An informal use trail to Laws is much more direct and avoids all of the very challenging bushwhacking of the former trails (local hikers Charles Phelan and Mark Gumprecht kindly nicknamed it the King Trail when I established the route in 2019). My track from last week largely followed the established route of the trail, especially below the Fuller Ridge junction, but higher up the track is much more direct in places. The natural traction was superb, and I barebooted all the way to just above Wellman Divide (9700 ft) before finally putting on Kahtoola microspikes, accompanied by an ice axe. Note that the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has announced they will be closed tomorrow, Saturday 25th, due to extreme weather. Current expectations are only for 1-2 inches of snow at mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild) and not much more at higher elevations, perhaps 2-3 inches with each storm. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. Snowshoes are no longer required anywhere on the established trail system, which is now too compacted for snowshoes. 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. It made for one of the easiest trips to . SAN JACINTO (MSJC1) Lat: 33.81528NLon: 116.64194WElev: 8616ft. UPDATE Wednesday 28th December: the overnight rain storm produced 0.73 inch in Idyllwild (measured at 5550 ft) while Long Valley (8600 ft) led San Jacinto mountain locations in rainfall with 1.01 inch. By using snowshoes, crampons, or even just microspikes, we were able to hike Mount San Jacinto's summit every month of the year. Forecasts indicate we will get a few more inches of snow overnight on 2nd-3rd January, and again on Thursday 5th January. With at least two further snowfalls expected in the next few days, and strong winds in the high country expected for the next week causing substantial daily drifting of snow, much of the trail system will remain largely obscured by light to moderate snow until the second week of January. There were posthole tracks heading south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat. I have kept crampons on for most of the descent, removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. Alternatively snowshoes could have been used for much of the hike. Consequently the trail conditions and snow depths reported herein will change dramatically over the next few days. My track largely follows the established trail routes, with some modifications for the conditions. The Ernie Maxwell Trail [surveyed 5th January] has patchy snow along its entire length, however it is largely clear for long sections, and the remaining snow is soft. UPDATE Saturday 17th December 2022: Early this morning we hiked South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak, and I broke trail from Tahquitz Peak to and from Chinquapin Flat through moderate snow. 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. Snow depths are expected to change multiple times over the next ten days due to mixed precipitation, including even possibly loss of snow at mid elevations due to rainfall. Avalanche risk in the high country is currently minimal due to snow depths and conditions, with the exception of the traditionally unstable north face of San Jacinto Peak which avalanches to some extent every winter. Azalea Drive, the access road to Marion Mountain trailhead, has not been fully plowed (surveyed Tuesday 14th). This is expected to be a seasonal closure until next year. In Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) additional light rain this morning has added up to 0.1 inch. No, it wasn't snowfall in the Santa Cruz Mountains or at Mt. Steady heavy snow started in Idyllwild at about 0830 but stopped at about 1400. Indeed there were no other tracks anywhere above Humber Park, not even on lower Devils Slide Trail. There is a well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. 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. Sunrise was at 6:20 am and sunset will be at 5:38 pm; the daylight will last for 11h and 18min. Heavy snow also possible in the Upper Midwest from a clipper system, and in the Northeast from a system moving through the area. 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. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): storm total 12 inches (total depth 17-20 inches), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 8 inches (total 9 inches), Annies Junction/approx. . The freeze level again started very high at >9000 ft, with light rain falling in Long Valley (8600 ft) all morning. We have surveyed the high country almost daily, with hikes taking in San Jacinto Peak at least twice per week, Tahquitz Peak area once per week, and a variety of other trails on other days (World Cup viewing permitting of course). Since the depths given in the previous Report, there has been some melting at higher elevations which have been above the cloud at times, and below 7000 ft where temperatures have remained above freezing for several days. Although excellent tracks are now in place for almost all major trails (details below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3.5 inches (total 3.5 inch). 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. Idyllwild (data from 5550 ft) received a prodigious 4.01 inches of rain in the 31 hours starting at midnight on Monday 7th. On Thursday 15th I ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails) and descended the west side via Deer Springs Trail, while on Monday 19th we hiked to the Peak up and down the east side trails. Forecast precipitation is currently only a dusting of 1-2 inches of snow at upper elevations, but combined with strong winds this will be sufficient to complicate route-finding. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. The high country currently has the deepest snow accumulation in the San Jacinto mountains in almost four years, since March 2019. However the route is largely well-traveled and compacted. As encouraging as that is, it should be noted that snow accumulation at San Jacinto Peak is only at about 65% of the depth in March 2019, and this winter overall remains well below the historical average for snow in the high country, despite recent events. Snow is virtually continuous from there to San Jacinto Peak, with an excellent track to follow. There was thin patchy snow at the trailhead (4900 ft) and then it was largely continuous above 5800 ft. Hamilton, we saw snow falling and covering the Saratoga Hills, just about 15 minutes from town. It turned to occasional light snow showers at about 1430, with just 0.5 inch settled so far. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Thankfully it was relatively straightforward in crampons as the underlying snow was very solid due to freeze/thaw cycles, and the overlying powder was generally shallow. Stone Creek campground had also closed, but I saw that it had apparently reopened for Thanksgiving weekend. The storm started relatively mild, as might be expected from an atmospheric river system pulling moisture in from warmer latitudes, and as a result the freeze level was above 6500 ft for most of the storm, with rain as high as 9000 ft, before finally falling to about 5000 ft on the afternoon of Sunday 1st. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. While these are expected to bring significant precipitation throughout the state, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway cuts about 6,000 feet of climbing off the hike . The previous Report (available here) summarized the conditions following the multiple storm event of 14th-17th January. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently ideal everywhere above about 9500 ft. Thereafter a cooling trend will take temperatures well below seasonal again including the possibility of minor precipitation on 11th-15th February. The Peak Trail track is also partially disappearing under fresh spindrift (photos below). There is a very well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. The high country added only another couple of inches of snow overnight. The second week of January is expected to be relatively warm and sunny, so extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. In addition to snowshoes, and as conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 6000ft. The Peak Trail has about 90% cover of icy snow to 9900 ft elevation, and then >95% cover to San Jacinto Peak. . Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use it), are strongly recommended. Conditions immediately following the second Pacific storm, and the first significant snowfall, of winter 2022/23 that impacted the San Jacinto mountains on 8th-9th November were summarized in the previous Report. Box 518 Idyllwild, CA 92549 1-909-382-2921 Mount San Jacinto State Park 25905 Highway 243 Idyllwild, CA 92549 Alternatively snowshoes could have been used, depending on personal preference and time of day. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Trails down to 5000 ft elevation currently have patchy shallow snow cover. South Ridge Road (5S11) is currently closed to vehicle traffic but is rapidly clearing [checked Saturday 17th] of snow. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 9000 ft. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Some of the storms are expected to be very cold with snow levels below 3000 ft, and, for example, Garner Valley may receive between 6-12 inches of snow by early March. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 40% icy snow cover. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Above that elevation, icy snow is almost continuous to Saddle Junction. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. 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). The Peak Trail has about 80% cover of icy snow, largely continuous above 9900 ft. Spikes are recommended. Snowshoes are no longer required on the established trail system, which is now too compacted for snowshoes. Prior to that Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) had received 1.04 inches of rain, with a little hail and sleet mixed in. 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). 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. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains open and the parking area has been largely plowed. Marion Mountain Trail (surveyed at least weekly in past month) now has only about 20% icy snow cover, largely in the central section between about 7400-8200 ft elevation which is less sun-exposed. This will likely continue to be the case for several weeks, given fresh snowfall expected. While we have to be grateful for any precipitation received given our rapidly warming mountain climate, it was not the significant snow-producing storm that had been generally forecast in recent days. Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. The fourteenth and fifteenth storm systems of winter 2022/23, both of them minor but having a significant effect in combination, impacted the San Jacinto mountains back-to-back on 13th and 14th February. Above Little Round Valley the track through the snow does not follow the trail route to San Jacinto Peak, and is steep and direct. As described above, crampons (always in conjunction with an ice axe) are currently recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, at a minimum on the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, the Wellman Trail, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, on both flanks but especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. Their arrival followed a period of several days of temperatures well above seasonal the previous week which had produced some significant melting. 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. Dutch Flat, at about 5600 ft elevation between Idyllwild and Pine Cove, recorded 0.86 inch of rain by 1300. The intensity of snowfall at San Jacinto Peak this afternoon is the best Ive seen since late 2019. Joyce Schwartz - From Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit Facebook Page. 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. Tap on a box to see the date. 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. South Ridge Road is clear of ice and snow. My track largely followed the established route of the trail, especially below the Fuller Ridge junction, but higher up the track is much more direct in places. My route down to Little Round Valley will not be especially helpful to ascending hikers, as I made the most of conditions to take a direct glissading route. 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. Most significantly in terms of snow conditions daytime temperatures at all elevations will be well above freezing for about a week starting 20th. Snowshoes are not required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. With such dramatic rainfall throughout the mountain range last week, and with snow now available for melting in the high country, I do not expect to be reporting on water conditions until next year. Two powerful systems will bring heavy snow and areas of blizzard conditions across southern and interior Alaska. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. 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. If there are Road Closed signs across Fern Valley Road at its junction with Forest Drive likely the case at least on weekends and holidays when significant snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Most days will be at least partly cloudy. As discussed above, multiple additional snowfalls forecast for 14th-18th January will further complicate the trail conditions. That is expected to change, with up to several inches of snow forecast both in the high country and at mid elevations tonight. 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. Regardless, always be prepared for snowy/icy conditions. Above that elevation, icy snow is largely continuous to Saddle Junction. The first couple of days early next week (20th-21st) may warm slightly above seasonal, before promptly dropping well below average again, accompanying another unsettled period of multiple consecutive storm systems on 22nd-28th. Currently the snow is relatively powdery; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. Obvious freeze/melting cycles. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 6 inches, Long Valley (8600 ft): 2-3 inches [special thanks to Kyle Eubanks for this measurement], Saddle Junction/approx. One thing Holden was sure of, however, is that Sundays avalanche appeared to be no joke. From there the Peak Trail was easy going, having been well-traveled by hikers coming up the Tram. Thank you so much for your support. As I snowshoed down past 9000 ft elevation it was clear from a layer of ice underfoot that after a light snowfall, there had been rain on top of snow, before it started snowing again on top of that Sunday morning. The Ernie Maxwell Trail [surveyed 10th January] has minor patches of snow along its entire length, however it is largely clear for long sections, and the remaining snow is rarely icy. The traversing slopes above Wellmans Divide (roughly 9800-10,500 ft) were extremely firm early in the morning and potentially treacherous. Even when the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (near the upper Ernie Maxwell trailhead; these nine space still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent). That said, it has just started gently snowing in both locations, so storm totals may increase slightly over the next couple of hours. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Altitudes are approximate. 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. Such unseasonably warm temperatures led to rapid snow melt everywhere, despite the low sun angle at this time of year, while in many areas freeze/thaw cycles have resulted in icy trails and roads especially in the early mornings. Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (the world's largest rotating tram car and not for the faint of heart), up and away to the top of Mount San Jacinto Park. Accumulation so far of about 0.5 inch in Idyllwild, and one inch at Long Valley. Spikes are not required. Once you reach the snow tongue of Snow Creek you will need crampons and ice axe. Snowshoes are useful in low to moderate angle terrain with adequate snow depth above about 8000 ft, for example the Tahquitz area meadows near Saddle Junction, sections of Deer Springs Trail, and Long Valley/Round Valley. Spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. 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. You will encounter 35 to 45 degree snow slopes, with the angle increasing as you get near the top. Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storms (the most recent is at the top). 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. While many hundreds of hours of time and effort are volunteered every year, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover modest operating costs. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. I recorded a short video at San Jacinto Peak early on the morning of Wednesday 9th November (available here) which gives a feel for conditions as the storm finally cleared. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 6000 ft, potentially lower in places. [Checked 18th January by Anne and Anabel. she said. 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. As discussed above, additional light snowfall on 3rd and 5th January will further complicate the trail conditions. Although the snow is not currently particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and has an ice layer underneath the fresh powder. See why the snow was such a major factor for this hike in the 4K . This will make trail conditions more complicated, and if in any doubt whatsoever carry and use traction devices accordingly (see discussion in introduction above). Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Every year seems to have its challenges and it is clear already that 2023 will be no exception. On Fuller Ridge Trail there are five major treefall hazards obstructing the trail in the 1.5 mile section nearest to the campground (PCT Miles 189-190.5). Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (discussed here) continues to melt slowly. 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. This may mean rain and/or freezing rain as high as 10,000 ft, and challenging layers of icy or mixed snow/ice conditions at all elevations, including the possible melting of some or most preexisting snow below about 8000 ft due to rainfall. Spikes could potentially be used to ascend to the highest peaks at this time, although crampons are certainly safer for traversing. SNOW DEPTHS measured on or around 28th November 2022 are as follows, with depths after the last significant storm (on 9th November) for comparison in parentheses where known. Snow cover is essentially continuous from Strawberry Junction to San Jacinto Peak, although patches are starting to clear below 8500 ft (south of the top of the Marion Mountain Trail). 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. Although not required, many hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending. By dusk today it had rained 0.68 inch in Idyllwild, and Long Valley had 1.5 inches of fresh snowfall. Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) also closed to vehicle traffic for the winter on 7th November 2022. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. My tracks from Wednesday were still largely visible and helped a little with traction. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. 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. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. Snowfall at the elevation of Long Valley (8600 ft) has been similarly steady, and 3-4 inches of fresh powder there takes the total depth close to one foot. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. However excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place for most of the major trails (details below). Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through increasingly patchy, very thin, icy snow above about 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). SNOW DEPTHS measured on 23rd January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. Prior to this storm, conditions had been extremely unsettled for about ten days, with four storms in a week, although only one of those was a significant snow-producing system. Spikes are recommended but not strictly essential depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow. The peak is also frequently called Mount San Jacinto. Multiple mild storm systems are forecast to bring extremely unsettled weather to the San Jacinto mountains starting Tuesday 27th December, lasting well into the first week of January. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin, and the State Park campground at Stone Creek, are closed for the season. It is starting to turn to light sleet now as temperatures drop to near freezing. 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. However excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place for most of the major trails (details below). The highest peaks appeared to add slightly less snow than some lower locations, probably because they were above the cloud for some of the precipitation events. [UPDATE 1st December 2022: the double storm system that looks likely to bring significant precipitation to northern and central California appears to be missing the San Jacinto mountains, despite optimistic forecasts over the previous week. The station is at an elevation of 2,600 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has a well-traveled and level track to follow through the slowly melting inch of patchy icy snow (photo below from 30th). 43 minutes ago Distance: 8km. Spikes are recommended but not required depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow. ( details below ) largely visible and helped a little with traction currently everywhere! Basin are closed for the winter on 7th November 2022 Saddle Junction ( surveyed Tuesday 14th ) prior that. The parking area has been largely plowed snowfall expected Santa Rosa Truck (. 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