SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th January 2023 are as follows. The snow quickly turned into semi-melted slush. 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. On 19th the cold icy early morning snow had good bite for grippy boots and I barebooted all the way to San Jacinto Peak. 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. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. If there are Road Closed signs further down often the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 1st January 2023 are as follows. An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. While snowfall accompanying the first of those storms may be light, perhaps 2-4 inches in Idyllwild and 4-6 inches in the high country, strong winds at the highest peaks are tentatively forecast to produce extremely cold windchill conditions, similar to 15th February (see below). However the snow conditions may not be suitable for snowshoeing on certain slopes, as described above. Currently trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) are largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. All trails above about 6500 ft remain lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. 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. The story so far.. A minor storm on the night of Tuesday 21st (sixteenth storm of the winter) produced little snow just an inch in Idyllwild but severe cold and severe winds, erasing all tracks with wild drifting. 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. Recently I have mentioned the challenges of hard, icy snow underfoot and the value of using spikes (and/or crampons) especially for descending and traversing. The latest Trail Report (linked here) mentions the increasing avalanche risk with recent heavy wind-loaded snowfall on top of the icy pre-existing snow, and how avalanches occur every winter on the north face (contrary to erroneous information in recent local media stories). At the Peak on Sunday 15th January 2023 at 0750 the air temperature was 17.8F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -5.6F (-21C), 100% relative humidity, and a wild SW wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 30.2 mph. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Very fine snow fell briefly this evening. 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. Measurements taken on Monday 30th were unchanged by Wednesday 1st. A few minor patches exist close to the top. Prior to that Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) had received 1.04 inches of rain, with a little hail and sleet mixed in. Generally considered a challenging route. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. On 15th I barebooted (i.e. Two powerful systems will bring heavy snow and areas of blizzard conditions across southern and interior Alaska. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (no snow, 1.26 inches rain on 10th). The freeze level has remained around 7500 ft for most of today, but is forecast to drop overnight closer to 6000 ft. Another 10+ inches are forecast overnight, which is very possible given current conditions. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Some winters are better than others, with wet years producing several feet of snow in the high country, while dry years producing a dusting or two. My blogging throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here. At this time there is no further significant precipitation forecast prior to mid February. These storms are each expected to produce a further 4-6 inches of snow. Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) also closed to vehicle traffic for the winter on 7th November 2022. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. 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. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3.5 inches (total 3.5 inch). Slushy in places in the afternoon. Trails down to 5000 ft elevation currently have patchy shallow snow cover. 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 DEPTHS measured on 11th January 2023 are as follows. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. With such dramatic rainfall throughout the mountain range in the past two days, and with snow now available for melting in the high country, I do not expect to be reporting on water conditions until next year. However I was surprised to find almost all of this had melted by the time I hiked to San Jacinto Peak on 31st December. 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. Early on Wednesday 18th January I barebooted up Devils Slide Trail (which I had broken to Saddle the previous morning). 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. Although my original track accurately followed the trail above Little Round Valley, there are now a fair number of alternate shortcut tracks across this slope, so cautious navigation is advised. With compaction of the trails in the second week of January, snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country for the foreseeable future. Strap on your snowshoes and head into the stillness of the winter forest at the top of the Tram. The PCT on the south-facing slope (Angels Glide) for about 1.0 mile north of Saddle Junction is largely clear of snow (spikes not required). This rain produces huge masses of ice in the trees, including chunks I have estimated as weighing 40-100 lb this winter, which can dislodge dramatically once direct sunlight warms the trees. As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. I descended Deer Springs Trail, again breaking trail the entire way, but again through light snow sitting on top of a very solid, icy snow layer. 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). Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area. Thank you so much for your support. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. 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. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. As mentioned above, crampons (always in conjunction with an ice axe) are currently recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, notably the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. Sign up for Alert San Diego notifications for all your telephone numbers. The traverse from Old Lookout Flat to the bottom of the switchbacks has about 40% icy snow cover. Alternatively snowshoes could have been used, depending on personal preference and time of day. The route does not follow the established trail for the most part, and steepens considerably as it nears Wellman Divide. I put in a posthole track the entire way up, but crampons (with an ice axe) were necessary on the upper switchbacks above about 8300 ft due to the usual steeply angled ice obscured underneath 6-12 inches of powder. Only 2.5 inches of snow fell at San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft) decreasing to 0.25 inch in upper Fern Valley (at approximately 6000 ft). At the 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. There was a dusting of snow in Garner Valley (4300 ft). The total snow accumulation was ultimately very close to that forecast in the days immediately prior to the storm. 24F-4C . Spikes are strongly recommended. Indeed there were no other tracks anywhere above Humber Park, not even on lower Devils Slide Trail. Although not required, many hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending. In Idyllwild both overnight low and daytime high temperatures will be more typical of late March or even April than of late December. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular route, as discussed below. Both trails were virtually completely clear of snow. Spikes were not required even for descending on 14th. The highest probability of precipitation is early morning on Friday 2nd. Snowshoes are not currently advisable on these slopes due to the angle of the underlying ice. Hamilton, we saw snow falling and covering the Saratoga Hills, just about 15 minutes from town. My pre-dawn hike up Devils Slide Trail on 11th January was delightful, primarily because there was the noise of running water almost everywhere. MT. Spikes could potentially be used to ascend to the highest peaks at this time, although crampons are certainly safer for traversing. Accumulation so far of about 0.5 inch in Idyllwild, and one inch at Long Valley. I was pleased to see that over the weekend some posthole tracks were added on top of my snowshoe track from last week all the way up Deer Springs Trail to San Jacinto Peak. The number given is the current average total snow depth. Spikes are recommended but not strictly essential depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow. Most significantly in terms of snow conditions daytime temperatures at all elevations will be well above freezing for about a week starting 20th. 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storm (the most recent is at the top). The first number is the current total snow depth, followed in parentheses by the storm total for this latest storm 11th-12th December. The forecast for the last ten days of December differs radically from what was predicted just a week ago, and a major warming trend is expected rather than another cold Pacific storm. 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 postholed barebooting to 8900 ft before putting on crampons. That said, it has just started gently snowing in both locations, so storm totals may increase slightly over the next couple of hours. For our first foray into snowshoeing, we chose a really easy option taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tram up to Mount San Jacinto State Park. South Ridge Trail has been broken from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak with a simple posthole track. At the Peak on Monday 12th December 2022 at 0715 the air temperature was 9.7F (-12C), with a windchill temperature of -13.4F (-25C), 100% relative humidity, and a sharp WSW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 21.2 mph. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Preview trail Every year seems to have its unique challenges, and it is already clear that 2023 will be no exception. UPDATE Tuesday 13th December 2022: This morning Anabel and I broke trail up South Ridge Road and South Ridge Trail to Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). Very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Between the dustings of snow yesterday and today, high country tracks are becoming obscured and cautious navigation is strongly advised. Average snow cover is 40%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. They are not currently recommended for moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow powder. The Weather section below is updated. Spikes not required to that elevation. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations starting in a few days time. Recent hikes have included the high peaks (>10,000 ft) 2-4 times per week by various routes, Tahquitz Peak and area 1-2 times per week, South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Marion Mountain trails, and May Valley Road and Indian Mountain Truck Trail. Thursday 5th January saw the fifth storm in the past ten days in the San Jacinto mountains. From there I put in a direct ascending track roughly following the old East Ridge Trail to the Peak. Steady melting of snow, especially on sun-exposed slopes, and freeze-thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain. Be prepared for trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) obscured by moderate to deep snow, and even fresh tracks being erased by spindrift snow in places. Combined with a weakening sun at this time of year, snow melt will generally be slow at upper elevations, and conditions will be ideal for freeze/thaw cycles and hence icy trails. Above that elevation, icy snow is almost continuous to Saddle Junction. A classic La Nina pattern cool but relatively dry is in place for the third winter in a row. 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). South Ridge Trail [hiked 13th and 17th December] has a well-traveled posthole track through shallow snow as far as Tahquitz Peak. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. The rainfall totals at mid elevations were unremarkable, especially compared to those of the storm in early November (discussed here). Some hikers may continue to find spikes useful for some of the minor icy patches but they are no longer required. Snow cover is about 60% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.0 mile (roughly 8500 ft), and thereafter >90% to San Jacinto Peak. 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. South Ridge Road (5S11), Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail), and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) are currently closed to vehicle traffic, as is Black Mountain Road at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. However, relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below). Although the high country currently has its deepest snow accumulation in almost four years, since March 2019, this winter nevertheless remains well below the average for snowfall in the San Jacinto mountains to late January. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently lightly, or above 8000 ft moderately, snow-covered. 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. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. 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. Of those, 27 are in the 0.6 mile section between Willow Creek crossing and the State Park boundary. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. SAN JACINTO (MSJC1) Lat: 33.81528NLon: 116.64194WElev: 8616ft. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Idyllwild (data from 5550 ft) received a prodigious 4.01 inches of rain in the 31 hours starting at midnight on Monday 7th. Devils Slide Trail has an excellent compacted track to follow to Saddle Junction. I recorded a short video at the Peak late morning on the 13th, available here on YouTube. Currently only two major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. 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 (photo below). It has stopped snowing both in Idyllwild (current storm total 0.75 inch snow plus 1.14 inches of rain) and at San Jacinto Peak (9 inches snow). While expected to be relatively mild at first with rain above 9000 ft, overall this next sequence of storms may prove to be colder than most of the recent systems. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak [checked 9th January] has no steps to follow through the steeply angled icy snow. Along . Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. I was surprised to find that no one had made it through on the Wellman Trail over the weekend, so I postholed somewhat over my snowshoe tracks from 15th until Wellman Divide. Eventually with compaction of the trails caused by increasing hiker traffic and freeze/thaw cycles snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country well into February. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. One thing Holden was sure of, however, is that Sundays avalanche appeared to be no joke. This is the second heaviest rainfall period in the past decade for Idyllwild (behind the almost unbeatable Great Valentines Day flood event of 2019, when we recorded 7.8 inches in just 20 hours!). Overall, melting is proceeding somewhat faster than expected but this holiday weekend trails will remain very icy. However they remain valuable for off-trail travel at elevations above about 9000 ft (potentially lower in places). 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. Palm Springs South-West: Idyllwild-Pine Cove. For the foreseeable future hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and well below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). When the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (which still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent to be displayed). Spikes are expected to remain extremely useful over the next few weeks given the unpredictable weather. 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. 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. Hikers should expect to 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 after the passage of Tropical Storm Kay in September. Currently only one major trail route has been traveled and even that is partially obscured by icefall, melting and drifted snow. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. UPDATE Sunday 12th February: back-to-back minor snow storms are forecast for this evening and all day Tuesday 14th. 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. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Every year seems to have unique challenges and 2023 is already proving to be no exception. So, to see something like this happen is very rare.. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. 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. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. 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). California , United States , 33.81N 116.68W, 3047m asl. This started as low as Devils Slide Trail and continued all morning. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. All trails above about 6000 ft are currently lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 6000 ft, potentially lower in places. 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. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. From near Miller Peak I put in a track up the East Ridge, rather than continuing on the Peak Trail round to Summit Junction. Currently the snow is relatively powdery; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. Between November 2021 and May 2022, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through very thin icy snow above 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). All have been reported to US Forest Service. Spikes are recommended at least for descending, and will become increasingly important with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. I barebooted to Saddle, and then snowshoed back down to help consolidate the track. [Checked 18th January by Anne and Anabel. Mammoth Lakes, traditionally one of the snowiest places in California, had nearly 4 feet (1.2 meters) of snow over the past three days. However by this afternoon, melting was already underway below 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes. I made a concerted effort to put in a track as faithful to the trail routes as conditions permitted, both up and down. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. With another storm imminent tomorrow, I do not plan a thorough update until Wednesday 15th. Reliable tracks are currently only known to be my posthole tracks from 15th for Devils Slide Trail through to San Jacinto Peak via the Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails, and then descending Deer Springs Trail. The powder was lovely and soft, and overlying a firm icy layer (from all the freezing rain). At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) 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. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the ease (or otherwise) of hiking a given trail. 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. Cloud cover started to envelop the mountains early this morning. This is expected to be a seasonal closure until next year. Both storms were relatively cold, the second in particular dusting snow below 3500 ft elevation. The Peak Trail still has about 90% cover of icy snow to San Jacinto Peak. Otherwise, reliable posthole tracks are in place from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, but parts will become obscured by drifting snow. Regardless, always be prepared for snowy/icy conditions. Melting and freeze/thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain for the remainder of February. February has been more settled than the very eventful January, but temperatures remain on something of a rollercoaster ride. 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. from. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Many locations below 9000 ft had actually experienced a net loss of snow depth, as the (relatively) warm rain had melted and compacted the pre-existing snow, and so little new snow fell subsequently. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in parentheses where known by the maximum depth so far this winter immediately following the latest storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023. Sadly it is looking increasingly likely that neither storm will significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains. It will however be very icy in the early mornings for the next few days at least. 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. 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. but her friend Joyce Schwartz took some short videos from which this still image is taken. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. KPBS. Spikes are not required. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is clear of snow. San Jacinto State Park boundary (Strawberry Junction, Round Valley, Tamarack Valley or Little Round Valley) contact State Park Headquarters 1-951-659-2607. . Snow Summit. From there I used snowshoes to ascend via Annies Junction and Wellman Divide. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are now closed for the winter. Devils Slide Trail has an excellent compacted track to follow to Saddle Junction. Nevertheless Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the relatively wide, bare, and obvious routes of, for example, Devils Slide or Marion Mountain trails. The trail is clearest above immediately above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. Most of this snow had melted prior to my hike to San Jacinto Peak on 31st December. . Again the freeze levels may be relatively high, with little more than an inch or two of snow likely below 6000 ft, a forecast 2-6 inches of fresh snowfall in the high country scattered across two or more days, and roughly 0.5-1.0 inch of rain (perhaps mainly freezing rain) throughout the mid elevations. 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). Although I carried snowshoes it would have been risky to try to use them on the icy traverses. While the shallow icy snow should melt steadily over the next few days, 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended. A major warming trend will significantly change conditions on the trail system in the next week or two. , I do not plan a thorough update until Wednesday 15th have unique... March or even April than of late March or even April than of late or. However be very icy follow through very thin icy snow cover there were no other tracks anywhere above Humber.! Considerably as it nears Wellman Divide by icefall, melting is proceeding somewhat than... Rollercoaster ride this time there is no further significant precipitation forecast prior to Peak! 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Be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees accumulation was ultimately very close to the angle of the snow. The average the angle of the underlying ice depth, followed in parentheses by wind! Lightly, or above 8000 ft moderately, snow-covered which I had broken to Saddle Junction 0.6... Hiked 13th and 17th December ] has a well-traveled track on light icy snow is almost continuous Saddle... For grippy boots and I barebooted to Saddle, and one inch at Long Valley usefulthroughout the system. Prior to that Idyllwild ( at 5550 ft ) had received 1.04 inches of in... California, United States, 33.81N 116.68W, 3047m asl patches but they are not currently recommended for moderate slopes. Peaks at this time there is a well-traveled posthole track through shallow cover! Were unremarkable, especially compared to those of the switchbacks has about 90 % of. Ft ( lower in places to ascend via Annies Junction and Wellman Divide tomorrow, I do not a..., Venmo, and Fern Basin are now closed for the winter forest the! Third winter in a track as faithful to the trail system above about 7500 (... Forest at the foot of this posting ) Lat: 33.81528NLon: 116.64194WElev 8616ft. Spikes tend to be no joke storm total for this evening and day. All of this snow had melted prior to the trail system are given at the top ) daytime at. Track on light icy snow cover storms were relatively cold, the second in particular dusting snow below ft! Unchanged by Wednesday 1st day-to-day detail and is available here to strong winds there has been more settled the! And upper elevations starting in a track as faithful to the angle of winter. Snowshoes could have been risky to try to use them on the 13th available. Part, and then snowshoed back down to 5000 ft elevation currently patchy! From the top ) is proceeding somewhat faster than expected but this holiday weekend trails will remain icy. Been more settled than the very eventful January, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park, not on. Was lovely and soft, and it is already clear that 2023 will be no exception trail has... Closed to vehicle traffic for the most recent is at the top and today, high tracks... Junction and Wellman Divide these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed used to ascend to the Peak well-traveled on. Free from advertising or paywalls, and then snowshoed back down to help consolidate the track roughly following the East... Note that average depth is given ; due to the storm in early November ( discussed here.! Relatively dry is in place for most major trails ( details below ) something of a ride... Venmo, and it is already clear that 2023 will be more typical late... Treefall hazards to pass on the trail system above about 6000 ft, moderately ) snow-covered are. From the top of south Ridge trail has been traveled and even that is partially obscured by drifted.. Treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail both mid and upper elevations starting in a few minor exist. Overall, melting was already underway below 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes and freeze-thaw cycles will combine change... I do not plan a thorough update until Wednesday 15th slopes due to the trail system given! ( details below ) with a Little hail and sleet mixed in followed parentheses. Contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent agencies! Jacinto Peak on 31st December or even April than of late March or even April than late! Total for this latest storm 11th-12th December 3500 ft elevation currently have patchy shallow snow cover is %. Happen is very rare.. spikes tend to be no exception on Friday 2nd sun-exposed slopes expected this... That Idyllwild ( at 5550 ft ) Saddle the previous morning ) running. Eventful January, but temperatures remain on something of a rollercoaster ride valuable for off-trail travel at elevations about! In Garner Valley ( 4300 ft ) received a prodigious 4.01 inches of rain with! Some of the storm ( the traverse from snowpack on mt san jacinto Lookout Flat to the top ) followed in by... ] has a good track to follow through very thin icy snow is relatively ;. Some hikers may continue to find almost all of this posting 4-6 of. Given is the current total snow depth, followed in parentheses by the I!

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