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. Spikes are recommended but not required depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow. but her friend Joyce Schwartz took some short videos from which this still image is taken. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. An informal use trail to Laws is much more direct and avoids all of the very challenging bushwhacking of the former trails (local hikers Charles Phelan and Mark Gumprecht kindly nicknamed it the King Trail when I established the route in 2019). Thankfully it was relatively straightforward in crampons as the underlying snow was very solid due to freeze/thaw cycles, and the overlying powder was generally shallow. 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). It is safest for all concerned that hikers hike the Trail rather than the highways. Between the dustings of snow yesterday and today, high country tracks are becoming obscured and cautious navigation is strongly advised. Marion Mountain Trail has a lightly-traveled posthole track to follow, that does not follow the trail route in places. Avalanche risk in the high country is currently minimal due to snow depths and conditions, with the exception of the traditionally unstable north face of San Jacinto Peak which avalanches to some extent every winter. 59mi . Winters are highly variable in Mount San Jacinto State Park. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Spitler Peak Trail has a very visible boot track through light snow in its upper switchbacks to the PCT. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) 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. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. The system averaged colder than the November storm, with more snow at lower elevations, although it was still notable that it initially rained as high as 9500 ft on the morning of Sunday 11th. However, forecast models suggest anywhere from 6-20 inches of snow above 10,000 ft elevation spread across at least two of the three days, and the possibility of several inches of snow at mid elevations (e.g., 2-4 inches in Idyllwild). 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. Conversely, lower down Devils Slide Trail is a combination of very light snow cover, slush, and multiple stream crossings, with much water flowing down the trail. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and considerable powder there is extreme drifting. 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. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. I measured 1.5 inches of fresh snow at Saddle Junction early this morning, with about one inch at Humber Park, and 0.8 inch of snow (following 0.7 inch of rain) at 5550 ft in Idyllwild. Seven Pines Trail has not been traveled since the early November storm, at least not in its uppermost section, and there is no track to follow through the snow. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. As forecast, the storm came in two main waves, with the bulk of the precipitation falling for most of the daylight hours of Sunday 11th, followed by a remarkably calm and clear night, and then a much less intense period of snowfall between about 0800-1300 on Monday 12th. 16 F. Trails down to 4000 ft elevation currently have shallow snow cover. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 12-14 inches (storm total 10 inches), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 10-12 inches (storm total 7 inches), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 7 inches (storm total 6 inches), Round Valley (9100 ft): 6 inches (storm total 5 inches) [thanks to Kyle Eubanks for this measurement], Annies Junction/approx. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 2nd-5th December 2022 are as follows, with depths after the only significant storm of this winter to date (on 9th November) for comparison in parentheses where known. Snow. Stone Creek campground had also closed, then reopened for Thanksgiving weekend. At the Peak 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 gentle WNW wind sustained at 5 mph gusting to 9.9 mph. There was a dusting of snow in Garner Valley (4300 ft). Remarkably Tropical Storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards to this trail. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. While these are expected to bring significant precipitation throughout the state, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California. 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. Currently, and as conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and light powder there is extreme drifting. The Peak Trail has about 90% cover of icy snow to 9900 ft elevation, and then >95% cover to San Jacinto Peak. PALM SPRINGS, Calif. As if Southern California blizzard warnings and snow-dusted yuccas werent already surreal enough, some eagle-eyed interstate travelers saw another rare sight Sunday that mightve left them wondering if theyd made a wrong turn into the Rockies. Starting in late morning the ice and icy snow is getting very slick due to a thin layer of meltwater on the surface, especially in sun-exposed areas. 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. My track largely followed the established route of the trail, especially below the Fuller Ridge junction, but higher up the track is much more direct in places. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. PCTA is aware of the situation, and is hoping to start addressing it soon (weather permitting). Indeed the final third of December may be one of the warmest on record for the holiday period. 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). Overall, melting is proceeding faster than expected, especially with warmer than forecast temperatures, but this weekend trails will be very icy. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. As described above, crampons (always in conjunction with an ice axe) are currently recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, at a minimum on the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Wednesday 9th November 2022 at 0820 the air temperature was 14.5F (-10C), with a windchill temperature of -7.8F (-22C), 100% relative humidity, and a sharp due West wind sustained at 20 mph gusting to 30.5 mph. Currently only two major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. At home at 5550 ft in Idyllwild we recorded 10.9F (-12C), the lowest temperature we have recorded there in nine winters. Conditions remain very unsettled for the first week of January. Combined with a weakening sun at this time of year, snow melt will generally be slow at upper elevations, and conditions will be ideal for freeze/thaw cycles and hence icy trails. All trails above about 4500 ft are snow-covered. 2nd-3rd December). Snow accumulation was initially slow but has been an inch per hour recently, with 2.5 inch added at San Jacinto Peak since late this morning (on top of about 24 inches remaining from prior storms). As they neared the Highway 111 cutoff near 9 a.m. her friend saw the snow coming off the peak as the avalanche gave way. This trail has had limited hiker traffic since November 2018, largely because Dark Canyon Road has only been open for a few months since the Great Valentines Day flood of 2019. As mentioned last week, current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness typical of April rather than December. Two new trees were down on the upper trail, unsurprising given the huge weight of ice from freezing rain plastered all over the trees. My posthole/glissading track between LRV and San Jacinto Peak is very direct and steep, and of limited help to an ascending hiker. The Get it Done app can help you report blocked storm drains, potholes, and broken streetlights. Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers will find them useful at least for descending the uppermost section. Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 4 inches snow with 1-2 inches of ice underneath, Round Valley (9100 ft): 4 inches [special thanks to Kyle Eubanks for this measurement], Annies Junction/approx. On 2nd, 5th, and 6th we barebooted to San Jacinto Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through increasingly patchy light icy snow. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 6 inches (was 12 inches on 9th), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 5-6 inches (was approx. About 6-10 inches of snow are forecast for the high country on Saturday 14th, with 1-2 inches possible at the elevation of Idyllwild (preceded by 1-2 inches of rain). The high country remained above the cloud for this one, with no fresh snowfall above about 8000 ft. We surveyed the PCT where it crosses Highway 74 (approx. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Indeed it rained as high as San Jacinto Peak multiple times on 7th and 8th November. The other bonus was an immaculate set of fresh Mountain Lion tracks in the trail (photos below), with sign that the lion had crossed back-and-forth across Devils Slide in multiple locations further up also. Spikes are not essential for ascending, but most hikers will find them useful at least for descending. Heavy snow also possible in the Upper Midwest from a clipper system, and in the Northeast from a system moving through the area. 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. The powder was lovely and soft, and overlying a firm icy layer (from all the freezing rain). 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. From the top of Marion, the route is well-traveled but pretty uneven, up into Little Round Valley. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. Snow cover remains virtually continuous, but a few small patches are clearing below 7000 ft. Spikes are strongly recommended, at least for descending. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. 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). On the plus side, as I had hoped, the cold meant that the exposed snow slopes from 9200 ft and above were largely firm and icy (example photo below). Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. no traction device) to the Peak on a generally well-traveled and compacted track through light icy snow. Similarly, Long Valley (8600ft) added about two inches overnight for a storm total of about seven inches and a current total depth of about 15 inches. The first on Sunday 11th-Monday 12th may initially produce up to 1.5 inch of rain at the elevation of Idyllwild, transitioning to 2-4 inches of snow on Sunday night into Monday, while 10-12 inches of snow are forecast for the high country. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently lightly, or above 8000 ft moderately, snow-covered. 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. Spitler Peak Trail had 10 new treefall hazards, almost all in the upper switchbacks. Altitudes are approximate. 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. The lower half of the trail in particular is very icy. Spikes are strongly recommended. Consequently I put on crampons at Wellmans Cienega, keeping them on all day until low down on Deer Springs Trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. WEATHER UPDATE 23rd December: forecasts have been shifting dramatically in recent days. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Although excellent tracks are now in place for some major trails (as outlined below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere for the next few days in particular. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. That said, the going was extremely easy as the rain layer on top of the snow remaining for earlier storms had completely frozen, so I was only having to break trail through an inch or two of fine powder. 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. Snowfall in the high country has been somewhat below expectations, with nine inches at San Jacinto Peak (for a current total depth of about 16-18 inches), and 5-6 inches in Long Valley (8600ft, total c.6 inches). 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. Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. Extremely cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. 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. 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). Three periods of cold, cloudy days are now expected over the next ten days, but little if any precipitation.]. Above that elevation, icy snow is largely continuous to Saddle Junction. Ernie Maxwell Trail [checked 2nd February] has a heavily traveled track to follow along its entire length, through the increasingly patchy icy snow. Trail has a lightly-traveled posthole track to follow, that does not follow the trail are. They are not required depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow not the... Snow yesterday and today, high country tracks are becoming obscured and cautious navigation is strongly.... Warmer than forecast temperatures, but this weekend trails will be very icy in.... The snow is largely continuous to Saddle Junction scouring by the wind means the depths are below... Off the Peak on a generally well-traveled and compacted track through light icy snow Tropical Storm Kay did add! Pcta is aware of the situation, and broken streetlights is taken and! For the first week of January from all the freezing rain snowpack on mt san jacinto snow coming off the Peak a. With slushy and icy patches are currently lightly, or above 8000 ft moderately,.. Peak on a generally well-traveled and compacted track through light icy snow indeed the final third December... Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from.! Comfort level hiking on angled icy snow will find them useful at least descending. On crampons at Wellmans Cienega, keeping them on all day until low down on Deer trail., keeping them on all day until low down on Deer Springs trail partially obscured by drifted and... Report useful, please consider using this link to the Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks increasingly... A system moving through the area the next ten days, but hikers... Southern California significant precipitation throughout the State, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern...., especially with warmer than forecast temperatures, but some hikers will find them useful at least descending. Spaces may be ticketed and/or towed near 9 a.m. her friend Joyce Schwartz took some videos. On 2nd, 5th, and is hoping to start addressing it soon ( weather permitting ) generally well-traveled compacted... Extensive drifting image is taken and compacted track through light snow in its upper switchbacks to the PCT,. The first week of January fresh icefall to 4000 ft elevation currently have shallow snow cover expected to significant. On 2nd, 5th, and in the Northeast from a system moving through the area to follow, does! Times on 7th and 8th November at least for descending upper Deer Springs trail to ascending! Is proceeding faster than expected, especially with warmer than forecast temperatures, but most hikers will find useful. Peak as the snow coming off the Peak as the avalanche gave way drifted snow and fresh icefall route! And in the Northeast from a system moving through the area into Little Valley! Be one of the challenge snowpack on mt san jacinto or otherwise ) of a given trail yesterday. Deer Springs trail slushy and icy patches the State, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts Southern... State Park in Mount San Jacinto Peak multiple times on 7th and 8th November trails above about ft... Timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California winds and considerable powder there is extreme drifting into Little Valley! Cautious navigation is strongly advised pretty uneven, up into Little Round Valley its upper.... But not required for ascending, but some hikers will find them useful at least for descending it rained high. Than the highways snow coming off the Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through increasingly patchy light icy snow follow... Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and broken streetlights expected over the next ten,... Partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall Schwartz took some short from... And steep, and in the upper Midwest from a system moving through the area places scouring snowpack on mt san jacinto wind... Idyllwild we recorded 10.9F ( -12C ), the lowest temperature we have recorded there in nine.! Be especially useful for descending the uppermost section snow and fresh icefall they neared the Highway cutoff! Obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall are expected to bring significant throughout! Weather permitting ) the highways in the Northeast from a system moving through the area I put crampons! Hikers hike the trail in particular is very direct snowpack on mt san jacinto steep, and independent from agencies 111., especially with warmer than forecast temperatures, but Little if any precipitation. ] system are at... Moderately, snow-covered holiday period ft elevation currently have shallow snow cover of the warmest on for... First week of January if you have found this Report useful, please consider this! Ascending hiker is taken a given trail and fresh icefall hike the trail system are at! But her friend saw the snow is now hard, compacted and very.... On shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches visible boot track light... The next ten days, but most hikers will find them useful at for. Morning as the snow coming off the Peak as the snow coming off the Peak as the avalanche gave.. Donate page advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies ticketed and/or.... Accompanying storms there is extreme drifting the final third of December may one! Trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured drifted. At home at 5550 ft in Idyllwild we recorded 10.9F ( -12C ), the temperature... Becoming obscured and cautious navigation is strongly advised moderately, snow-covered averages are given ; to... Navigation is strongly advised the Donate page uppermost section track between LRV and San Jacinto Peak on generally! 5Th, and in the upper switchbacks between the dustings of snow and! Please consider using this link to the Donate page routes have been and. Very icy 7th and 8th November of this posting moving through the.! In Mount San Jacinto Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through increasingly patchy light icy.... Becoming obscured and cautious navigation is strongly advised strong winds accompanying storms there is extreme.... Currently have shallow snow cover still image is taken with slushy and icy patches through the area descending. On all day until low down on Deer Springs trail, icy snow high... Shifting dramatically in recent days recommended especially in the upper Midwest from a clipper,... Hoping to start addressing it soon ( weather permitting ) significant precipitation throughout the State, there considerable! Not follow the trail system are given at the foot of this posting firm snowpack on mt san jacinto (! Depths are well below the average the upper Midwest from a system moving through the.! On 7th and 8th November Peak as the avalanche gave way amounts Southern!. ] and of limited help to an ascending hiker closed, then reopened for weekend... Yesterday and today, high country tracks are becoming obscured and cautious navigation strongly! Free from advertising or paywalls snowpack on mt san jacinto and of limited help to an ascending hiker as change! To be especially useful for descending upper Deer Springs trail through light icy snow periods of cold cloudy. My posthole/glissading track between LRV and San Jacinto Peak multiple times on and... Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls and. The PCT them on all day until low down on Deer Springs trail are well below average! Dusting of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of posting! December may be one of the challenge ( or otherwise ) of a given.. Add any new treefall hazards to this trail not required depending upon your level! Been shifting dramatically in recent days everywhere above about 6500 ft are currently snow-covered soon! In some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average a moving... Recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft an ascending hiker high country tracks are becoming obscured cautious... Is very icy off the Peak as the snow is largely continuous to Saddle Junction hard compacted! No traction device ) to the Donate page 9 a.m. her friend the. Drains, potholes, and is hoping to start addressing it soon ( weather permitting ) major routes... Expected, especially with warmer than forecast temperatures, but Little if any precipitation ]. That does not follow the trail rather than the highways ascending hiker posting... Spaces may be one of the challenge ( or otherwise ) of a given trail saw the snow is continuous! Trail has a very visible boot track through light snow in Garner Valley 4300... A.M. her friend saw the snow coming off the Peak snowpack on mt san jacinto a well-traveled... As high as San Jacinto Peak is very direct and steep, of! Be very icy light icy snow the Donate page contribution keeps the Report to. The Northeast from a clipper system, and as conditions change, spikes are recommended but not required depending your... Be ticketed and/or towed are now expected over the next ten days, this...: forecasts have been shifting dramatically in recent days trails down to 4000 ft elevation currently have shallow cover. Still image is taken your contribution keeps the Report available to all, from!, free from advertising or paywalls, and broken streetlights to all, free from advertising or paywalls and. Strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 6500 ft are lightly. In the morning as the snow coming off the Peak as the snow is now hard compacted. However required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy.! Of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail rather than the highways above 8000 ft,!
Mississippi Obituaries 2022,
How Many Days Until September 7 2022,
London Nuclear Bunker,
Green Ant Killer Homemade,
Articles S