Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and generally far freezing when considering wind chill effects. I have kept crampons on for most of the descent, removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. I had the pleasure of hiking the Fish Creek Trail on June 22nd. 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. Temperatures may be mild enough to produce rain at mid elevations, for example totaling less than 0.25 inch in Idyllwild, while snow accumulation above 10,000 ft elevation is currently forecast to be a dusting, perhaps few inches at most. Yesterday afternoon we checked Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park, and measured an average snow depth of 26 inches. Currently there is less than three feet of snow at San Jacinto Peak; I suspect it would be 5-8 feet had we had fractionally cooler conditions in the past month. per winter back then. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Spikes are not essential but will be useful for most hikers, especially for descending. on official, secure websites. Currently the snow is relatively powdery and benign; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. If the Report is useful to you in any way, please consider using this link to the Donate page. 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 best times to visit this trail are May through November. Although I carried snowshoes it would have been risky to try to use them on the icy traverses. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (no snow, 1.26 inches rain on 10th). 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. Do not park in the picnic area sites -- please take care to read all signage! Generally the San Jacinto mountains have just caught the southern edge of these systems, with nothing like the dramatic precipitation being reported from further north. Marion Mountain Trail has a well-traveled snowshoe track to follow along its entire length. Snow cover remains >95% through Little Round Valley up to San Jacinto Peak. Such unseasonably warm temperatures mean that snow melt will be rapid everywhere while in many areas freeze/thaw cycles will result in icy trails in the early mornings above about 7000 ft. By late morning snow conditions will become poor for hiking (soft, slippery, and even slushy) especially in sun-exposed areas. 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. The freeze level will again start very high, but is forecast to fall lower, with the possibility of a light dusting of snow down to about 5500 ft. Another inch of rain is forecast for mid elevations, but a heavier snowfall is expected in the high country, with predictions ranging from 8-20 inches above 10,000 ft. Further precipitation is tentatively forecast for 3rd-6th January, but amounts, timing, and freeze levels remain uncertain this far ahead. 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. 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. In Palm Springs, artist Lauren Bon displays The Smallest Sea with the Largest Heart. 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. March 11 - San Gorgonio via Jepson Bowl and return same route. You can also request via fax at (909) 794-1125. Indeed the final third of December may be one of the warmest on record for the holiday period. Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of 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 drifting snow. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. At the Peak on Monday 23rd January 2023 at 1010 the air temperature was 11.1F (-11C), with a windchill temperature of -16.2F (-26C), 47% relative humidity, and a bitter NNE wind sustained at 20 mph gusting to 27.7 mph. Difficulty : Strenuous. Coldwell Banker. San Gorgonio, located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area. Thank you so much for your support. I barebooted to 9000 ft, then snowshoed the rest of the way through lovely light powder. 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). Leave your itinerary Make sure you tell someone where you are planning to go and when youll be back. The number given is the current average total snow depth. Spitler Peak Trail had 10 new treefall hazards, almost all in the upper switchbacks. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. San Gorgonio Wilderness Map. I measured an average of about four inches of snow at Old Lookout Flat, although with some deeper drifts in the trail. In my recent experience off-trail snow is now also largely too shallow and/or patchy for snowshoes. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations starting in a few days time. I put together this table from a spreadsheet I maintain of publicly available National Weather Service meteorological data. He's a pretty strong-willed guy." SNOW DEPTHS measured on 30th January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) and checked again on 1st February are as follows. "I'm assuming, with all the snow, he just got turned around," Henley said. [Checked 18th January by Anne and Anabel. Deer Springs Trail has a posthole track to follow along its entire length. Snow cover is only 50% below 6700 ft, about 95% up to 7200 ft, and continuous thereafter. At about 10K feet we began seeing our fist snow obstructing the trail. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. single family is a 3 bed, 2.0 bath unit. However I was surprised to find almost all of this had melted by the time I hiked to San Jacinto Peak on 31st December. A positive start to the new year, this is a summary of conditions following the fifth Pacific storm (but only the third significant snowfall) of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. Park here above the picnic area where there are a handful of parking spots. Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storm (the most recent is at the top). Although most of the downed trees reported this summer were cleared in July, four more major trees came down in Tropical Storm Kay in September. Spitler Peak Trail is now functionally clear of snow. Schedule a showing for 251 Broadriver Trail in Beaumont, CA. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Long Valley (8600 ft) has received about 1.0 inch fresh snow this morning. The State Park boundary is not marked but is near the site of the old Florians Cache, below Flat Rock. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. 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. Although that day was not as cold and windy as 15th, I ascended in heavy cloud conditions with steady snowfall for the first three hours. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. Lamentably this latest storm was again very mild, with rain falling as high as the elevation of San Jacinto Peak see photos below all morning on Tuesday 10th, until finally turning to light snow in the early afternoon (at about 1330 in Long Valley). The storm sequence starts with a minor storm on the night of Tuesday 21st, which may only produce 2-3 inches of snow at all elevations, but accompanied by high winds and bitterly cold temperatures. Snow cover remains virtually continuous, but a few small patches are clearing below 7000 ft. Spikes are strongly recommended, at least for descending. This is followed by steady moderate to heavy snowfall starting in the afternoon of Wednesday 22nd and continuing into the early hours of Sunday 26th February. 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. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing above about 9000 ft, potentially lower in places. In combination with the four inches of rain since Saturday, not to mention the many inches of rain earlier this winter, the mid elevations, including the mountain communities, are now best described as a very soggy and slushy mess. San Gorgonio Wilderness Association; Google Search for 'San Gorgonio Wilderness' Lots of useful links. Azalea Drive, the access road to Marion Mountain trailhead, has not been fully plowed (surveyed Tuesday 14th). When Anabel and I waded out for a modest walk, the snowplows seemed to be struggling to keep up on the streets, but we know they will catch up in due course. Devils Slide Trail has a very lightly traveled track to Saddle Junction in place. Final precipitation numbers for Idyllwild (measured at 5550 ft elevation) across the three days were 5.06 inches of rain and 6.5 inches of snow, although only about half of the latter remained on the ground as a few inches were removed by (relatively) warm rain between snow storms. There is a very well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. 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). These can be obtained from any of the ranger stations or from many of the local merchants. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. The Vivian Creek trail is an artery used by hikers to reach the peak. 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. There is a decapitated boar head hanging from the fence by its teeth about half a mile south of hikertown on 1/30/23. Above that elevation, icy snow cover is about 60% to Saddle Junction. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. 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. Fresh snowfall in Long Valley is now at about four inches. momyer-open-map. On 24th the road had about 30% patchy ice cover. "It occurred to me that anyway one more Sunday was over, that Maman was buried now, that I was going back to work, and that, really, nothing had changed." Spikes are not required. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. website belongs to an official government organization in the There is a very well-traveled track through increasingly patchy thin icy snow from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. Mountain Conditions. 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). Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Trip Report By. Spikes will likely become more increasingly useful over the next few days and weeks as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. Mike, You might want to use this one instead Average snow cover is 40%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. Baldy. Seven Pines Trail has not been traveled since the storm in mid December, at least not in its uppermost section, and there is no track to follow through the snow. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Note that near its junction with Deer Springs Trail, the route was not close to the established trail, so cautious navigation may be needed. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 7000 ft, possibly lower in places on cold (icy) mornings. However they are not required, depending on your comfort level with postholing in drifted snow of moderate depth. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway/Long Valley remain open. If there are Road Closed signs further down at the junction with Forest Drive as is often the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Three numbers are given: the first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in brackets by the new snow accumulation from the storm on 29th-30th January, and finally in parentheses by the maximum depth where known so far this winter, generally on 18th January following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023. Icy snow cover is 60% overall, becoming increasingly patchy below about 7000 ft, and again in the sun-exposed areas above 8000 ft. Spikes are useful, especially for descending. Must have crampons/and Alpine boots, trails are iced and very dangerous. This table gives the weather forecast for San Gorgonio at the specific elevation of 3505 m. Our advanced weather models allow us to provide distinct weather . Reservation Rules. Whether you're a Girl Scout, a volunteer, or a family member, decide what you'll do next in your Girl Scout experience. 602 S. Tippecanoe Ave. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. (16), Additions & Corrections The trail is clearest above immediately above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. He has just reported storm snow totals of 5-6 inches at Wellman Divide (9700 ft) and four inches in both Round and Long valleys from his descending hike. Taking the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best road trips from Los Angeles and the best choice when taking a road trip to mountainous Big Sur. Your contribution helps SGWA protect the Wilderness and educate visitors! Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, plus an ice axe (and thorough knowledge of how to use it) are currently required for traversing these slopes. The 1714 sq.ft. However excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place for almost all major trails (details below). I measured 1.5 inches of fresh snow at Saddle Junction early this morning, with about one inch at Humber Park, and 0.8 inch of snow (following 0.7 inch of rain) at 5550 ft in Idyllwild. Sky High Trail (5km) Raywood Flat Trail (5.1km) North Fork Meadows Trail (5.4km) 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. An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. 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. This rain produces huge masses of ice in the trees, including chunks as large as a small microwave weighing 40-80 lb, which then dislodge as soon as direct sunlight warms the trees. Bear in mind that half the winter total, 26 inches, have fallen in the past five days! There is also a Little Round Valley campground which is on the . 8. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Tuesday 27th December 2022 at 0850 the air temperature was 31.2F (-1C), with a windchill temperature of 15.1F (-9C), 31% relative humidity, and a sharp WSW wind sustained at 17 mph gusting to 26.1 mph. By my measurements, Idyllwild is up to 51 inches of snow to date for this winter, compared to the average for the thirty year period 1991-2020 of 31 inches. Section B. Warner Springs to I-10/San Gorgonio Pass. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are now closed for the season. 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. Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail), and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) also closed to vehicle traffic for the season on 7th November 2022. 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). February has been more settled than the very eventful January, but temperatures remain on something of a rollercoaster ride. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. I hope to provide more information on the high country situation on Sunday 26th, depending on conditions/weather. With significant further snowfalls expected in the next week (at least), and moderate to strong winds in the high country expected for many of those days causing some daily drifting of snow, much of the trail system may remain completely or somewhat obscured by snow throughout most or all of January. The source is here. Be prepared for ice and deep snow, bring crampons and /or snow shoes and above all do not hike past your limits. 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. The San Bernardino Mountains are unique in that they have an eastwest orientation, making them transverse to the general northsouth orientation of most of California's coastal mountains. 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. website belongs to an official government organization in the Altitudes are approximate. With such mild storms this winter, it is interesting to speculate how much snow would currently be around the high peaks if air temperatures had been just a couple of degrees cooler. Altitudes are approximate. Wore pants and gators expecting brush and my usual snake friends but both were absent. (406), Comments Because of the 18K+ acre Lake Fire (which is still burning as of 6/24/15), a large section of the San Gorgonio Wilderness including all trails to the summit of San Gorgonio Mountain will be CLOSED until October 1, 2015 Currently crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use both), are strongly recommended. This morning I broke South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. 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. 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). February 2011 recorded 45.5 inches, and there were 45.5 inches in March 2006. Spikes are not required. I snowshoed the rest of the way to San Jacinto Peak through lovely light powder. New phone # 909-382-2882If you want a permit for Vivian for a dayhike on the weekend in the summertime, you must get it 3-4 weeks in advance. The avalanche was an unusual occurrence on Mount San Jacinto, RMRU President Eric Holden said.
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