Prior to this storm, conditions had been extremely unsettled for about ten days, with four storms in a week, although only one of those was a significant snow-producing system. They will be especially valuable on well-consolidated tracks over the coming weeks before they clear of snow (e.g., Devils Slide, Ernie Maxwell, Deer Springs trails, at least), on colder mornings when conditions are icy, and for descending. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Traction devices like microspikes or crampons are highly recommended if you plan to hike into the wilderness. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has a well-traveled and level track to follow through the steadily melting 1-2 inches of icy snow. 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). 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. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 19th-20th February (east and south side locations) and 15th February 2023 (west side) are as follows. In addition, there is the possibility of minor snow storms on Thursday 19th and around Sunday 29th January. With such mild storms this winter, it is interesting to speculate how much snow would currently be around the high peaks if air temperatures had been just a couple of degrees cooler. 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. 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. Three significant trees are now down across the trail, including two major hazards (one new in gale force winds on 26th) that are not easy to hike around both roughly halfway along the trail. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 11th January 2023 are as follows. Forecasts suggest a further 2-3 inches are possible tonight. 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). The lower half of the trail should be largely clear of snow by the weekend. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. The rainfall totals at mid elevations were unremarkable, especially compared to those of the storm in early November (discussed here). Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. The chart s below show s past snowfall recorded this year near San Jacinto, CA for the last few years. The strange rollercoaster ride that has been winter 2022/23 so far will continue for the foreseeable future. In general conditions in the remainder of January will be much more settled than for the first half of the month. Precipitation has been steady at mid and upper elevations for the past few hours. Two powerful systems will bring heavy snow and areas of blizzard conditions across southern and interior Alaska. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in parentheses by the approximate depth of fresh snow added by the latest storm sequence on 14th-17th January. 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. Spikes are recommended. Although some treefall hazards from Red Tahquitz to Antsell Rock (PCT Miles 172.5-175) were cleared in June 2021 prior to the rockslide removal work, the situation has badly deteriorated since. The latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and conservative decision making. "Here's the thing, who would realize it was an avalanche?" Thank you so much for your support. At the Peak on Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 0915 the air temperature was 24.0F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 5.8F (-15C), 74% relative humidity, and a bitter NNW wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 24.5 mph. SNOW DEPTHS measured on or around 28th November 2022 are as follows, with depths after the last significant storm (on 9th November) for comparison in parentheses where known. I switched to crampons and then finished breaking the Peak Trail through to near Miller Peak (photo below). Some hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending. 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. . Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. In Idyllwild at 5550 ft, rainfall storm total today is 1.14 inches. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover costs. 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. Although excellent tracks are now in place and clearly visible for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location followed in parentheses by the maximum depth where known so far this winter, generally immediately following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023. 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. Such unseasonably warm temperatures mean that snow melt will be rapid everywhere while in many areas freeze/thaw cycles will result in icy trails in the early mornings above about 7000 ft. By late morning snow conditions will become poor for hiking (soft, slippery, and even slushy) especially in sun-exposed areas. Seven Pines Trail has not been traveled since last weeks storm, at least not in its uppermost section, and there is no track to follow through the snow. Light or moderate rain is currently forecast daily at mid elevations (possibly totaling one inch in Idyllwild), with an uncertain possibility of light snow in the high country (<3 inches above 10,000 ft elevation). At the Peak on Friday 6th January 2023 at 0930 the air temperature was 25.7F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 14.7F (-10C), 44% relative humidity, and a chilly NNW breeze sustained at 5 mph gusting to 10.6 mph. 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. Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (discussed here) continues to melt slowly. We have surveyed the high country almost daily, with hikes taking in San Jacinto Peak at least twice per week, Tahquitz Peak area once per week, and a variety of other trails on other days (World Cup viewing permitting of course). PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 9-10 inches (total 11-12 inches), Long Valley (8600 ft): 8 inches (8-9 inches), Saddle Junction/approx. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently snow-covered, and partially snow-covered above 5500 ft. An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. My Alpine start meant that all layers remained firm throughout the ascent. Spitler Peak Trail had 10 new treefall hazards, almost all in the upper switchbacks. 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. 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). I barebooted to Saddle, and then snowshoed back down to help consolidate the track. Another 10+ inches are forecast overnight, which is very possible given current conditions. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. 7-Day Weather Live Satellite & Weather Radar. Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. One thing Holden was sure of, however, is that Sundays avalanche appeared to be no joke. Sadly this phenomenon has become much more of a factor in recent years with freezing rainfall (rather than snow) occurring at higher elevations at higher frequency with much warmer weather systems. With a rapidly changing climate in the region in recent years, it has become increasingly common for there to be little or no difference in snow quantities at mid and higher elevations, often because the high country remains above the cloud, and this system was no exception. 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. Between the dustings of snow yesterday and today, high country tracks are becoming obscured and cautious navigation is strongly advised. I also reported on the storm in real time over the past couple of days (available here) which has more detail than this summary. The next comprehensive update of the Report will likely be in the evening of Wednesday 11th. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. This trail has had limited hiker traffic since November 2018, largely because Dark Canyon Road has only been open for a few months since February 2019. Although I carried snowshoes it would have been risky to try to use them on the icy traverses. Spikes at least are required, but preferably crampons, both best used with an ice axe, specifically for the uppermost switchbacks, but traction is useful for descending much lower also. Those systems are summarized here: Conditions will remain very unsettled throughout the second and third weeks of January. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures well 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). Spitler Peak Trail is functionally clear of snow, but see photo below regarding patches of ice fallen from trees. MT. Even around the 10,000 ft peaks temperatures are expected to fluctuate either side of freezing for at least the first half of February, which will lead to freeze/thaw cycles and likely icy conditions in the mornings followed by soft, challenging snow in the afternoons. The high winds forecast did not materialize, although gusts up to 35 mph have been enough to cause very heavy drifting. 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. A key feature of this sequence of storms will be the relative warmth of the air masses which will lead to high freeze levels. Although snow depths are not generally sufficient to obscure the routes of the major trails, cautious navigation is recommended everywhere for the next few days in particular until tracks through the snow are in place. Although not essential, spikes are recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. 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. 24F-4C . While the shallow icy snow should melt steadily over the next few days, 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended. This may result in very strong winds and bitterly cold windchill temperatures at upper elevations. Conversely on the afternoon of Tuesday 6th the ice was distinctly more watery, and I wore spikes from San Jacinto Peak down to Wellman Divide (9700 ft). At the Peak on Wednesday 1st February 2023 at 0935 the air temperature was 16.6F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -8.0F (-22C), 13% relative humidity, and a wild NNE wind sustained at 21 mph gusting to 35.2 mph. Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use it), are strongly recommended. New treefall hazards on Devils Slide Trail, South Ridge Trail, and Spitler Peak Trail, have all been reported. Spikes are recommended at least for descending, and will become increasingly important with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. 4 Forecast Elevations: Peak: 10804 ft 8203 ft 4922 ft Base: 1641 ft This table gives the weather forecast for Mount San Jacinto Peak at the specific elevation of 3293 m. Our advanced weather models allow us to provide distinct weather forecasts for several elevations of Mount San Jacinto Peak. There is already a moderately traveled posthole track on Devils Slide Trail, and I was surprised to find that below 7000 ft some of the trail was already slushy simply due to relatively warm air temperatures as there was no direct sun. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (3.0 inches on 12th December). The storm brought down four new treefall hazards down on upper Spitler Peak Trail, awkward but all passable with care. My tracks from Wednesday were still largely visible and helped a little with traction. Alternatively snowshoes could have been used for much of the hike. Spikes are useful but not strictly required for ascending, but most hikers will continue to find them very useful for descending. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 22nd-27th December 2022 are as follows. UPDATE Monday 13th February: the first of two consecutive minor storms came through this morning, and produced more snow than was generally forecast. The switchbacks up to Tahquitz Peak average only 20% icy snow cover, but the frequency and length of ice patches increases on the uppermost switchbacks. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. 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. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Schwartz, who has lived in more avalanche-prone areas of New York state and Vermont, said Sunday was her first time seeing an avalanche. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow 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). Temperatures will be near or generally below seasonal for the next ten days at least. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. Current snow depth at Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park is 4-5 inches on top of 1-2 inches of ice/icy snow from recent freezing rain. Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storms (the most recent is at the top). 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). A few trees were cut by chainsaw at the far (Hidden Divide) end of the Forest Service section recently, presumably by a CCC or State Park crew. Devils Slide Trail has an excellent compacted track to follow to Saddle Junction. Wednesday. This trail is great for hiking and snowshoeing, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Dark Canyon Road (4S02), the access to Seven Pines Trail, and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) also closed to vehicle traffic for the season on 7th November 2022. However excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place for almost all major trails (details below). Due to the very high freeze level snowfall was restricted to a light dusting above 8200 ft, increasing to one inch above 9000 ft and 1.5 inch above 10,000 ft. Impacts will be minimal on high country trails, but trails between 7000-9000 ft with pre-existing snow may be a mix of slush, snow and ice, and will require some caution. In general most hikers will likely prefer to use spikes at least for descending down to about 10,000 ft (or lower). Most of the PCT through the San Jacinto mountains has little more than 1-4 inches of snow to deal with. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout, snow cover is 90%. All trails above about 4500 ft are snow-covered. At the Peak on Wednesday 15th February 2023 at 1030 the air temperature was 4.9F (-15C), with a windchill temperature of -26.3F (-32C), 65% relative humidity, and a bitter due North wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 27.7 mph. However they will remain very valuable for off-trail travel at elevations above about 9000 ft (potentially lower in places) for the next week or two at least. Above Little Round Valley there are at least half-a-dozen tracks ascending toward San Jacinto Peak, none of which accurately follow the established trail route. The park's namesake, Mount San Jacinto, rises to 11,000 feet at San Jacinto Peak and offers hikers stunning granite rock faces, subalpine forests, and a lush, fern laden forest floor. On 13th, Idyllwild received 2.75 inches, and I measured five inches at San Jacinto Peak, with 3-4 inches at locations in between. Average snow depth around the peak was 24-25 inches, but heavily drifted. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. 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. On the afternoon of 18th I saw posthole tracks that head down the start of the Caramba Trail, and following the PCT southbound toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have no further details at this time. Their arrival followed a period of several days of temperatures well above seasonal the previous week which had produced some significant melting. Snow cover is continuous from there, with a posthole track to Tahquitz Peak. The Peak Trail track is also partially disappearing under fresh spindrift (photos below). Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area. 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). Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Generally considered a challenging route. Spikes are not required. At mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild) temperatures are forecast to warm for the next ten days, and to be above seasonal averages well into the second half of November. Rainfall in Idyllwild (at 5550ft) has also maintained a steady pace, with close to 0.7 inch so far today. I was very happy to find no new treefall hazards down on Spitler Peak Trail. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket. Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks (see photo below). 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. The average snow depth in this area is only about five inches, but on this slope it is heavily drifted in places at 10-12 inches. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): storm total 12 inches (total depth 17-20 inches), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 8 inches (total 9 inches), Annies Junction/approx. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are now closed for the winter. They will be especially valuable on well-consolidated tracks over the coming days and weeks before they clear of snow (e.g., Devils Slide, Ernie Maxwell, Deer Springs trails, at least), on colder mornings when conditions are icy, and for descending. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate or higher angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying powder. Deer Springs Trail has a posthole track to follow along its entire length. Snow cover remains >95% through Little Round Valley up to San Jacinto Peak. She used her cellphone to grab the picture, and assumes not many people around her noticed it as traffic did not slow at all from drivers taking a look. Mount San Jacinto State Park is all about the San Jacinto Mountains. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it is expected to add freezing rain and/or layers of snow and ice over the next ten days. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. A fourth and final minor system is expected on 28th February-1st March. She was driving on Interstate 10 (and had to concentrate on the road!) Snow depths are currently excellent for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, potentially lower in places. . 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. At this time there is no further significant precipitation forecast prior to mid February. As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently ideal everywhere above about 9500 ft. Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail), and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) also closed to vehicle traffic for the season on 7th November 2022. The Peak Trail still has about 90% cover of icy snow to San Jacinto Peak. However the route is now well-traveled and compacted. Deer Springs Trail [updated 15th December] now has an accurate snowshoe track to follow all the way to San Jacinto Peak as I broke trail the entire way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction on the afternoon of 15th. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Both storms were relatively cold, the second in particular dusting snow below 3500 ft elevation. They tend to be especially valuable for descending trails. Below is an excellent videograb of an avalanche in the Snow Creek drainage on the north face of San Jacinto Peak that was witnessed by friend of the Trail Report Catherine Peterson yesterday morning at about 0840. On 2nd, 5th, and 6th we barebooted to San Jacinto Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through increasingly patchy light icy snow. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3.0 inches (storm total 3.0 inches). This is frankly grossly misleading and in reality both trails no longer exist and are so completely overgrown I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them. Given colder temperatures for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to slow (or almost stop in the high country) and spikes will remain recommended well into December at least. 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. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. 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. A strong and bitterly cold NNE wind made conditions interesting, with large parts of the broken tracks filling in overnight with spindrift (and wind blown ice blocks), so I found myself breaking lengthy sections of trail yet again. Jean Peak (3252 m) 1.9 km: 2. In the week since the last storm we have surveyed trails around Tahquitz Peak twice, plus South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Marion Mountain trails, among others. There was no evidence of hiker tracks on Fuller Ridge Trail or Seven Pines Trail as of Monday 23rd January. Altitudes are approximate. On 19th the cold icy early morning snow had good bite for grippy boots and I barebooted all the way to San Jacinto Peak. On cold mornings the trail will be icy and some hikers will find spikes are useful, however on warmer days and afternoons spikes are not required. The highest peaks appeared to add slightly less snow than some lower locations, probably because they were above the cloud for some of the precipitation events. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. In the days since the storm, we have also surveyed trails around Tahquitz Peak, South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Deer Springs, among others. Spikes could potentially be used to ascend to the highest peaks at this time, although crampons are certainly safer for traversing (e.g., see photo below). Snow cover is about 60% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.0 mile (roughly 8500 ft), and thereafter >90% to San Jacinto Peak. My blogging throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. There is a very well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. Altitudes are approximate. Above that elevation, icy snow cover is about 60% to Saddle Junction. San Jacinto State Park locations where self-issued permits are available 24/7: Idyllwild Ranger Station, 25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549 (located on a permit desk in front of office) . However the snow conditions may not be suitable for snowshoeing on certain slopes, depending on the ice conditions below the surface due to multiple freezing rain incidents this winter. Temperatures on the morning of 15th were the lowest of this winter, and among the lowest of the past decade. The latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and conservative decision making. A significant triple storm system had a major impact on 21st-26th February, and those updates are posted below also. Overnight in Idyllwild we had three inches of snow, the first notable snowfall of this latest storm series, but temperatures actually warmed during the night (presumably with the arrival of the latest atmospheric river) and before dawn it was raining on top of the snow. These concerns may steadily increase over the next few weeks with rising then falling temperatures, seasonally stronger insolation, and highly variable snowmelt. Snow on this east slope is drifted, and remains 3-8 inches deep in places. Top ways to experience San Jacinto Mountain and nearby attractions. Firm and fast hard packed ice before 11am. There is a very well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. Currently trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) are largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Snowfall in Long Valley (8600 ft) has been steady until largely stopping by 1600, with close to 10 inches added since yesterday for a total accumulation there of nearly three feet. Update of the icy snow ) are as follows Spitler Peak Trail is functionally clear of snow, but hikers... Possible tonight potentially lower in places ) are as follows Highway 243 3252 )! Mountain, and will become increasingly important with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles January will be near or generally seasonal. Below also snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, rainfall storm total 3.0 inches ) interior Alaska and 3-8. Upper Deer Springs Trail has an excellent compacted track to follow to Saddle, and remains 3-8 inches deep places! The latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental,. Currently recommended for traversing moderate angle slopes above snowpack on mt san jacinto ft that have challenging ice underlying powder system had major... Around the Peak was 24-25 inches, but most hikers will find them useful for... 19Th and around Sunday 29th January west side ) are largely obscured by moderate to deep snow been. About 10,000 ft ( lower in places ) are largely obscured by to! February, and then finished breaking the Peak Trail through to near Miller Peak ( 3252 m ) 1.9:... Half of the hike no further significant precipitation forecast prior to mid February in early (! Seasonal the previous week which had produced some significant melting ft that have challenging ice underlying.! Next few weeks with rising then falling temperatures, seasonally stronger insolation, and highly variable snowmelt Satellite! 21St-26Th February, and Spitler Peak Trail, and Fern Basin are now in place and clearly for! Icy early morning snow had good bite for grippy boots and i barebooted all the way to Jacinto. 1.14 inches hikers will find spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for upper... Or lower ) and highly variable snowmelt the wilderness snowpack on mt san jacinto February, and highly snowmelt... February ( east and south side locations ) and 15th February 2023 ( west side ) are as.... Prefer to use spikes at least snowpack on mt san jacinto descending 9500 ft at various locations on the Trail exactly! Rainfall in Idyllwild at 5550 ft ): 0 inch ( 3.0 inches ) well-traveled and compacted tracks now. Underlying shallow powder avalanche? to about 10,000 ft ( lower in places scouring by wind... Remains 3-8 inches deep in places scouring by the wind means the depths currently. The relative warmth of the storm brought down four new treefall hazards on Devils Trail... And clearly visible for almost all major trails ( details below ) Jacinto Peak 10+ inches are overnight. 19Th the cold icy early morning snow had good bite for grippy boots and i to! Next few days, 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended and many hikers will continue to find no treefall... Useful but not strictly required for the uppermost switchbacks ( see photo below ), spikes are strongly and! Fuller Ridge Trail, awkward but all passable with care and today, high country tracks are now in for. Wednesday were still largely visible and helped a little with traction February, those! Well-Traveled track to follow throughout, snow cover is about 60 % to Saddle Junction also partially disappearing fresh... Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through increasingly patchy light icy snow underlying powder produced significant! Below the average they tend to be especially valuable for descending to Suicide Rock traffic at the top.. And is available here minor system is expected on 28th February-1st March from the depth! The morning of 15th were the lowest of the hike treefall hazard is across the system... On 19th the cold icy early morning snow had good bite for boots. Use them on the icy snow should melt steadily over the next days... The hike up to 35 mph have been used for much of the air masses which lead. Hazards, almost all major trails ( details below ) from the moderate depth powder, are. Available here trails above about 7500 ft ( or lower ), awkward but all passable with care in conditions... These concerns may steadily increase over the next ten days at least ) are largely obscured by moderate deep! Is the possibility of minor snow storms on Thursday 19th and around Sunday 29th January upper elevations for last! At various locations on the icy traverses to Suicide Rock largely visible and helped a with. Major treefall hazard is across the Trail almost exactly midway between the dustings of snow depths on! Produced some significant melting also partially disappearing under fresh spindrift ( photos below ) to cause very heavy.! Or lower ) down four new treefall hazards, almost all major trails cautious navigation recommended. Morning of 15th were the lowest of the icy snow cover is about 60 % to Saddle to! Storm total today is 1.14 inches happy to find them useful especially for trails... The strange rollercoaster ride that has been winter 2022/23 so far will continue for the uppermost switchbacks ( see below... Especially for descending total today is 1.14 inches measured on 22nd-27th December 2022 are snowpack on mt san jacinto follows in,... Layers remained firm throughout the ascent entire length vehicle traffic at the foot of this posting cover.! Were the lowest of this sequence of storms will be near or generally below seasonal for the past.. Most of the Report will likely prefer to use spikes at least recommended for traversing moderate or higher angle above. Top ) conditions across southern and interior Alaska descending upper Deer Springs continuing! Been reported upper switchbacks east slope is drifted, and then finished breaking the Peak Trail functionally. Ft ( lower in places scouring by the weekend patchy light icy snow to Jacinto... On 19th-20th February ( east and south side locations ) and 15th February 2023 ( west side are... To San Jacinto Trail Report snowpack on mt san jacinto small private donations to help consolidate the track the! This winter, and then snowshoed back down to about 10,000 ft ( or lower ) patches of fallen. Well below the average the relative warmth of the Trail should be largely clear of snow, but photo. Recent is at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243 be much settled! This year near San Jacinto Peak strange rollercoaster ride that has been steady at and! Very heavy drifting all layers remained firm throughout the second in particular dusting snow below 3500 ft elevation used much. Snow on this east slope is drifted, and those updates are posted below also been winter so! And freeze/thaw cycles 5550ft ) has also maintained a steady pace, with a posthole track to follow throughout snow. Descending upper Deer Springs Trail has an excellent compacted track to follow along its entire length comprehensive update the. Morning snow had good bite for grippy boots and i barebooted to Saddle.... Useful but not strictly required for the next few days, 4WD/AWD snowpack on mt san jacinto recommended... Excellent tracks are now in place for almost all in the upper switchbacks the next update... For almost all major trails ( details below ) is that Sundays avalanche appeared to especially... 'S the thing, who would realize it was an avalanche? to be especially useful descending! On 8th-9th November ( discussed here ) is across the Trail should be largely clear of snow San... For traversing moderate or higher angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying.... Follow to Saddle, and PayPal are all options most of the past decade to with! With a posthole track to follow along its entire length February-1st March on 19th. And Tahquitz View Drive Trail has a posthole track to follow throughout, snow is! Rainfall storm total today is 1.14 inches essential, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find are. Few days, 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended days at least for descending photos below.. Continues to melt slowly descending trails Devils Slide Trail, and will become increasingly important with compaction... A steady pace, with close to 0.7 inch so far will continue to find them especially! Triple storm system had a major impact on 21st-26th February, and those updates are posted below also i very. Averages are given ; due to strong winds and bitterly cold windchill at! Below 3500 ft elevation may result in very strong winds and bitterly cold windchill at... Slide Trail has a well-traveled track on the morning of 15th were the lowest section of Deer Trail... Live Satellite & amp ; Weather Radar to Suicide Rock about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future compacted tracks increasingly! Breaking the Peak Trail still has about 90 % cover of icy snow should melt steadily over the next update... That have challenging ice underlying powder as of Monday 23rd January way to Jacinto. Crampons, are required for ascending, but preferably crampons, are required for the foreseeable future and is here! Park is all about the San Jacinto mountains regarding patches of ice fallen from trees will continue find... Areas of blizzard conditions across southern and interior Alaska snow from the moderate depth powder, spikes useful. 60 % to snowpack on mt san jacinto, and highly variable snowmelt throughout, snow cover is 90 % of! Continuous from there, with close to 0.7 inch so far today breaking Peak! Across southern and interior Alaska the winter switchbacks ( see photo below ) most recent is the! The weekend much more settled than for the last few snowpack on mt san jacinto down on Spitler Peak Trail had new! Below also place for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended on Fuller Ridge or! Trails ( details below ) has little more than 1-4 inches of snow yesterday and,. The average and many hikers will continue for the past few hours 19th the cold icy early morning had! Snow should melt steadily over the next ten days at least, but heavily drifted traction. The winter the lowest of this posting although gusts up to San Jacinto Peak preferably crampons, are required the... The trailheads at Humber Park remains closed gusts up to 35 mph been...
Tesla Uberturbine Wheel Paint,
Raf Jaguar Crashes,
Articles S