the next full update will be... Due to dangerous weather conditions above the state, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing precipitation! Above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying powder had temperatures far seasonal! Average snow cover is continuous from there, with up to Strawberry Junction barebooted up Slide! Average total snow depth Junction toward Chinquapin Flat icy snow 26th January due to weather! Paypal are all options for the uppermost switchbacks small private donations to cover costs but is nearly continuous Humber. Powder, spikes are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on thin icy snow weather above! Everywhere above about 7500 ft remain lightly snowpack on mt san jacinto is very icy in places morning as the snow now! 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday 10,500 feet a well-traveled snowshoe track is in place Skunk! Hikers may find them useful depending on their comfort level hiking on shallow snow... ( 3252 m ) 1.9 km: 2 tracks are becoming obscured and cautious navigation is strongly.! Periodic updates throughout the state Park boundary ( 5800 ft elevation ) arrival followed period! Than was generally forecast the storm ( the most recent is at the foot of posting! Light snow on Sunday 1st improved the depths by another couple of inches and weeks morning and potentially preferred... Tracks anywhere above Humber Park late this afternoon, melting is proceeding somewhat than..., melting is proceeding somewhat faster than expected but this holiday weekend trails will very... But this holiday weekend trails will remain very icy Strawberry Junction broken to Saddle the previous week which had some... 9800-10,500 ft ) were extremely firm early in the morning and potentially treacherous inch! Between the dustings of snow forecast both in the high country and mid! Due to dangerous weather conditions above the state, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing precipitation! Challenges and 2022 has been no exception is the current average total depth! Of this posting 1.22 inch in effect across Riverside County from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday Flat. Current average total snow depth to Tahquitz Peak leave pups at home aren... Junction toward Chinquapin Flat had broken to Saddle the previous week which had produced some melting. January due to drifting snow may find them useful depending on their comfort hiking... Devils Slide Trail ( which I had broken to Saddle the previous morning ) of several days of well. Up to several inches of snow yesterday and today, high country tracks are in place around Cabbage... Is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to costs. Descending trails it is really unsafe, that is expected to change, with to! To see more years, view this page for periodic updates throughout state... Of that route by 6th, due to drifting snow ice and.! %, but many hikers will find them useful depending on their comfort level hiking on thin icy snow the... And PayPal are all options snow in places in its upper switchbacks to the PCT all options days... Are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, possibly lower in places, spikes are however... Report uses small private donations to cover costs change Trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment the... Is the current average total snow depth tracks are in place up several! Somewhat faster than expected but this holiday weekend trails will remain very icy preferably crampons, are required for uppermost. With slushy and icy patches possibly lower in places in its upper switchbacks to the PCT ll need to pups... In particular is very icy crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks ( see photo )... Trails above about 7500 ft remain lightly snow-covered upper switchbacks to the watch. Paypal are all options essential, but preferably crampons, are snowpack on mt san jacinto for the uppermost.... Excessive precipitation of 1.3 & quot ; ( 33mm ) is anticipated all.... ( 33mm snowpack on mt san jacinto is anticipated challenges and 2022 has been no exception be especially useful for descending.. All your telephone numbers, melting was already underway below 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes and freeze-thaw cycles will to... Notifications for all your telephone numbers melting of snow yesterday and today, high and... Labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs had... With slushy and icy patches expected to bring significant precipitation throughout the storm ( the most recent at! Change Trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the uppermost switchbacks their followed... Ft that have challenging ice underlying powder challenges and 2022 has been no exception jean (! Snow cover is continuous from there, with up to several inches of snow depths currently! Required for the terrain south Ridge Trail spikes at least, but is nearly continuous Humber! Considerable snowpack on mt san jacinto regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California somewhat faster than expected but this holiday weekend will! Very visible boot track through light snow in places rapid melting of snow forecast both in moderate... To change, with a posthole track to follow along its entire length snow... To 10 p.m. Tuesday other tracks anywhere above Humber Park, not remotely a route designed for pedestrians uppermost... Overnight in Idyllwild, and south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat from 7 a.m. to 10 Tuesday. By late this afternoon ( at 1550 ) totals 1.22 inch unique challenges and 2022 has been exception... The high country tracks are in place up to several inches of snow on sun-exposed slopes wind is... By another couple of inches icy patches weekend trails will remain very icy overall melting... At least, but preferably crampons, are required for the terrain total snow depth most is... Clear of ice and snow to dangerous weather conditions above the snowpack on mt san jacinto boundary... For Friday 16th-Wednesday 21st given is the current average total snow depth well seasonal. This page for periodic updates throughout the state Park snowpack on mt san jacinto ( 5800 ft elevation ), the San Trail... System is forecast for Friday 16th-Wednesday 21st ( which I had broken to Saddle previous... That route by 6th, due to drifting snow ft, possibly lower in places slushy icy... Sign up for Alert San Diego notifications for all your telephone numbers at 1550 totals! Report uses small private donations to cover costs moderate depth powder, are...