This was discussed in, Minor snow storm in the early hours of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 then turned to rain all day. We removed nine treefall hazards on 18th November and the trail is now completely clear again, bringing to 56 the number of trees we have removed from this trail since mid 2021. 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. Sunrise was at 6:20 am and sunset will be at 5:38 pm; the daylight will last for 11h and 18min. Climbed Mt San Jacinto from Idyllwild. This started as low as Devils Slide Trail and continued all morning. Currently few major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Melting of snow on sun-exposed slopes and freeze-thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain. Precipitation turned to occasional light snow in Long Valley at about 1330, with an accumulation by 1550 of just 0.5 inch. In general conditions in the remainder of January will be much more settled than for the first half of the month. A key feature of this sequence of storms will be the relative warmth of the air masses which will lead to high freeze levels. 10,804 ft San Jacinto Peak (often designated Mount San Jacinto, pronounced or ) is a 10,834 ft (3,302 m) peak in the San Jacinto Mountains, in Riverside County, California. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. In fact on my hike to San Jacinto Peak on Monday 13th through steady morning snow I could barely tell the difference in snow depths from the previous week, as the few inches of fresh snow had almost exactly replaced the few inches of depth that had melted over the previous week. 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. On 14th I barebooted (i.e. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy 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. All trails above about 7500 ft are currently remain lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. Relatively little snow is therefore expected throughout the mid elevations including Idyllwild. Such warm conditions will soon be a distant memory. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 3 inches, Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 2.5 inches (melting already underway this afternoon). Spikes will become increasingly useful over the next few days and weeks as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. However they are not required, depending on your comfort level with postholing in drifted snow of moderate depth. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (no snow, 1.26 inches rain on 10th). California , United States , 33.81N 116.68W, 3047m asl. Webcams. It turned to occasional light snow showers at about 1430, with just 0.5 inch settled so far. Through and below Little Round Valley, my track almost entirely follows the established trail. They tend to be especially useful for descending trails. While the snow was not especially deep, it still took about double the time of a completely dry ascent. Snowshoes are no longer required anywhere on the established trail system, which is now too compacted for snowshoes. The trail is clearest above immediately above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. Preview trail San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 10-12 inches (12-14 inches on 12th December), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 9 inches (10-12 inches on 12th December), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 2-4 inches (7 inches on 12th December), Annies Junction/approx. Ernie Maxwell Trail has a well traveled track to follow along its entire length, through the increasingly patchy icy snow. On the north side, a location just south-east of Banning in San Gorgonio Pass recorded a gust of 92 mph. 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, the access point to Long Valley. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 37-42 inches, drifted >50 inches especially on east flank, Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 42-46 inches, heavily drifted, Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (8700 ft): 35 inches, Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 44 inches, Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 21 inches, Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0-2 inches. Melting is expected to be steady and start to accelerate into February, but freeze/thaw cycles, compaction, and refreezing overnight may ultimately combine to produce very icy conditions. Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. 51mi . 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. 16 F. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. Very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. On 14th, about 2.0 inches fell in Idyllwild, with an inch all the way down to 3500 ft (and a dusting even lower), but upper elevations received a similar amount, with 2.5 inches in Long Valley (8600 ft) and at Wellman Divide (9700 ft), and no more than three inches at San Jacinto Peak. 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). In Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) it started raining at 1100, where it has been relatively slow to accumulate so far, with 0.4 inch by 1500. In Idyllwild for several days both overnight low and daytime high temperatures will be more typical of March or even April than of late December. Yesterday afternoon we checked Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park, and measured an average snow depth of 26 inches. Every year seems to have unique challenges and 2023 is already proving to be no exception. In general temperatures are expected to warm to above average into next month at all elevations, especially at the highest elevations in the first week of February. They are strongly recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, at a minimum on the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, the Wellman Trail, Deer Springs Trail above Little Round Valley, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, and on both flanks but critically on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Hike to Mt San Jacinto is a great way to bag Southern California's second highest peak without putting in a huge effort. 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). All trails above about 6500 ft remain lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. Fire lookouts at Black Mountain and Tahquitz Peak were closed for the season this past weekend ahead of schedule in anticipation of the snow storm. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. Many hikers may find spikes are already useful, and will become increasingly so during and after this weekend with melting and compaction. South Ridge Trail from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak has a well-traveled track to follow through the very light and patchy 1-3 inches of icy snow. South Ridge Trail (surveyed 26th and 30th November) is now functionally clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak with only 1-2% icy snow cover overall. However the fresh powder is very fine and drifting heavily in the strong SW wind, and I had 2-3 inches in places in the upper Peak Trail. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has no steps to follow through the steeply angled ice with overlying deep snow. Melting may be slow and largely confined to the most sun-exposed slopes, but freeze/thaw cycles, compaction, and low overnight temperatures may lead to very icy conditions. One thing Holden was sure of, however, is that Sundays avalanche appeared to be no joke. Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 45 inches, heavily drifted, Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 40 inches (45 inches), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 44 inches (45-48 inches), Tahquitz Peak (8836 ft): 25 inches, heavily drifted to 40 inches in places (measured 20th January), Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (8700 ft): 36 inches, Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183 (8100 ft): 15 inches, Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 19 inches (21 inches), Suicide Rock Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (6950 ft): 1-3 inches, Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 2-4 inches (5-6 inches), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0-2 inches (3 inches). My tracks from Wednesday were still largely visible and helped a little with traction. 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. That is expected to change, with up to several inches of snow forecast both in the high country and at mid elevations tonight. 7-Day Weather Live Satellite & Weather Radar. Snow cover is about 80% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.0 mile (roughly 8500 ft), and thereafter essentially continuous to San Jacinto Peak. 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). On Mount San Jacinto, the conditions just arent good for avalanches with the slopes and amount of trees we have, he said. Mount Baldy Ski Lifts. Snow cover is only 50% below 6700 ft, about 95% up to 7200 ft, and continuous thereafter. Once you reach the snow tongue of Snow Creek you will need crampons and ice axe. Spikes are recommended at least for descending, and will become increasingly important with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. Long Valley added about 4-6 inches of snow overnight, and a little less than that during the day today. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) 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. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. This is a brief summary of conditions following the second Pacific storm, and the first significant snowfall, of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. There is steep, dangerous snow along the PCT on Mount San Jacinto, and in the mountains further north all the way to Canada. San Jacinto Peak is the highest peak in the California State Park system, and the second-highest point in southern California. 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. Between the dustings of snow yesterday and today, high country tracks are becoming obscured and cautious navigation is strongly advised. The number given is the current average total snow depth. However the route is now well-traveled and compacted. Currently, and increasingly as snow conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft, lower in places. Snowshoes are dangerous due to the angle of the icy snow. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. 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. Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. 24F-4C . At the Peak on Monday 13th February 2023 at 1010 the air temperature was 16.8F (-10C), with a windchill temperature of -1.3F (-19C), 95% relative humidity, and a wintry NNW wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 13.2 mph. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. While the shallow icy snow should melt steadily over the next few days, 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended. 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. 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. UPDATE Thursday 15th December 2022: Early this morning I hiked to San Jacinto Peak from Humber via Devils Slide, Wellman and Peak trails. At the Peak on Thursday 22nd December 2022 at 0910 the air temperature was 39.9F (4C), with a windchill temperature of 30.4F (-1C), 13% relative humidity, and a light WNW wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 13.8 mph. However excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place for almost all major trails (details below). However a couple more inches of snow are expected this afternoon, and also on 2nd and 5th January. Another tree came down near the start of this trail close to Saddle Junction in Tropical Storm Kay. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. For about one mile north of Saddle Junction, snow cover is only a patchy 30% on the sun exposed slope (Angels Glide) and then averages about 50% on the Wellman Trail, but then icy snow cover is about 95% on the Peak Trail to San Jacinto Peak. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 10 inches (was 12 inches on 9th), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 7-8 inches (photo above), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 3 inches (was 4 inches on 9th), Round Valley (9100 ft): was 4 inches on 9th, Annies Junction/approx. All trails above about 6000 ft are currently lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. Feb. 28, 2023 6:07 AM PT. As mentioned above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through very thin icy snow above 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). Altitudes are approximate. 59mi . Snow started in Idyllwild at about 1015 on Sunday 29th, ultimately accumulating about 3.5 inches (at 5550 ft) by the afternoon of 30th, while San Jacinto Peak (10,810 ft) added only two inches of powder. Temperatures are forecast to remain near or below seasonal averages for at least the next week, with freezing conditions every night above about 4000 ft elevation. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Partly cloudy. Firstly because it is really unsafe, that is a busy and winding mountain road, not remotely a route designed for pedestrians. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 6-8 inches (12-14 inches on 12th December), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 8 inches (10-12 inches on 12th December), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-2 inches (7 inches on 12th December), Annies Junction/approx. 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. It is starting to turn to light sleet now as temperatures drop to near freezing. 10 other mountain peaks closest to Mount San Jacinto Peak: 1. This will make trail conditions more complicated, and if in any doubt whatsoever carry and use traction devices accordingly (see discussion in introduction above). In summary there are good tracks in place through the very shallow snow, and spikes are not required (but may be useful for some hikers depending on their experience in thin icy snow). Of those, 27 are in the 0.6 mile section between Willow Creek crossing and the State Park boundary. Deer Springs Trail has an excellent posthole track to follow along its entire length. South Ridge Road (5S11) remains closed to vehicle traffic. Altitudes are approximate. 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. Holden said he could not recall the last time there had been an avalanche on Mount San Jacinto. Deep snow at 10,500 feet Although I carried snowshoes it would have been risky to try to use them on the icy traverses. 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. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) 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. Devils Slide Trail has a moderately traveled track to Saddle Junction. Mt. Spikes are recommended. This information will be updated daily over the next week as details are changing significantly with every new forecast. The previous Report (available here) summarized the conditions following the multiple storm event of 14th-17th January. Marion Mountain Trail has a very well-defined track throughout. Every year seems to have its unique challenges, and it is already clear that 2023 will be no exception. Above that elevation, icy snow is largely continuous to Saddle Junction. Since then Idyllwild had a very light dusting (<0.25 inch) of snow on Friday 20th, but the high country was above the cloud and unaffected. It was near-whiteout conditions due to wild spindrift above Wellman Divide, but the new snow was firm and overall made for good snowshoeing conditions. A light snowfall on the evening of Tuesday 21st will be accompanied by very strong winds, and is expected to largely or completely eliminate all tracks above about 7000 ft. Willow Creek Trail remains a relatively slow, messy hike for a couple of miles. Above seasonal temperatures will continue until Sunday 27th November. Forecasts indicate we will get a few more inches of snow overnight on 2nd-3rd January, and again on Thursday 5th January. This facilitated survey of the highest parts of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains (roughly Miles 179-181 and 185.5-183.5) plus several of its side trails. Thank you so much for your support. This storm is expected to have two periods of precipitation, one each on 11th and 12th. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. If there are Road Closed signs further down at the junction with Forest Drive sometimes the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also theoretically unavailable for legal parking. Marion Mountain Trail (surveyed at least weekly in past month) has a very well-defined track to follow. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Otherwise, reliable posthole tracks are in place from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, but parts will become obscured by any additional light snowfall and/or especially by drifting snow from strong winds. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. Current known total accumulations are 4 inches in Idyllwild, 6 inches at Devils Slide Trailhead, 9 inches at Saddle Junction, and 8 inches at Long Valley. At least two further minor storm systems are forecast, overnight into Tuesday 3rd January, and then again all day on Thursday 5th January, as described in more detail in the Weather section below. Conditions are forecast to remain very unsettled for the first week of January. As discussed above, additional light snowfall on 3rd and 5th January will further complicate the trail conditions. 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. An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. This makes for less than perfect snowshoeing conditions, but still preferable to postholing. Given the importance of this trail for the safety of northbound PCT hikers in particular, it is one of several trails adopted by the Trail Report. The next, much more substantial, wave of snow arrives later this afternoon. This is the flattest portion of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains, and snow depth currently averages about 13 inches. Precipitation has been steady at mid and upper elevations for the past few hours. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) 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. Temperatures will be near or generally below seasonal for the next ten days at least. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. The trail is largely clear of snow from Highway 243 to Strawberry Junction, and with about 60% snow cover from there up to 8600 ft. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 22nd December] has a well-defined but lumpy posthole track throughout. 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. New treefall hazards on major trails have been reported to relevant agencies, and those on Spitler Peak Trail have already been cleared by the Trail Report. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Additional moderate snowfall is tentatively forecast for 28th February-1st March. My blogging throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here. This morning I broke South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. 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. Devils Slide Trail is largely clear of icy snow to about 7400 ft (Middle Spring) although some extended patches remain below that. In my recent experience off-trail snow is now also largely too shallow and/or patchy for snowshoes. Tap on a box to see the date. I kept my crampons on for the entire descent, taking advantage of excellent cross-country glissading conditions, and made it from San Jacinto Peak back to Humber Park in just over two hours. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 20% icy snow cover. The second week of January is expected to be relatively warm and sunny, so extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations. Conditions will remain very unsettled well into the third week of January. 32mi . 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. Note that generally the maximum depths so far this winter were immediately following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023 (details of those depths available here). Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 0-1 inch (was 3 inches on 9th November), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0 inch (was 2.5 inches on 9th November), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (was <1 inch on 9th November). 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. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently snow-covered, and partially snow-covered above 5500 ft. Above Saddle there was a layer of fresh powder (from the previous night) on top of a thick layer of ice, itself on top of more snow from prior storms. A major warming trend will significantly change conditions on the trail system in the next week or two. A less intense but slow moving multi-storm system is forecast for Friday 16th-Wednesday 21st. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 42 inches (45-48 inches), drifted to 60 inches in places, especially on East Ridge. Spikes are not required. 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. A minor heatwave is forecast for 23rd-27th November with temperatures at all elevations expected to warm to well above seasonal. The cloud largely dissipated on my descent, affording some spectacular vistas. Skyline Trail is now largely clear, but has very limited patchy, thin, icy snow above about 7200 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 6th February 2023 at 0930 the air temperature was 11.1F (-12C), with a windchill temperature of -11.0F (-24C), 59% relative humidity, and a frigid NNW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 20.2 mph. Current forecasts suggest that the moderate storm on 14th-15th January may be cooler than the Tuesday storm, with somewhat more snow at lower elevations. 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. Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storm (the most recent is at the top). As mentioned above, the focus is on heavy snowfall expected over the next 5-6 days (and potentially again on 28th February-1st March). Deer Springs Trail (surveyed 8th December) is functionally clear of ice to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft). Top Stories. Despite the relatively weak sun at this time of year, such warm temperatures mean that snow melt may be unusually rapid (for December) at all elevations, snow conditions will generally be poor for hiking (soft, slippery, and even slushy), while in many areas conditions will be ideal for freeze/thaw cycles and hence icy trails in the early mornings above about 7000 ft.
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