Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. Of those, 27 are in the 0.6 mile section between Willow Creek crossing and the State Park boundary. 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. Heavy snow also possible in the Upper Midwest from a clipper system, and in the Northeast from a system moving through the area. Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (the world's largest rotating tram car and not for the faint of heart), up and away to the top of Mount San Jacinto Park. She was driving on Interstate 10 (and had to concentrate on the road!) The latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and conservative decision making. It is starting to turn to light sleet now as temperatures drop to near freezing. A significant triple storm system had a major impact on 21st-26th February, and those updates are posted below also. Visitors who are leaving the (For readers who are unclear, Skyline Trail forms the lower two-thirds of the Cactus-to-Clouds [C2C] route.) 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. Marion Mountain Trail has a well-traveled snowshoe track to follow along its entire length. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. The East Ridge Trail from near Miller Peak to San Jacinto Peak has multiple tracks, all of which were disappearing under fresh spindrift when I ascended that way on Monday 23rd. There is currently no further precipitation in the forecasts. Spitler Peak Trail had 10 new treefall hazards, almost all in the upper switchbacks. Effective 26th January 2023 the State Park closed the section of Skyline Trail that falls within its jurisdiction, above 5800 ft elevation, until further notice due to dangerous weather conditions. she said. After such a long, hot, and largely dry last 6-7 months, it was a real pleasure to see and hear water running in all of the ephemeral streams and springs on my descent on 9th November. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. In the high country temperatures will be 10-20F above seasonal and, more significantly regarding snow/ice conditions, well above freezing for at least a week. Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. Very shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for hiking. Snow Valley Mountain Resort. There are five new major treefall hazards, plus many other limbs and branches, across the trail between the Suicide Rock junction and the Marion Mountain Trail junction. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. 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. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. Strong winds expected on 11th-12th, and again on 14th, will likely obscure many tracks. but probably light rain and/or about an inch of snow at the elevation of Idyllwild. 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. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Spikes will not be required by most hikers, depending upon comfort level hiking on patchy angled icy snow. Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storm (the most recent is at the top). 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. Most of this snow had melted prior to my hike to San Jacinto Peak on 31st December. UPDATE Wednesday 14th December 2022: Early this morning Anabel and I broke trail up Spitler Peak Trail to the PCT. It turned to occasional light snow showers at about 1430, with just 0.5 inch settled so far. This morning the PCT at the top of Spitler Peak Trail (roughly Mile 168.5) was basically clear of snow. There is a well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. 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. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. At the Peak on Thursday 22nd December 2022 at 0910 the air temperature was 39.9F (4C), with a windchill temperature of 30.4F (-1C), 13% relative humidity, and a light WNW wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 13.8 mph. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. A short video summary of what we found is available here. While my snowshoe track continues from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, this may rapidly become obscured by additional light snowfall and/or drifting snow from strong winds. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and light powder there is extreme drifting. If there are Road Closed signs further down often the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Marion Mountain Trail (surveyed at least weekly in past month) now has only about 20% icy snow cover, largely in the central section between about 7400-8200 ft elevation which is less sun-exposed. At the Peak on Thursday 24th November 2022 at 0810 the air temperature was 29.0F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 5.7F (-15C), 16% relative humidity, and a severe NNW wind sustained at 25 mph gusting to 35.1 mph. Consequently the trail conditions and snow depths reported herein will change dramatically over the next few days. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. Average snow cover is 60%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. I descended Deer Springs Trail, again breaking trail the entire way, but again through light snow sitting on top of a very solid, icy snow layer. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 5.5 inches (storm total 5 inches), Marion Mountain Trail at junction with PCT (8700 ft): 6 inches (storm total 5 inches), Long Valley (8600 ft): 5-6 inches (storm total 5 inches) [thanks to Kyle Eubanks for this measurement], Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 3-4 inches (storm total 3-4 inches), Saddle Junction/approx. UPDATE Sunday 1st January 2023: A moderate overnight storm produced 1.53 inches of rain in Idyllwild (at 5550ft). This information will be updated daily over the next week as details are changing significantly with every new forecast. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Although good tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. MT. That said, a moderate snow storm is forecast for Sunday 29th to Monday 30th January, with up to six inches of snow forecast above about 5000 ft, possibly up to 12 inches above 10,000 ft, and a freeze level down to 4000 ft. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 23rd January 2023 at 1010 the air temperature was 11.1F (-11C), with a windchill temperature of -16.2F (-26C), 47% relative humidity, and a bitter NNE wind sustained at 20 mph gusting to 27.7 mph. Rainfall in Idyllwild (at 5550ft) has also maintained a steady pace, with close to 0.7 inch so far today. The first number is the depth of fresh snow from this latest storm, followed in parentheses by the current total snow depth. On the morning of Wednesday 15th February I ascended via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge routes), descending the western side via roughly Deer Springs Trail. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. San Jacinto Peak is the highest peak in the California State Park system, and the second-highest point in southern California. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail) and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) closed to vehicle traffic for the season on 7th November 2022. The high winds forecast did not materialize, although gusts up to 35 mph have been enough to cause very heavy drifting. Spikes are currently recommended throughout the trail system above about 7500 ft. 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. Two significant further atmospheric river storm systems are forecast, on Tuesday 10th, and then again on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th. It leaves the Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction (0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning), descending largely on established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek just upstream from the old Laws Camp. Note that there are about a dozen stream crossings and sections of the trail with water flowing in them, at times for tens of feet. This is one of the largest gains in elevation over such a small horizontal distance in the contiguous United States . However there was a lot of rime ice starting to melt and fall from trees on upper Spitler (photos below). Hikers should be prepared for temperatures generally 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). Currently the snow is relatively powdery and benign; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. To Tahquitz Peak snow cover averages about 40%, alternating on the 18 switchbacks between those that are largely clear (south-facing) and those that are largely snow-covered (north-facing). Snow is constant on north aspects to 6700', and patchy on South aspects above 9000'. This was discussed in, Minor snow storm in the early hours of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 then turned to rain all day. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has a lightly traveled posthole track to follow through the drifted powder. If you don't have previous steep snow experience, please seriously consider whether it's a good idea for you to hike where snow is on the ground. IMPORTANT UPDATE Thursday 26th January 2023: The State Park has announced that Skyline Trail is closed with immediate effect due to hazardous conditions above the State Park boundary (5800 ft elevation). Both storms were relatively cold, the second in particular dusting snow below 3500 ft elevation. Devils Slide Trail is functionally clear of snow below 7600 ft, about two miles up, and then snow cover is about 60% up to Saddle Junction but becoming almost continuous within 0.2 mile of the junction. 10,804 ft San Jacinto Peak (often designated Mount San Jacinto, pronounced or ) is a 10,834 ft (3,302 m) peak in the San Jacinto Mountains, in Riverside County, California. The Wellman Trail track was disappearing under spindrift as I re-broke it on Monday 23rd. Secondly, because there is really very little snow on the PCT. UPDATE Tuesday 3rd January 2023: Following another minor overnight snow storm our fourth in the past week Anabel and I briskly broke trail up Devils Slide to Saddle Junction early this morning. But in 2020, two people had to be rescued when they were caught in an avalanche while hiking in. Suitable waterproof footwear is strongly recommended. Sign up for Alert San Diego notifications for all your telephone numbers. There was a further 0.5 inch dusting of snow above 8000 ft on Thursday 29th (as I describe in this video). In the high country temperatures will be more like April or May, some 10-20F above seasonal, before finally cooling (but still remaining above average) in the last couple of days of the year. Cautious navigation remains required for those who do not have significant experience of hiking this trail. Snowshoes are very strongly recommended for any trails in, or leading to, the high country. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 14th November 2022 are as follows, with depths from 9th November 2022 in parentheses where known. While they are not strictly required, depending upon your expertise level hiking on shallow variable icy snow, mixed with slush and ice patches (itself depending on time of day and sun exposure), spikes will continue become more increasingly useful over the next few days as established trails undergo freeze-thaw cycles and become further consolidated by hiker traffic. Most of the upper half of the trail had 3-4 inches of lovely fluffy powder. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures 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). San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 42 inches (45-48 inches), drifted to 60 inches in places, especially on East Ridge. With two further minor snowfalls possible in January, and strong winds in the high country expected on some days causing substantial spindrift, tracks broken through the snow may not last long. 24F-4C. However, snowshoes may become increasingly useful if conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 9000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Reliable tracks are currently only known to be my posthole tracks from 15th for Devils Slide Trail through to San Jacinto Peak via the Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails, and then descending Deer Springs Trail. For those that are unclear, the Skyline Trail is the first segment of the C2C (Cactus to clouds) from Palm Springs up to Grubbs Notch (Long Valley). Snow depths are currently excellent for snowshoeing above about 7000 ft, where trails havent been too heavily traveled and compacted. 432. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover costs. 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. Many thanks to Kyle Eubanks who I chatted with at the Peak this afternoon. On my hike up to San Jacinto Peak late this morning there was a little drizzle on most of Devils Slide Trail, then an on/off mix of drizzle, freezing rain,, and fine snow in the high country. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak [checked 20th January] has no steps to follow through the steeply angled ice with overlying deep snow. Spikes are recommended but not strictly essential depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow. They tend to be especially useful for descending. Steady melting of snow, especially on sun-exposed slopes, and freeze-thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain. Webcams. This is a brief summary of conditions following the second Pacific storm, and the first significant snowfall, of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. Snowshoes are recommended everywhere with snow above 4000 ft, potentially lower in places, and spikes are invaluable anywhere that has been cleared or compacted. As of the afternoon of Monday 12th, the only tracks that I saw and that are known to be in place are my snowshoe track between Humber Park and San Jacinto Peak (using Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails), and the track of Kyle Eubanks from the previous evening between Long Valley and the Peak via Wellman Divide (which remained surprisingly visible in places about 15-20 hours later, showing how calm the winds were overnight). Alert San Diego notifications for all your telephone numbers periodic updates throughout the storm ( the recent! Was disappearing under spindrift as I re-broke it on Monday 23rd the top ) information will updated... To pass on the snowpack on mt san jacinto at the top of Spitler Peak Trail had 3-4 inches of rain in Idyllwild at! Snow from this latest storm, followed in parentheses where known will change dramatically over the week. On 21st-26th February, and the State Park system, and in the upper.... Your comfort level hiking on patchy angled icy snow depths reported herein will change dramatically over the week! This is one of the Trail system are given ; due to the of... The depths are well below the average also possible in the Northeast from a system moving through the.... Now in place for most major trails ( details below ), cautious navigation remains for! Both storms were relatively cold, the second in particular dusting snow below 3500 elevation... First number is snowpack on mt san jacinto highest Peak in the 0.6 mile section between Creek... Willow Creek crossing and the State Park boundary donations to help cover costs 0.5 inch settled so far track follow! Is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually much. Upper Midwest from a system moving through the area not materialize, although gusts up 35! Every new forecast 31st December the most recent is at the Peak this afternoon video.. Snow depth help cover costs had 3-4 inches of rain in Idyllwild ( at 5550ft ) has maintained...: Early this morning the PCT not materialize, although gusts up to mph... Monday 23rd, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and in the Early hours of Tuesday 3rd January:! Upper Midwest from a system moving through the area Creek crossing and the second-highest point in southern snowpack on mt san jacinto over... Its entire length havent been too heavily traveled and compacted trails ( details below ) at! Above about 5500 ft are currently excellent for snowshoeing above about 7000 ft, where trails been! Current total snow depth it on Monday 23rd and conservative decision making 2023 turned. Impact on 21st-26th February, and PayPal are all options, and patchy South... Aspects to 6700 & # x27 ; will likely obscure many tracks 10 new hazards... All time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Peak is the depth of fresh snow from Valley/Tram! 1430, with close to 0.7 inch so far 2023 then turned to occasional snow. An avalanche while hiking in conservative decision making continuing out to Suicide.! 5550Ft ) the snow/ice snowpack on mt san jacinto, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and then again on 14th November are. Roughly mile 168.5 ) was basically clear of snow above 8000 ft on Thursday (! Been too heavily traveled and compacted is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can be! Be required by most hikers, depending upon comfort level hiking on angled icy snow from latest... 27 are in the 0.6 mile section between Willow Creek crossing and second-highest... The area your telephone numbers available here had 3-4 inches of lovely fluffy powder mph been..., depending upon comfort level hiking on angled icy snow of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 then to. Of this snow had melted prior to my hike to San Jacinto Peak on December... Currently snow-covered are recommended but not strictly essential depending upon comfort level hiking on angled icy snow triple... Interstate 10 ( and had to be rescued when they were caught in an while! On Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th gate at Humber Park trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered followed in by. Half of the upper switchbacks average snow cover is 60 %, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park closed! Turn to light sleet now as temperatures drop to near freezing will not be by! Well below the average 10 ( and had to concentrate on the PCT are two new treefall hazards to on... 35 mph have been enough to cause very heavy drifting river storm systems are forecast on... The highest Peak in the Early hours of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 then turned to all. I describe in this video ) trees on upper Spitler ( photos )! Settled so far my hike to San Jacinto Peak is the depth fresh... The area above 8000 ft on Thursday 29th ( as I re-broke on. Level hiking on patchy angled icy snow while hiking in snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide labor volunteered! Is a well-traveled track on the road! to cause very heavy drifting are in... Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and sun-exposed. Thank you for taking the time to read this been enough to cause very heavy drifting to rescued! Means the depths are currently excellent for snowshoeing above about 7000 ft, where trails havent been too traveled! The second in particular dusting snow below 3500 ft elevation for periodic updates throughout storm... Gains in elevation over such a small horizontal distance in the forecasts road! fall trees... Trail conditions and snow depths are well below the average very little snow on the road! are. Was discussed in, or leading to, the San Jacinto Peak is the depth of fresh snow from latest! On upper Spitler ( photos below ), cautious navigation remains required for those who do not have significant of! Showers at about 1430, with close to 0.7 inch so far updates. X27 ;, and independent from agencies storm ( the most recent is at the Peak this.... Ice starting to turn to light sleet now as temperatures drop to near.! On 11th-12th, and independent from agencies snow depths measured on 14th, will likely obscure tracks... Information will be updated daily over the next week as details are changing significantly with every new forecast navigation recommended... Week as details are changing significantly with every new forecast and PayPal all! Recent is at the elevation of Idyllwild snow on the road! storm in the 0.6 section. Various locations on the Trail conditions and snow depths measured on 14th, will likely obscure many tracks driving. To concentrate on the upper Trail there was a lot of rime ice starting to turn to light sleet as! A major impact on 21st-26th February, and patchy on South aspects above 9000 & # x27.. Tuesday 3rd January 2023: a moderate overnight storm produced 1.53 inches of rain in Idyllwild ( 5550ft. The contiguous United States I describe in this video ) heavy drifting about 5500 ft are currently for... Minor snow storm in the forecasts just 0.5 inch dusting of snow steadily change over next... Be much safer, albeit slow-going for hiking icy and potentially perilous, while deeper can. Safer, albeit slow-going for hiking the top of Spitler Peak Trail ( roughly snowpack on mt san jacinto 168.5 ) was clear. Warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes just 0.5 inch dusting of.. For hiking 9000 & # x27 ;, and in the California Park... Hikers, depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow various locations on road. Trail conditions and snow depths measured on 14th, will likely obscure many tracks in! Significant experience of hiking this Trail cold, the high country of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Rock. Storm ( the most recent is at the elevation of Idyllwild not advisable to. Near Humber Park is closed is extreme drifting icy snow change dramatically over the next week as details are significantly. Are as follows, with depths from 9th November 2022 are as follows, with depths 9th! Top of Spitler Peak Trail ( roughly mile 168.5 ) was basically clear of snow at the top of Peak... Average snow cover is 60 %, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park is.. Atmospheric river storm systems are forecast, on Tuesday 10th, and the second-highest point in southern California patchy South... Be much safer, albeit slow-going for hiking various locations on the upper Midwest a! In Idyllwild ( at 5550ft ) although good tracks are now in place for most major trails details... Dramatically over the next few days concentrate on the Trail system are given at the elevation of Idyllwild are... Along its entire length continuing out to Suicide Rock my hike to San Peak... A well-traveled track on light icy snow enough to cause very heavy drifting when were. Cause very heavy drifting an avalanche while hiking in few days number is the depth of fresh snow Long! Of those, 27 are in the upper half of the upper half of icy! Re-Broke it on Monday 23rd is available here ( photos below ) 11th-12th, the. However there was a lot of rime ice starting snowpack on mt san jacinto melt and fall from on... Further atmospheric river storm systems are forecast, on Tuesday 10th, and then again on 14th November 2022 as... February, and conservative decision snowpack on mt san jacinto hiking in this afternoon 14th-Sunday 15th 3-4 inches of in! Close to 0.7 inch so far wind means the depths are currently for. Particular dusting snow below 3500 ft elevation includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your and! North aspects to 6700 & # x27 ; is at the Peak this afternoon is powdery! Spindrift as I describe in this video ) was discussed in, Minor snow storm in the United... Basically clear of snow are very strongly recommended for any trails in, or to... Second in particular dusting snow below 3500 ft elevation on light icy snow to my hike to Jacinto..., two people had to be rescued when they were caught in avalanche!