. 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. My pre-dawn hike up Devils Slide Trail on 11th January was delightful, primarily because there was the noise of running water almost everywhere. Dry Lake (San Gorgonio) From The South Fork Trail No campfires allowed. On my hike up to San Jacinto Peak it started snowing gently at 1025 in the high country. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Suitable waterproof footwear is strongly recommended. Of those, 27 are in the 0.6 mile section between Willow Creek crossing and the State Park boundary. Altitudes are approximate. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has a well-traveled and level track to follow through the steadily melting 1-2 inches of icy snow. Please report trail conditions. However, snowshoes will become increasingly useful as conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 9000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. A second forecast storm system may bring some light precipitation to the San Jacinto mountains on 2nd December, and possibly again on 4th-5th. Through LRV and up to San Jacinto Peak, there are at least three tracks (two posthole, one snowshoe), none of which attempt to follow the trail route, and all are steep and very direct. There is precipitation forecast from Wednesday 28th into the first week of 2023. I put spikes on at the Peak for the descent and ultimately kept on my Kahtoola microspikes until about 9000 ft, one mile north of Saddle Junction. 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). On the afternoon of 18th I saw posthole tracks that head down the start of the Caramba Trail, and following the PCT southbound toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have no further details at this time. The wilderness encompasses an incredible transition between desert, and mountain environments, including an enormous variety of thriving plant and animal species, in addition to bear, deer, mountain lion and bighorn sheep. By comparison, approximately 42 inches were recorded in February 2023 (provisional data). Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Other Info. Early morning hikes to San Jacinto Peak have generally had icy snow underfoot with sufficient bite for grippy boots, allowing me to bareboot all the way to San Jacinto Peak. There may be patches, but nothing you can't get around or easily through without special gear. 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). Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and generally far freezing when considering wind chill effects. Underlying that powder are layers of ice (largely from freezing rain storms) which are much more perilous. Day Camp Aide Training March 18, 2023 - girlscoutsem.org Although not required, some hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending. At home at 5550 ft in Idyllwild we recorded 10.9F (-12C), the lowest temperature we have recorded there in nine winters. 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. Gary Suttle's book lists it as 8.4mi. In addition to snowshoes, and as conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 6000ft. However, snowshoes will become increasingly useful as conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 8000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. This is frankly grossly misleading and in reality both trails no longer exist and are so completely overgrown I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them. Snowshoes can be used for ascending the highest peaks, but with considerable caution. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is functionally clear of icy snow, although a few minor patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. These can be obtained from any of the ranger stations or from many of the local merchants. Free day use and overnight permits are required. However avalanche risk may become significant over the next week if we receive a major wind-loaded snowfall on top of the deep, hardened base of snow currently in place. The Peak Trail still has about 90% cover of icy snow to San Jacinto Peak. Donate via PayPal using the link below. Very fine snow fell briefly this evening. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures well below freezing in the high country, and far below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, and for the entire Deer Springs Trail. The latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and conservative decision making. For locations measured on 23rd January, these measurements are still useful, as the new recent snow depth is roughly offset by melting over the past week. On my ascent I put crampons on at Wellmans Cienega (9300 ft) and they were more-or-less essential for traversing the icy slopes of the Peak Trail. Moderate snow has continued for the past few hours at San Jacinto Peak, with a storm total so far of about 7.5 inches. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in parentheses by the depth of fresh snow added by the latest storm on Thursday 5th. Day hiked on 12/22/22 - Very nice snow and weather conditions with little wind. The trail was also very clean which was great. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. On 24th and 28th we barebooted to the Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through light icy snow. This is the third time this century that Idyllwild has surpassed 60 inches of snow in a winter (62.8 inches in 2000/01, and 62.4 inches in 2010/11), so 60+ inch winters might be considered to occur roughly once every decade. View 18632 Deer Trail Rd, Banning, CA 92220 property records for FREE including property ownership, deeds, mortgages, titles & sales history, current & historic tax assessments, legal, parcel & structure description, land use, zoning & more. The Peak Trail has about 80% cover of icy snow, largely continuous above 9900 ft. Spikes are recommended. A rapidly warming montane climate, with changes especially striking at high elevation, is exacerbating all of these issues. Find 39 photos of the 71729 San Gorgonio Road home on Xome. Altitudes are approximate. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two. San Gorgonio. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. The USGS benchmark on the summit reads 11,501.6 feet and is dated 1989. See closure notice link below for more details. He's a pretty strong-willed guy." Four Hikers On The Summit Of San Gorgonio Mountain 1900-1915 Cali - Old PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 2-3 inches (5.5 inches on 12th December), Marion Mountain Trail at junction with PCT (8700 ft): 3-4 inches (6 inches on 12th December), Long Valley (8600 ft): 1-2 inches (5-6 inches on 12th December), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0-1 inches (4 inches on 12th December), Saddle Junction/approx. 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). Badge Workshop: Between Earth and Sky Journey (Daisy) Despite warmer temperatures on some days, hikers should be prepared for temperatures near freezing in the high country, and generally below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. 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. Rainfall may continue at mid elevations potentially for several consecutive days, and the relative warmth of the air masses may produce rain and/or freezing rain as high as San Jacinto Peak, challenging layers of icy or mixed snow/ice conditions at all elevations, and perhaps melting of much preexisting snow below about 8000 ft. Current forecasts for precipitation suggest as much as three inches of rain around the elevation of Idyllwild (5000-6000 ft) between the afternoon of Tuesday 27th December 2022 and Wednesday 4th January 2023. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate or higher angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying powder. The icy conditions are the third deadly threat in the mountains, which were ravaged first by fires, then flash floods late last year. Daisy Girl Scouts are invited to explore the 7 Ponds Nature Center on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 10-12 PM. 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. While searchers said three of the men who died were experienced hikers, Kumm is better described as an outdoors enthusiast, said Cpl. By 619jeffry. Hiking Trails. . Kenneth Smith, 66, of Yucaipa died Jan. 5 while ice climbing in the Forest Falls area, not far from where Barbour is missing now. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. Two and three-tenths miles further is High Creek Camp (water available - 9,200'). The Ernie Maxwell Trail is clear of snow. Snow cover is about 60% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.0 mile (roughly 8500 ft), and thereafter >90% to San Jacinto Peak. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. Lightly-traveled snowshoe and/or posthole tracks radiate away from Saddle Junction around the meadow trail and south toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have not checked how accurately they follow established trail routes or how far they continue. Indeed there were no other tracks anywhere above Humber Park, not even on lower Devils Slide Trail. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3 inches (all from latest storms, admixed with 5.06 inches rain on 14th-16th) already melting steadily on 18th. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Wednesday 18th January 2023 at 1115 the air temperature was 16.8F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -3.6F (-20C), 27% relative humidity, and a frigid NNW wind sustained at 10 mph gusting to 25.8 mph. Crampons are recommended for the traversing slopes. March 2 - Marion Mountain to San Jacinto and return same route. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Spikes are currently recommended throughout the trail system above about 7500 ft. On the south east side of the 15. Thank you so much for your support. 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). Conditions are forecast to remain very unsettled for the first week of January. Spitler Peak Trail (last surveyed 18th November) is clear of snow. Although excellent tracks are now in place for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended. 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). The switchbacks up to Tahquitz Peak average only 20% icy snow cover, but the frequency and length of ice patches increases on the uppermost switchbacks. And as a reminder, self-issue permits are only good for that day. Baldy. Currently crampons, always with an ice axe, and advanced knowledge of how to use this equipment, are required. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Snow on this east slope is drifted, and remains 3-8 inches deep in places. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. LockA locked padlock Hi Tyler, welcome to SoCalHiker.net! The Peak Trail track is also partially disappearing under fresh spindrift (photos below). So rather than being a once-in-a-generation event, this may prove to be a once-in-a-lifetime event for most Idyllwild residents. When plowed Humber will remain very icy for the next few days at least. He had taken ice climbing equipment he'd been given for Christmas, but had never used it before, authorities said. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Trail conditions - Pacific Crest Trail Association Discover your local Girl Scout council: about Girl Scouts, what they do, what activities are available locally, and how to contact us. but probably light rain and/or about an inch of snow at the elevation of Idyllwild. Trails down to 5000 ft elevation currently have patchy shallow snow cover. Two ascents of San Jacinto Peak in three days had challenging snow and weather, but both were hugely enjoyable. Icy snow cover is 80% overall, becoming increasingly patchy below about 7000 ft, and again in the sun-exposed areas above 8000 ft. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. 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. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all now options. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. The map below shows the new updated El Dorado fire closure area. Expect crowding. The system was generally very mild, with the freeze level near 8000 ft, but this is expected to drop overnight, by which time the precipitation will have largely passed. San Gorgonio Peak via Vivian Creek Trail Directions: Vivian Creek 9.3 miles 5,422' gain 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover costs. Early on Wednesday 18th January I barebooted up Devils Slide Trail (which I had broken to Saddle the previous morning). Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. 2020 San Gorgonio: Type of Hike: Overnight: Trailhead: South Fork: Hiking Companions: Hiked with a group: Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: No bugs: Snow Conditions: Trail snow-covered at times - Gear and expertise recommended: Trail Conditions: Obstacles on trail: Hiked up to Dry Lake and set up camp for an early . The trail design is excellent, with the grade perfectly balanced for ascent and descent. Most major trails now have a track through the snow to follow, details have been updated below. Momyer 13.2 miles, 6,062' gain After an interesting month of weather, the remainder of January into February is forecast to be somewhat more settled. http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/CABDF/2015-06-17-1915-Lake-Fire/picts/2015_06_24-16.53.57.084-CDT.pdf, As of July 16th 2015: This is a summary of conditions following the tenth and eleventh Pacific storms of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto range, that were basically a double atmospheric river event spread across 14th-17th January. The avalanche was an unusual occurrence on Mount San Jacinto, RMRU President Eric Holden said. 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. On the morning of Monday 12th a further 2.5 inches of snow settled in Idyllwild. Hiked the South Fork trail to Dry Lake where we camped for the night. They cleared, repaired, and defined 200 yards of trail tread in various places, removed 4 trees from across the trail, rebuilt a trail tread retaining wall, and cut back 100 feet of brush growing over the trail.
