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. Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe, are strongly recommended. Melting and freeze/thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain for the remainder of February. A rapidly warming montane climate, with changes especially striking at high elevation, is exacerbating all of these issues. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. 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. 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. The remainder of February is currently forecast to continue the cold temperatures of recent days, generally at or below seasonal at all mountain elevations, and to be increasingly unsettled. NA. Secondly, because there is really very little snow on the PCT. The PCT throughout the San Jacinto mountains (roughly Miles 207-151) has a clear track to follow, including Fuller Ridge Trail, which has been traversed by a handful of sobo PCT hikers. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Strong winds expected on 11th-12th February, and again on 14th, will likely obscure many tracks with spindrift. It is starting to turn to light sleet now as temperatures drop to near freezing. In addition to snowshoes, and as conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 6000ft. Areas of fog. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 19th-20th February (east and south side locations) and 15th February 2023 (west side) are as follows. This started as low as Devils Slide Trail and continued all morning. Further light snow is expected starting this evening, followed by much heavier snow overnight on 28th February-1st March. However the fresh powder is very fine and drifting heavily in the strong SW wind, and I had 2-3 inches in places in the upper Peak Trail. A storm currently predicted for Wednesday 22nd February is tentatively forecast to have near record low (i.e. 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. 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. Tap on a box to see the date. On 23rd January I saw posthole tracks from Saddle Junction that head down the start of the Caramba Trail, the start of Willow Creek Trail, and following the PCT southbound toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have no further details at this time. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. On my hike up to San Jacinto Peak it started snowing gently at 1025 in the high country. 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. Spikes will likely become increasingly useful over the next few days and weeks as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. The State Park boundary is not marked but is near the site of the old Florians Cache, below Flat Rock. Underlying that powder are layers of ice (largely from freezing rain storms) which are much more perilous. Across the three storm days, locations above about 9000 ft all generally added at least two feet of snow (admixed with layers of freezing rain in areas up to 10,000 ft). Time of day, temperature, and sun exposure all have significant impacts on the nature of the snow, in turn changing the conditions underfoot, and hence both the hiking difficulty and the preferred traction device (if any). However, Holden said that the one place where avalanches can sometimes happen is that north face. With some melting already underway and compaction caused by freeze-thaw cycles and hiker traffic, conditions will deteriorate for snowshoeing over the next few days, especially on more heavily traveled trails below 9000ft. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. 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. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in parentheses by the depth of fresh snow added by the latest storm on Tuesday 10th. A few minor patches exist close to the top. Thank you so much for your support. Even when the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (near the upper Ernie Maxwell trailhead). This was discussed in, Minor snow storm in the early hours of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 then turned to rain all day. Above seasonal temperatures will continue until Sunday 27th November. UPDATE Wednesday 14th December 2022: Early this morning Anabel and I broke trail up Spitler Peak Trail to the PCT. I barebooted to 9000 ft, then snowshoed the rest of the way through lovely light powder. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. Snow on this east slope is drifted, and remains 3-8 inches deep in places. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow powder. Spikes can be useful for descending in particular. Mountain rescue president says avalanches are rare on mountain. 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. Spikes are recommended but not strictly essential depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow. While many hundreds of hours of time and effort are volunteered every year, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover modest operating costs. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Semi trucks parked at the Golden Acorn Casino & Travel Center in Boulevard are shown on Feb. 24, 2023. When the gate is closed there are still nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (which still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent to be displayed). Vehicles not parked in these spaces have been ticketed and/or towed. While the snow quantities are forecast to be 1-2 inches at most, they may be much colder systems than have been typical so far this winter, with freeze levels below 5000 ft. Tracks of myself and a couple of others from recent days were largely visible up Devils Slide Trail, and I barebooted to Saddle Junction through thin powder overlying ice. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 1st January 2023 are as follows. 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). Some hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending. A very mild system with rain to 9000 ft elevation (and consequently very icy conditions), and one inch of fresh snow above about 9000 ft elevation, increasing to 1.5 inch above 10,000 ft. Even if the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (near the upper Ernie Maxwell trailhead). The trail is clearest above immediately above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. Snowshoes are useful in lower angle terrain with adequate snow depth above about 8000 ft, for example the Tahquitz area meadows near Saddle Junction, sections of Deer Springs Trail, and Long Valley/Round Valley. However the route is now well-traveled and compacted. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. South Ridge Trail [updated 24th December] has about 30% icy snow cover from the top of South Ridge Road to Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). Firstly because it is really unsafe, that is a busy and winding mountain road, not remotely a route designed for pedestrians. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all now options. Many hikers may find spikes are already useful, and will become increasingly so during and after this weekend with melting and compaction. Snow levels could reach as low as 1,500 feet Wednesday morning and areas in the San Bernardino Mountains were projected to receive one to two feet. 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. Both trails were virtually completely clear of snow. The Peak Trail still has about 90% cover of icy snow to San Jacinto Peak. Snow Creek and San Jacinto Peak to Tram Hard 4.7 (99) San Jacinto Wilderness Photos (5,943) Directions Print/PDF map Length 28.3 miElevation gain 10,242 ftRoute type Point to point Try this 28.3-mile point-to-point trail near Whitewater, California. Snow is virtually continuous from there to San Jacinto Peak, with an excellent track to follow. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. 2-3 inches on 9th November), Saddle Junction/approx. Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 45 inches, heavily drifted, Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 40 inches (45 inches), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 44 inches (45-48 inches), Tahquitz Peak (8836 ft): 25 inches, heavily drifted to 40 inches in places (measured 20th January), Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (8700 ft): 36 inches, Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183 (8100 ft): 15 inches, Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 19 inches (21 inches), Suicide Rock Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (6950 ft): 1-3 inches, Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 2-4 inches (5-6 inches), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0-2 inches (3 inches). 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. Although not required, many hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending. The traversing slopes above Wellmans Divide (roughly 9800-10,500 ft) were extremely firm early in the morning and potentially treacherous. South Ridge Road (5S11) is currently closed to vehicle traffic but is rapidly clearing [checked Saturday 17th] of snow. Two more significant atmospheric river storm systems are forecast on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th, and on 16th-18th. Thank you so much for your support. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. Trail conditions are updated below. However it is thinning rapidly everywhere, and will look radically different in a week or so. 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). Very light precipitation well before first light this morning included a dusting of snow above 6000 ft, <0.25 inch below 8000 ft and about 0.25 inch above that elevation, plus 0.03 inch of drizzle in Idyllwild. Wet winters can dump several feet of snow, while dry winters may only result in a few inches here and there. The storm was relatively mild, as might be expected from an atmospheric river system pulling moisture in from subtropical latitudes at this relatively early season, and as a result the freeze level was relatively high for most of the time that precipitation fell. 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. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through light icy snow above about 7200 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). At the Peak on Thursday 15th December 2022 at 0715 the air temperature was 28.0F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 13.9F (-10C), 52% relative humidity, and a chilly WNW wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 14.5 mph. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. per adult. Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. 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. SAN JACINTO (MSJC1) Lat: 33.81528NLon: 116.64194WElev: 8616ft. At the Peak 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. The first storm overnight on Monday 28th may produce snow above 10,000 ft (forecasts have ranged from 0-16 inches), and very light snow near the elevation of Idyllwild preceded by a little rain. 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). Joyce Schwartz - From Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit Facebook Page. The Peak Trail track is also partially disappearing under fresh spindrift (photos below). Mount Waterman. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 6000 ft, potentially lower in places. The second week of January is expected to be relatively warm and sunny, so extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations. Ernie Maxwell Trail has a well traveled track to follow along its entire length, through the increasingly patchy icy snow. There is evidence of a relatively well-traveled track south from Saddle Junction on the PCT, but as of the morning of Saturday 17th this track did not make it through to Chinquapin Flat. 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. As discussed above, multiple additional snowfalls forecast for 14th-18th January will further complicate the trail conditions. Crampons (or perhaps spikes or snowshoes on some days) are recommended. Currently trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) are largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. Currently crampons, always with an ice axe, and advanced knowledge of how to use this equipment, are required. 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. Along . 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. 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. The Wellman Trail track was disappearing under spindrift as I re-broke it on Monday 23rd. I have typically postholed barebooting to 8900-9200 ft before putting on crampons. I was very happy to find no new treefall hazards down on Spitler Peak Trail. A significant triple storm system had a major impact on 21st-26th February, and those updates are posted below also. 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. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are now closed for the season. 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. Snowshoes are useful in low to moderate angle terrain with adequate snow depth above about 8000 ft, for example the Tahquitz area meadows near Saddle Junction, sections of Deer Springs Trail, and Long Valley/Round Valley. Above that elevation, icy snow is largely continuous to Saddle Junction. 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. I recorded a short video discussion there (available here on YouTube) which gives a feel for current conditions. The Get it Done app can help you report blocked storm drains, potholes, and broken streetlights. A short video summary of what we found is available here. 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. Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. By my measurements, Idyllwild is up to 51 inches of snow to date for this winter, compared to the average for the thirty year period 1991-2020 of 31 inches. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and generally far freezing when considering wind chill effects. 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