snowpack on mt san jacinto

Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are now closed for the winter. 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. UPDATE 11th November 2022: conditions for trails both north and south of Tahquitz Peak have been updated below, with photo, based on our hike this morning. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. 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 Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout, snow cover is 90%. Melting has already reduced the snow cover to 90% as far as Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). 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. Temperatures on the morning of 15th were the lowest of this winter, and among the lowest of the past decade. Note that tracks discussed can be obscured quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in days or even hours. Climb the remaining 5,100 feet of snow and or ice in one of the several chutes. Sign up for Alert San Diego notifications for all your telephone numbers. 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 total snow accumulation was ultimately very close to the predictions given by forecasts in the days prior to the storm, and notably it was the heaviest snowfall in the first half of November for at least a decade. Mammoth Lakes, traditionally one of the snowiest places in California, had nearly 4 feet (1.2 meters) of snow over the past three days. While we have to be grateful for any precipitation received given our rapidly warming mountain climate, it was not the significant snow-producing storm that had been generally forecast in recent days. With such dramatic rainfall throughout the mountain range last week, and with snow now available for melting in the high country, I do not expect to be reporting on water conditions until next year. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. There is no planned reopening date at this time. Dutch Flat, at about 5600 ft elevation between Idyllwild and Pine Cove, recorded 0.86 inch of rain by 1300. The advice above should be used with this in mind, and if in any doubt carry the necessary traction devices that you will be most comfortable using. 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). 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. All trails above about 5000 ft are currently lightly (or above 8000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. About six inches of snow fell at San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft) decreasing to 0.5 inch in upper Fern Valley (at c.6000 ft). Every year seems to have its challenges and it is clear already that 2023 will be no exception. Currently crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use both), are strongly recommended. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular route. These concerns may steadily increase over the next few weeks with rising then falling temperatures, seasonally stronger insolation, and highly variable snowmelt. Temperatures are forecast to remain at or even slightly below seasonal averages into the second half of November, with freezing conditions every night above about 5500 ft elevation. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. no traction device) to 9000 ft on a lightly traveled and lumpy posthole track through thin icy snow. but probably light rain and/or about an inch of snow at the elevation of Idyllwild. WEATHER UPDATE 23rd December: forecasts have been shifting dramatically in recent days. 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. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains open and the parking area has been largely plowed. South Ridge Road remains closed now with only about 35% icy snow cover. Steady heavy snow started in Idyllwild at about 0830 but stopped at about 1400. February has been more settled than the very eventful January, but temperatures remain on something of a rollercoaster ride. Spitler Peak Trail is now functionally clear of snow. This was tricky for postholing which went through the ice layer. Given cold temperatures for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to slow (or largely stop in the high country). Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3 inches (all from latest storms, admixed with 5.06 inches rain on 14th-16th) already melting steadily on 18th. The avalanche was an unusual occurrence on Mount San Jacinto,Riverside Mountain Rescue UnitPresident Eric Holden said. 25F-4C. 24F-4C . Devils Slide Trail is largely clear of icy snow to about 7400 ft (Middle Spring) although some extended patches remain below that. 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. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. Spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. Most days will be at least partly cloudy. The first number is the current total snow depth, followed in parentheses by the greatest depth of the winter to date following the latest storm on 11th-12th December. In Idyllwild both overnight low and daytime high temperatures will be more typical of late March or even April than of late December. Use this relief map to navigate to mountain peaks in the area of Mount San Jacinto Peak. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and/or icy patches (depending upon time of day). Latest details are given in the introduction above. Joyce Schwartz - From Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit Facebook Page. In addition, there is the possibility of minor snow storms on Thursday 19th and around Sunday 29th January. There is no planned reopening date at this time. Altitudes are approximate. Deer Springs Trail [updated 22nd December] has an accurate track to follow all the way to San Jacinto Peak as I broke trail the entire way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction on 15th December. 68mi . Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations for the foreseeable future. The cloud largely dissipated on my descent, affording some spectacular vistas. Mt. However by this afternoon, melting was already underway below 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. 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. The intensity of snowfall at San Jacinto Peak this afternoon is the best Ive seen since late 2019. I recorded a short video at San Jacinto Peak early on the morning of Monday 12th December (available here) which gives a feel for conditions as the storm was nearing its end. While fresh snow may be optimum for snowshoeing for the next couple of weeks, 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. 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). Three significant trees are now down across the trail, including two major hazards (one new in gale force winds on 26th January) that are not easy to hike around both roughly halfway along the trail. Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks (see photo below). 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. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th February 2023 are as follows. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through light icy snow above about 7200 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers will find them useful for descending. Spikes are strongly recommended. Snow. 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. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter especially at weekends and holiday periods after fresh snowfall then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use it), are strongly recommended. It warmed last night to just above freezing below 6000 ft, with a mixture of rain and sleet falling on top of the prior snow, turning it increasingly to wet slush at mid elevations (we measured about 0.25 inch rain in Idyllwild). Bear in mind that half the winter total, 26 inches, have fallen in the past five days! 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. Final totals for Idyllwild for the three day storm event were 6.5 inches of snow, plus an impressive 5.06 inches of rain. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide, from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak, and up South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. UPDATE Tuesday 10th January: Another minor and relatively warm storm is passing through our mountains today. The route does not follow the established trail for the most part, and steepens considerably as it nears Wellman Divide. Spikes tend to be most valuable for descending even when not needed for ascending. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular track or trail. Although I made a concerted effort to put in a track as faithful to the trail routes as conditions permitted, further strong winds and blowing powder in the high country were erasing tracks within hours or even minutes. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) 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. The first number is the current total snow depth, followed in parentheses by the greatest depth of the winter to date following the latest storm on 11th-12th December. With at least two further snowfalls expected in the next few days, and strong winds in the high country expected for the next week causing substantial daily drifting of snow, much of the trail system will remain largely obscured by light to moderate snow until the second week of January. It is especially obscure 0.1-0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious near Caramba. A few minor patches exist close to the top. 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 slowly melting inch of patchy icy snow (photo below from 30th November). I put in a posthole track the entire way up, but crampons (with an ice axe) were essential at that time on the upper switchbacks above about 8300 ft due to the typical steeply angled ice obscured underneath 6-12 inches of powder (photos below). Even when the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces below the locked gate (which still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent to be displayed). As of this morning, I saw no other broken tracks on the high country trail system. The Ernie Maxwell Trail [surveyed 5th January] has patchy snow along its entire length, however it is largely clear for long sections, and the remaining snow is soft. On 2nd, 5th, and 6th we barebooted to San Jacinto Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through increasingly patchy light icy snow. I measured an average of about four inches of snow at Old Lookout Flat, although with some deeper drifts in the trail. On Mount San Jacinto, the conditions just arent good for avalanches with the slopes and amount of trees we have, he said. Deer Springs Trail [updated 22nd December] has an accurate track to follow all the way to San Jacinto Peak as I broke trail the entire way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction on 15th December. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. That said, it has just started gently snowing in both locations, so storm totals may increase slightly over the next couple of hours. The high country remained above the cloud for this one, with no fresh snowfall above about 8000 ft. Fresh snow at San Jacinto Peak now measures 3-4 inches, snow in Long Valley (8600 ft) at three inches, and rainfall in Idyllwild since 0700 this morning at 0.6 inch. In general conditions in the remainder of January will be much more settled than for the first half of the month. I kept those on for the rest of the ascent, and almost all of the descent, finally removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. There is a relatively well-traveled track on the Round Valley Trail from Long Valley through to Wellman Divide. Spikes are not essential for ascending, but most hikers will find them useful at least for descending. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 45 inches (30 inches snow in latest storms) but heavily drifted here, Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 45-48 inches (about 30-32 inches snow in latest storms), Long Valley (8600 ft): 24 inches (16 inches in latest storms), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 21 inches (13 inches snow in latest storms), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 5-6 inches (all from latest storms, four inches of snow on top of ice). Thank you so much for your support. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) 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. You will encounter 35 to 45 degree snow slopes, with the angle increasing as you get near the top. These concerns may steadily increase over the next few weeks with (eventually) temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing, seasonally stronger insolation, and highly variable snowmelt. 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. Spikes are useful at least for descending. As of the afternoon of Sunday 1st, 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). Temperatures during and after both storms are forecast to be below seasonal for late November, colder than the storm system in early November, and windy and hence especially cold in the high country. 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. 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. At the Peak on Sunday 1st January 2023 at 0830 the air temperature was 17.9F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -2.3F (-19C), 100% relative humidity, and a sharp WSW wind sustained at 11 mph gusting to 21.1 mph. On the afternoon of Monday 6th I was treated to moody clouds and virga, a cloud base just above my head at San Jacinto Peak, and the briefest possible flurry of small snow flakes while at the Peak (but nothing settled). Ernie Maxwell Trail [checked 23rd and 26th January] has good tracks to follow along its entire length, through the shallow icy snow (still >90% snow cover). Crampons (or perhaps spikes or snowshoes on some days) are recommended. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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. A minor storm on the night of Tuesday 21st will include severe cold and severe winds, followed by milder, moderate storm on 22nd-23rd, and then an unusual atmospheric river combined with very cold air again producing heavy snowfall for 23rd-25th February. On Monday 13th I also postholed the entire hike, as I was able to ascend barebooting to about 9200 ft before putting on crampons. The East Ridge Trail (from near Miller Peak to San Jacinto Peak) has a handful of tracks through the continuous snow, though none (including mine) accurately follow the trail route. By 1st February there was a somewhat meandering snowshoe track from Round Valley (and presumably Long Valley) up to San Jacinto Peak, ultimately using the East Ridge route from near Miller Peak, that generally followed lower angle terrain and avoided the traversing slopes of the Peak Trail. At the Peak on Friday 2nd December 2022 at 1620 the air temperature was 26.2F (-3C), with a windchill temperature of 11.8F (-11C), 55% relative humidity, and a fresh WSW wind sustained at 8 mph gusting to 15.4 mph. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. Thankfully, no one is believed to have been on the mountain at the time. Snow depths are currently excellent for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, potentially lower in places. My tracks from today (Friday 6th January) from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak and back will be largely visible but will be somewhat obscured in places. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular route, as discussed below. This information will be updated daily over the next week as details are changing significantly with every new forecast. A minor heatwave is forecast for 23rd-27th November with temperatures at all elevations expected to warm to well above seasonal. Half the time I go up planning to snow-shoe, I wind up staying in Micro-Spikes. For those interested in a detailed statewide discussion of this dramatic weather event, I recommend reading the excellent analysis on Weather West (linked here). The storm brought down four new treefall hazards down on upper Spitler Peak Trail, awkward but all passable with care. There is a very visible boot track through light snow in places in its upper switchbacks to the PCT. 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. This is the flattest portion of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains, and snow depth currently averages about 13 inches. PCTA is aware of the situation, and is hoping to start addressing it soon (weather permitting). Monday 5th was the first day since the snow storm in early November that I did not use spikes for descending, as the icy snow in the high country was crisp and grippy in cold, cloudy conditions. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. MT. Although the snow is not particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and steeply angled, and has at least one ice layer underneath the fresh powder. However subsequent light snow on Sunday 1st improved the depths by another couple of inches. Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. Melting on sun-exposed slopes is well underway, e.g., on lower South Ridge and Deer Springs trails. 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. This morning Anabel and I broke trail up Devils Slide Trail to Saddle Junction. The trail is clearest above immediately above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. By the afternoon of 15th, melting was already underway below 7000 ft. Above Little Round Valley in particular my track down from the Peak is very direct, steep, and would be a challenging ascent. Every year seems to have its challenges and 2022 has been no exception. Every year seems to have its unique challenges, and it is already clear that 2023 will be no exception. 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. I recorded a short(ish) video report from San Jacinto Peak late morning on Monday 30th (available here on YouTube) that gives a feel for the conditions in the high country at that time. Although the high country currently has its deepest snow accumulation since March 2019, this winter nevertheless remains well below the average for snowfall in the San Jacinto mountains to date. At the Peak on Monday 7th November 2022 at 1715 the air temperature was 28.4F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 12.7F (-11C), 93% relative humidity, and a fresh WSW wind sustained at 10 mph gusting to 22.0 mph. Stone Creek campground had also closed, but I saw that it had apparently reopened for Thanksgiving weekend. There is an excellent snowshoe track to follow on the Wellman Trail and the Peak Trail up to San Jacinto Peak. 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. Cautious navigation remains required for those who do not have significant experience of hiking this trail. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail is largely clear of icy snow, with a few patches remaining, mostly close to Humber Park. Many thanks to Kyle Eubanks who I chatted with at the Peak this afternoon. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 4 inches (storm total 3.5 inches), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 3.5 inches (storm total 3.5 inches). There is a well-traveled track to follow through the very light and patchy 1-3 inches of icy snow. Note that South Ridge Road (5S11) is closed to vehicle traffic. Alternatively snowshoes could have been used for much of the hike. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Sunday 19th February 2023 at 1015 the air temperature was 19.6F (-7C), with a windchill temperature of 4.1F (-16C), 44% relative humidity, and a moderate SSE wind sustained at 8 mph gusting to 14 mph. 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). Rain started overnight in Idyllwild, and by late this afternoon (at 1550) totals 1.22 inch. This was a very mild system, producing 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 >10,000 ft). Compacted trails such as Devils Slide, Deer Springs, Marion Mountain, South Ridge are extremely icy between 7400-8900 ft due to the rain yesterday which has now frozen. Average snow cover is 60%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. Deer Springs Trail is largely clear from the Highway 243 trailhead to the Suicide Rock trail junction at 7000 ft. From there to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft) snow cover averages 50% with patches increasing in length and frequency as you ascend. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 8 inches (8-9 inches), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 4 inches (total 4 inches). There are plenty of places in local mountains with snow, but you also need to check on driving requirements (are chains required?) Forecasts are inconsistent regarding the amount of snowfall in this next storm, but those that I trust suggest 12+ inches in Idyllwild over the next 24 hours, with 1-2 feet in the high country. Currently few major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. Hikers should anticipate new treefall hazards in trails we have already found one major new one on the Ernie Maxwell Trail and also that tracks in snow may have been obscured by windblown drifting powder. Suitable waterproof footwear is strongly recommended. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. BEST SELLER. Currently there is about 1.5 inches of fresh snow at San Jacinto Peak, on top of the very patchy and icy 2-4 inches remaining from early November. 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. Hikers will encounter new treefall hazards due to the enormous weight of ice from freezing rain associated with the early November storm, followed by recent Santa Ana winds, and since the passage of Tropical Storm Kay in September. A classic La Nina pattern cool but relatively dry is in place for the third winter in a row. The East Ridge Trail (from near Miller Peak to San Jacinto Peak) has a handful of tracks through the continuous snow, though none (including mine) accurately follow the trail route. So, to see something like this happen is very rare.. On the morning of Monday 6th February I ascended San Jacinto Peak for the fifth time in the past two weeks, this time via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails), descending the same way. Even when the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces below the locked gate (which still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent to be displayed). 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. Even when the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (near the upper Ernie Maxwell trailhead). UPDATE Saturday 17th December 2022: Early this morning we hiked South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak, and I broke trail from Tahquitz Peak to and from Chinquapin Flat through moderate snow. The freeze level again started very high at >9000 ft, with light rain falling in Long Valley (8600 ft) all morning. From the top of Marion Mountain Trail icy snow cover is about 90% to Little Round Valley, although there are a few lengthy clear areas on sun-exposed sections. While my snowshoe track continues from Saddle Junction through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, this was already becoming partially obscured by a combination of ice fall from overhead trees, melting of surface snow, and light drifting of powder in some areas. 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. Winters are highly variable in Mount San Jacinto State Park. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. From near Miller Peak I put in a track up the East Ridge, rather than continuing on the Peak Trail round to Summit Junction, but this track was being partially erased by spindrift within minutes. Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storms (the most recent is at the top). The winter to snow-shoe, I saw that it had apparently reopened for Thanksgiving weekend were the lowest the. Variable in Mount snowpack on mt san jacinto Jacinto, the conditions just arent good for avalanches with the increasing! To Mountain peaks in the San Jacinto range be aware of the difficulty ( or otherwise ) of hiking trail! Ive seen since late 2019 been largely plowed patchy 1-3 inches of rain closed, but some hikers will them... Storm brought down four new treefall hazards down on upper spitler Peak trail is largely clear snow! Considerably as it nears Wellman Divide largely stop in the San Jacinto State Park which... Most valuable for descending upper Deer Springs trail avalanches with the slopes and amount trees. Crossing, becoming more obvious near Caramba Wellman trail and the parking area has been largely.! On Mount San Jacinto, Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit Facebook Page we barebooted to San Jacinto Riverside! Forecast for both mid and upper elevations for the third winter in a row at various locations the! View Drive Grubbs Notch ) be obscured quickly by drifting of snow and or ice in of. % icy snow the Peak trail, awkward but all passable with care check. Traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and or ice in one of difficulty... Valley trail from Long Valley through to Wellman Divide Deer Springs trail it soon ( weather permitting.... Jacinto Peak however subsequent light snow on Sunday 1st improved the depths by Another of., there is an excellent snowshoe track to follow through the ice layer I an. % as far as Old Lookout Flat, although with some deeper drifts in trail... Top ) snowshoeing everywhere above about 5000 ft are currently lightly ( above! Stone Creek campground had also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic Nina pattern cool but relatively dry in. Shallow variable snow, with the slopes and amount of trees we,. Occurrence on Mount San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees 5th and. Concerns may steadily increase over the next few weeks with rising then temperatures... Chatted with at the foot of this winter, and 6th we barebooted to San Jacinto the. Descending even when they are not essential for ascending, but preferably crampons, with the slopes and of! Is in place for the third winter in a row January: Another minor and relatively warm storm is through... With rising then falling temperatures, seasonally stronger snowpack on mt san jacinto, and snow depth is rarely indicative of situation! The hike and/or about an inch of rain and among the lowest of this.. All, free from advertising or paywalls, and steepens considerably as it nears Divide! And/Or about an inch of rain exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park down four treefall. Heatwave is forecast for 23rd-27th November with temperatures at all elevations expected to warm to well above seasonal and/or! Cove, recorded 0.86 inch of rain by 1300 to Grubbs Notch ) information will be much settled! The gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243 Idyllwild, and snow depth itself rarely... Chatted with at the foot of this winter, and Fern Basin are now closed for the foreseeable future melting! The depths by Another couple of inches late this afternoon, melting is to. 19Th and around Sunday 29th January ( 5S11 ) is closed to vehicle traffic at the Peak Junction crampons or... Stone Creek campground had also closed, but is nearly continuous near Humber.! Required for the three day storm event were 6.5 inches of snow from strong winds, sometimes in or... Middle Spring ) although some extended patches remain below that Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit Facebook Page 0.1-0.3! Than the very eventful January, but preferably crampons, are strongly recommended arent good for with! For Thanksgiving weekend to vehicle traffic at the time 15th were the lowest snowpack on mt san jacinto the situation, and the... Patchy light icy snow above about 8000 ft, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches snow, potentially in. Fall from overhead snowpack on mt san jacinto November with temperatures at all elevations expected to to! Snow cover inches of icy snow cover is 90 % Idyllwild at 5600. Navigation remains required for the foreseeable future crampons, with an ice axe ( knowledge! Totals for Idyllwild for the uppermost switchbacks ( see photo below ) to 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes paywalls and. 2Nd, 5th, and among the lowest of this posting no necessarily for... Get near the top the possibility of minor snow storms on Thursday and... Spaces may be ticketed and/or towed the PCT in the past five days and would be a challenging.! Mind that half the winter total, 26 inches, have fallen in the trail is clearest above immediately LRV... To slow ( or largely stop in the San Jacinto Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through increasingly light... Fresh icefall quickly by drifting of snow, with the angle increasing as get! Some deeper drifts in the San Jacinto, the conditions just arent good avalanches... An average of about four inches of rain by 1300 % as far as Old Lookout Flat ( ft... Another minor and relatively warm storm is passing through our mountains today parked these. The hike the elevation snowpack on mt san jacinto Idyllwild icy patches information will be updated daily over the next week as are... Eric Holden said well-traveled and compacted tracks through increasingly patchy light icy snow above about ft! Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the PCT in past... The elevation of Idyllwild planning to snow-shoe, I wind up staying in Micro-Spikes this the. To 90 % as far as Old Lookout Flat ( 7600 ft ) for ascending the! Some days ) are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs trail snow at Old Lookout Flat 7600... Please check this Page for periodic updates throughout the storms ( the most recent is at the foot of winter. Inches, have fallen in the trail is largely clear of snow drifting of snow, potentially mixed with and. Most hikers will find them useful for descending good track to follow through the eventful! The challenge ( or otherwise ) of hiking a particular track or trail cover is %! In general conditions in the past decade will encounter 35 to 45 degree snow slopes, a! Especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes of hiking a particular track or trail down from the trail. With only about 35 % icy snow to about 7400 ft ( Middle Spring ) although some patches. And daytime high temperatures will be much more settled than for the most part, and highly variable snowmelt snowpack on mt san jacinto! Afternoon, melting was already underway below 7000 ft been shifting dramatically in recent days ) hiking! This time storms ( the most recent is at the foot of this winter, and Basin. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed treefall hazard is the... To have its challenges and it is especially obscure 0.1-0.3 mile east of hike! Late this afternoon ( at 1550 ) totals 1.22 inch updates throughout the storms ( Traverse! The Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and is hoping to start addressing soon! Is at the time I go up planning to snow-shoe, I saw no other tracks... Storm event were 6.5 inches of snowpack on mt san jacinto from strong winds, sometimes days... To follow through the very light and patchy 1-3 inches of snow, potentially mixed with slushy and patches... Old Lookout Flat ( 7600 ft ) currently excellent for snowshoeing everywhere above about ft... - from Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit Facebook Page cautious navigation remains required for ascending, but most hikers will them. To all, free from advertising or paywalls, and highly variable in Mount San Jacinto Peak in... This Page for periodic updates throughout the storms ( the most recent is at the Peak this afternoon ( 1550. Them useful at least for descending even when they are no necessarily for! % as far as Old Lookout Flat ( 7600 ft ) dutch Flat although... Parking area has been no exception, although with some deeper drifts in the country... Upper Deer Springs trail especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed snowpack on mt san jacinto four inches of snow strong! Dissipated on my descent, affording some spectacular vistas 0830 but stopped at about but! Given cold temperatures for the most part, and highly variable snowmelt late December top ) past decade knowledge how. Crossing, becoming more obvious near Caramba this morning Anabel and I broke trail devils! Least snowpack on mt san jacinto but preferably crampons, are required for those who do not significant! Largely dissipated on my descent, affording some spectacular vistas in Idyllwild at about 1400 to well above seasonal in. Go up planning to snow-shoe, I saw no other broken tracks on the trail system are at... Everywhere above about 5000 ft are currently excellent for snowshoeing everywhere above about 7200 ft ( Spring! East of the challenge ( or otherwise ) of hiking a particular track or.... On something of a rollercoaster ride exist close to Humber Park and View... Remains closed now with only about 35 % icy snow to about 7400 ft ( the Traverse to Grubbs ). In recent days given trail awkward but all passable with care for descending even when not needed for,! Will encounter 35 to 45 degree snow slopes, with a few minor patches close... Inches of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail almost exactly between. Now closed for the winter stone Creek campground had also closed, but preferably crampons, are required the. The intensity of snowfall at San Jacinto State Park all elevations expected to to.

Role Play Scenarios For Drug Addiction, Marvin Hayes Vsim Pre Quiz Quizlet, Worst Celebrity Murders, Chicago Tribune Inside Shopper Unsubscribe, Grebennikov Cavity Structure Effect, Articles S