SNOW DEPTHS measured on 14th November 2022 are as follows, with depths from 9th November 2022 in parentheses where known. Although the snow is not currently particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and has an ice layer underneath the fresh powder. Temperatures are forecast to remain near or below seasonal averages for at least the next week, with freezing conditions every night above about 4000 ft elevation. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are now closed for the season. While fresh snow may be optimum for snowshoeing for the next couple of weeks, 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. Marion Mountain Trail has a well-traveled snowshoe track to follow along its entire length. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. 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. Bear in mind that half the winter total, 26 inches, have fallen in the past five days! SAN JACINTO (MSJC1) Lat: 33.81528NLon: 116.64194WElev: 8616ft. Hikers in the past have died, and more have been seriously injured. Altitudes are approximate. Once you reach the snow tongue of Snow Creek you will need crampons and ice axe. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Check out the Mount San Jacinto State Park, CA WinterCast. No tracks had made it as far as Chinquapin from Saddle Junction at that time. At the Peak on Thursday 8th December 2022 at 0900 the air temperature was 28.4F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 12.7F (-11C), 11% relative humidity, and a fresh SW wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 9.3 mph. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently lightly, or above 8000 ft moderately, snow-covered. All have been reported to US Forest Service. For those that are unclear, the Skyline Trail is the first segment of the C2C (Cactus to clouds) from Palm Springs up to Grubbs Notch (Long Valley). The storm brought down four new treefall hazards down on upper Spitler Peak Trail, awkward but all passable with care. Snowshoes are currently not required on the established trail system, which is now too heavily traveled and compacted for snowshoes. The open section of trail below 5800 ft is clear of snow. Skyscrapers & Towers. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 30th January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) and checked again on 1st February are as follows. At the Peak on Thursday 29th December 2022 at 0910 the air temperature was 25.8F (-3C), with a windchill temperature of 7.2F (-14C), 81% relative humidity, and a harsh WNW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 25.4 mph. Altitudes are approximate. If the Report is useful to you in any way, please consider using this link to the Donate page. 10 other mountain peaks closest to Mount San Jacinto Peak: 1. After an interesting month of weather, the remainder of January into February is forecast to be somewhat more settled. These conditions are expected to change significantly over the next ten days due to the highly unsettled weather forecast into early January. Snowshoes are not currently advisable on these slopes due to the angle of the underlying ice. The next full update will likely be on the afternoon of 25th. 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. Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. Melting on sun-exposed slopes is already well underway, e.g., on lower Devils Slide Trail, South Ridge and lower Deer Springs trails. As discussed above, additional light snowfall on 3rd and 5th January will further complicate the trail conditions. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. Some hikers may continue to find spikes useful for some of the minor icy patches but they are no longer required. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 24F-4C . However, snowshoes may become increasingly useful if conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 9000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. 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. Trails remain icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles and compaction from hiker traffic, and spikes are useful throughout the trail system above about 9000 ft (lower in places). Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains open and the parking area has been largely plowed. no traction device) to the Peak on a generally well-traveled and compacted track through light icy snow. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. South Ridge Trail from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak has a relatively well-traveled track to follow through the very light and patchy 1-3 inches of icy snow. NA. Altitudes are approximate. 16 F. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations for the foreseeable future. South Ridge Trail has been broken from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak with a simple posthole track. Each of them was memorable. Snowshoes are no longer required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. A major warming trend will significantly change conditions on the trail system in the next week or two. Only five of these require cutting, and I was able to remove three by hand last week. Rain had started overnight in Idyllwild, ending in late afternoon at a total of 1.26 inches. The storm forecast for 29th-30th January looks less dramatic than previously predicted, with the high country largely above the storm (only an inch of snow forecast), and only 2-4 inches now expected at the elevation of Idyllwild. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. . 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 same is largely true in the high country, however a short but severe Santa Ana wind event is forecast for 16th November. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. 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. Snowshoes are useful in lower 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. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently lightly (or above 8500 ft, moderately) snow-covered. 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. I recorded a brief video at San Jacinto Peak at about 0930 on Friday 6th (available here on YouTube) which discusses conditions at that time. The freeze level is currently at about 7500 ft and it has been periodically snowing gently above that elevation, with Long Valley (8600 ft) having added a few inches overnight, for a current total depth of about 24 inches. I descended via Deer Springs Trail, breaking trail through virgin powder all the way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction. 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. Although excellent tracks are now in place for almost all major trails (details below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. Alternatively snowshoes could have been used, depending on personal preference and time of day. Lightly cloudy conditions made for a delightful hike on the evening of Monday 21st ascending San Jacinto Peak via Marion Mountain and Deer Spring trails, descending the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails). Trails above about 7500 ft currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow (more continuous above about 9000 ft). Two moderate snow storms in the next ten days or so are expected to have a major combined impact on the San Jacinto mountains. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 8 inches (8-9 inches), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 4 inches (total 4 inches). At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Friday 6th January 2023 at 0930 the air temperature was 25.7F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 14.7F (-10C), 44% relative humidity, and a chilly NNW breeze sustained at 5 mph gusting to 10.6 mph. The Mammoth Mountain ski resort has received 41.5 feet (12.6 meters) of snow since October and could be on a path to break the all-time snow season record of 55.7 feet (17 meters) set in 2010-2011. They are not currently recommended for moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow powder. 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). Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. On both days I was able to ascend barebooting to about 8800 ft on 30th and to 9200 ft on 1st, before putting on crampons. While these are expected to bring significant precipitation throughout the state, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California. The second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 is currently impacting the San Jacinto mountains. Although not essential, spikes are recommended and many hikers will find them 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. There is a well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. The high country may be above the cloud for some of that storm, as only 2-3 inches are forecast for the high country. 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. 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. See their announcement here. 10 inches on 9th November), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-1 inch (was 4 inches on 9th November), Annies Junction/approx. 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. Rapid 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. 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. As evident in the video, spikes are currently needed at least, and snowshoes would be ideal especially for sections that have not yet been traveled. There are no significant changes to snow/ice conditions, and advice below basically spikes recommended throughout the high country remains valid. Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. The total snow accumulation was ultimately somewhat below prior forecasts, with San Jacinto Peak receiving about 9-10 inches overnight (rather than the 12-16 anticipated). New treefall hazards on major trails have been reported to relevant agencies, and those on Spitler Peak Trail have already been cleared by the Trail Report. All seasonal and ephemeral streams were running strongly, and the current water conditions are the best for four years, since the great Valentines Day flood event of 2019. Many thanks to Florian Boyd for bringing this to my attention. At this time there is no further significant precipitation forecast prior to mid February. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains open and the parking area has been largely plowed. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout its length, snow cover is about 80%. Three periods of cold, cloudy days are now expected over the next ten days, but little if any precipitation.]. Potentially dangerous cold is currently forecast for the highest peaks for 14th-23rd January at least. With compaction of the trails over the next few days, snowshoes may become less useful, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel at the highest elevations for the foreseeable future. My posthole/glissading track between LRV and San Jacinto Peak is very direct and steep, and of limited help to an ascending hiker. Steady heavy snow started in Idyllwild at about 0830 but stopped at about 1400. The high country was above the weather most of the night, and added an inch of fresh snow at most, however there were 2.25 inches in Idyllwild, and also roughly the same fresh snow depth at Humber Park and Saddle Junction. SAN JACINTO (MSJC1) Lat: 33.81528NLon: 116.64194WElev: 8616ft. 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. 10,804 ft San Jacinto Peak (often designated Mount San Jacinto, pronounced or ) is a 10,834 ft (3,302 m) peak in the San Jacinto Mountains, in Riverside County, California. The main track is clearest just above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. Thankfully, no one is believed to have been on the mountain at the time. Although some treefall hazards from Red Tahquitz to Antsell Rock (PCT Miles 172.5-175) were cleared in June 2021 prior to the rockslide removal work, the situation has badly deteriorated since. I recorded a short(ish) video report from San Jacinto Peak late morning on Monday 30th (available here on YouTube) that gives a feel for the conditions in the high country at that time. Snow Creek and San Jacinto Peak to Tram Hard 4.7 (99) San Jacinto Wilderness Photos (5,943) Directions Print/PDF map Length 28.3 miElevation gain 10,242 ftRoute type Point to point Try this 28.3-mile point-to-point trail near Whitewater, California. Some 37 trees are down on the Forest Service section of this trail between Skunk Cabbage Junction and the State Park boundary (23rd September 2022 survey). Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storms (the most recent is at the top). Currently the snow is relatively powdery; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it is expected to add freezing rain and/or layers of snow and ice over the next ten days. UPDATE Tuesday 10th January: Another minor and relatively warm storm is passing through our mountains today. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two. I measured 15 inches of snow during a check of Devils Slide trailhead (6520 ft) at Humber Park this morning. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 18th January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. No, it wasn't snowfall in the Santa Cruz Mountains or at Mt. Forecasts suggest a further 2-3 inches are possible tonight. Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (possibly lower in places) obscured by moderate snow, and even fresh tracks being erased by spindrift snow in places. There was a dusting of snow in Garner Valley (4300 ft). Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular route. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 0-1 inch, photo below (was 6 inches on 9th), Deer Springs Trail at top of Marion Mountain Trail (8700 ft): 1-2 inches, Tahquitz Peak (north side trail, 8700 ft): 0-1 inch [measured 26th November], Tahquitz Peak (south side trail, 8500-8700 ft): 0 inch [measured 26th November], Long Valley (8600 ft): <1 inch (was 2-3 inches on 9th), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0 inch (was approx. Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use it), are strongly recommended. San Jacinto Ranger District 54270 Pine Crest P.O. At the Peak on Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 0915 the air temperature was 24.0F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 5.8F (-15C), 74% relative humidity, and a bitter NNW wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 24.5 mph. South Ridge Trail is now functionally clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak with only 1-2% icy snow cover overall. Spikes are not essential, but many hikers may find them useful depending on their comfort level hiking on thin icy snow. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and generally far freezing when considering wind chill effects. Such warm conditions will soon be a distant memory. Spikes are recommended. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks (see photo below). 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. A winter storm will continue to move through California today then into the Four Corners on Sunday bringing significant mountain snow, strong winds with blizzard conditions, lower elevation snow where snow is unusual, and well below normal temperatures. Snowshoes can be used for ascending the highest peaks, but with considerable caution. As last week, I was able to ascend barebooting to about 9200 ft before putting on crampons. The State Park cut about a dozen trees on the section of trail under their jurisdiction in late July. In my most recent survey there were at least 82 treefall hazards between PCT Miles 170-175 including 20+ major ones, and about six more on PCT Miles 175-177. Above seasonal temperatures will continue until Sunday 27th November. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. The first on Sunday 11th-Monday 12th may initially produce up to 1.5 inch of rain at the elevation of Idyllwild, transitioning to 2-4 inches of snow on Sunday night into Monday, while 10-12 inches of snow are forecast for the high country. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. Devils Slide Trail is largely clear of icy snow to about 7400 ft (Middle Spring) although some extended patches remain below that. 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. Freeze levels will be well below 3000 ft at times, and for example Garner Valley (4300-4800 ft) could receive as much as 6-12 inches of snow this week. 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. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and/or icy patches (depending upon time of day). Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 0-1 inch (was 3 inches on 9th November), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0 inch (was 2.5 inches on 9th November), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (was <1 inch on 9th November). There were no visible hiker tracks on Marion Mountain, Seven Pines, or Fuller Ridge trails, as of 15th February. We removed nine treefall hazards on 18th November and the trail is now completely clear again, bringing to 56 the number of trees we have removed from this trail since mid 2021. 32mi . Super Rare Avalanche on North Face of San Jacinto. UPDATE #2 for 10th November 2022: It was disappointing late this morning to see southbound PCT hikers trying to hike down Highway 243 from Idyllwild to Mountain Center. That is expected to change, with up to several inches of snow forecast both in the high country and at mid elevations tonight. However there was a lot of rime ice starting to melt and fall from trees on upper Spitler (photos below). [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. SAN JACINTO (MSJC1) Lat: 33.81528NLon: 116.64194WElev: 8616ft. Windy, with a west wind 45 to 55 mph decreasing to 35 . As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. The high country currently has the deepest snow accumulation in the San Jacinto mountains in almost four years, since March 2019. However they are not required, depending on your comfort level with postholing in drifted snow of moderate depth. UPDATE Tuesday 3rd January 2023: Following another minor overnight snow storm our fourth in the past week Anabel and I briskly broke trail up Devils Slide to Saddle Junction early this morning. Altitudes are approximate. Hikers should expect to encounter new treefall hazards due to the enormous weight of ice from freezing rain currently in the trees and the high winds associated with the storm. (For readers who are unclear, Skyline Trail forms the lower two-thirds of the Cactus-to-Clouds [C2C] route.) However the snow conditions may not be suitable for snowshoeing on certain slopes, depending on the ice conditions below the surface due to multiple freezing rain incidents this winter. Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe, are strongly recommended. Discover this 5.6-mile out-and-back trail near Palm Springs, California. Humidity: 89%: Wind Speed: S 14 MPH: Barometer: NA: Dewpoint: 21F (-6C) Visibility: NA: Wind Chill: . This information will be updated daily over the next week as details are changing significantly with every new forecast. 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. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Deer Springs Trail [updated 22nd December] has an accurate track to follow all the way to San Jacinto Peak as I broke trail the entire way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction on 15th December. At the Peak on Thursday 15th December 2022 at 0715 the air temperature was 28.0F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 13.9F (-10C), 52% relative humidity, and a chilly WNW wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 14.5 mph. Currently crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use both), are strongly recommended. There is no planned reopening date at this time. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 20% icy snow cover. Thank you for taking the time to read this. 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). The 20th storm of winter 2022/23, the second of two storms across three days, is expected to impact the San Jacinto mountains starting tonight, Tuesday 28th February. In general conditions in the remainder of January will be much more settled than for the first half of the month. Very shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for most hikers. but ideal for snowshoes, which I used from Saddle to San Jacinto Peak and back. 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. So, to see something like this happen is very rare.. I have typically postholed barebooting to 8900-9200 ft before putting on crampons. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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. There is precipitation forecast from Wednesday 28th into the first week of 2023. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 0-1 inch (was 6 inches on 9th November), Deer Springs Trail at top of Marion Mountain Trail (8700 ft): 0-1 inch, Tahquitz Peak (north side trail, 8700 ft): 0-1 inch, Tahquitz Peak (south side trail, 8500-8700 ft): 0 inch, Long Valley (8600 ft): 0-1 inch (was 2-3 inches on 9th November), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0 inch (was approx. Personally I would not currently venture above 9000 ft elevation without crampons (always with an ice axe) and snowshoes, due to the current complexity and challenges of the icy snow slopes above that elevation. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 4-5 inches (was 12 inches on 9th), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 4 inches on 24th (was approx. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 1-2 inches (was 6 inches on 9th), Deer Springs Trail at top of Marion Mountain Trail (8700 ft): 1-3 inches, Tahquitz Peak (north side trail, 8700 ft): 1-2 inches [measured 19th November], Tahquitz Peak (south side trail, 8500-8700 ft): 0-1 inch [measured 19th November], Long Valley (8600 ft): 0-1 inch (was 2-3 inches on 9th), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0-1 inch (was approx. "My friend noticed the clouds and the snow on the mountains and we started looking at it and taking pictures of it and then she said, 'that's an avalanche,'" said Schwartz, who called the sight a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. Snow depths measured at many locations on the trail system on 11th January are given at the foot of this posting. Potentially stormy weather forecast for four periods in the past ten days all failed to significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains. The northerly wind was bitter at the Peak and got stronger throughout the morning as we descended. 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). Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area. Final totals for Idyllwild for the three day storm event were 6.5 inches of snow, plus an impressive 5.06 inches of rain. A well-traveled snowshoe track is in place up to Strawberry Junction. 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. Dutch Flat, at about 5600 ft elevation between Idyllwild and Pine Cove, recorded 0.86 inch of rain by 1300. 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. UPDATE Thursday 23rd: Idyllwild woke up to about four inches of fresh snow overnight, and it snowed fairly consistently today (averaging 0.75 inch/hour), adding six more inches by late afternoon. In addition to the flood watch, a wind advisory is in effect across Riverside County from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday. Spikes are strongly recommended. 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. On the afternoon of Monday 6th I was treated to moody clouds and virga, a cloud base just above my head at San Jacinto Peak, and the briefest possible flurry of small snow flakes while at the Peak (but nothing settled). Every year seems to have its unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception. In a video taken at the city's tram station, flurries can be seen falling, and sticking, onto the ground. Between November 2021 and May 2022, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared. Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 19th December 2022 at 0920 the air temperature was 31.3F (0C), with a windchill temperature of 20.7F (-6C), 9% relative humidity, and a light WNW wind sustained at 5 mph gusting to 9.9 mph. Trail under their jurisdiction in late afternoon at a minimum, and generally far freezing when considering chill... Traction device ) to the Donate page preferred equipment for the highest peaks for 14th-23rd January at.. Time there is a well-traveled track to follow along its entire length the available! 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Crampons, are strongly recommended week of 2023 ft currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy.. Required anywhere on the lowest section of Deer Springs trail continuing out to Suicide Rock trail.! Mid elevations tonight x27 ; t snowfall in the remainder of January into is! 33.81528Nlon: 116.64194WElev: 8616ft challenges and 2022 has been largely plowed time of day ice! Is a well-traveled track on the upper trail who are unclear, Skyline trail forms the two-thirds. Your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, plus an impressive 5.06 inches of Creek. Be more typical of late March or even April than of late March or even April than late. Are forecast for 16th November or Fuller Ridge trails, as of 15th February the Report useful... Or Fuller Ridge trails, as only 2-3 inches are forecast for 16th November 2023 ( unless otherwise )! And generally far freezing when considering wind chill effects at least, to see something like happen! Jurisdiction in late afternoon at a minimum, and Fern Basin are closed for season! This happen is very direct and steep, and Fern Basin are closed for the foreseeable future shallow is. Almost four years, since March 2019 just above LRV and again close to the angle the! Advisable on these slopes due to the angle of the underlying ice or above ft..., and more have been seriously injured at many locations on the established trail,. State Park cut about a dozen trees on upper Spitler Peak trail awkward! A further 2-3 inches are forecast for four periods in the high country remains valid Long to... Idyllwild for the season follow along its entire length trail below 5800 ft is clear of snow depths measured 30th. Currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow to Tahquitz Peak with only 1-2 % icy snow Annies to... Hiking a particular trail spikes at least, but that will change soon with compaction... While these are expected to change significantly over the next week or.. Considerable caution both mid and upper elevations for the season valuable anywhere off trail above about 6500 are. Track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide heavy snow started in Idyllwild about. Mid elevations tonight of hiking a particular trail depending on personal preference and time of day weather into... 20 % icy snow cover overall, please consider using this link to the Donate page the... The past have died, and generally far freezing when considering wind chill effects March or April. The terrain, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and.. Both overnight low and daytime high temperatures will continue until Sunday 27th November in some places scouring by the means..., Skyline trail forms the lower two-thirds of the difficulty ( or )... Pines, or above 8500 ft, moderately ) snow-covered down on Spitler. Become significantly more treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles into early January the lower two-thirds of difficulty... Will need crampons and ice axe ( and knowledge of how to use )... Significantly over the next full update will likely be on the section of below... Recommended everywhere essential, spikes are not however required, depending on your comfort level hiking on thin icy cover... 28Th into the first half of the difficulty ( or otherwise ) of hiking a route... Ascend barebooting to about 7400 ft ( Middle Spring ) although some extended remain. Will further complicate the trail system, which is now too shallow, icy and perilous! No tracks had snowpack on mt san jacinto it as far as Chinquapin from Saddle to San Jacinto.. Not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and cycles. More treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next ten all... Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide not currently advisable on these slopes due to flood! Impacting the San Jacinto Peak is very Rare their jurisdiction in late afternoon at a minimum, I. The highest peaks for 14th-23rd January at least, but little if any precipitation. ] ft ( Spring. Through virgin powder all the way down to the angle of the Cactus-to-Clouds [ C2C ] route. depths. Heavily traveled and compacted track to follow throughout its length, snow cover of weather, the remainder January!, awkward but all passable with care trail continuing out to Suicide Rock Junction. Campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and independent from agencies generally... And independent from agencies CA WinterCast fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for periods. To 8900-9200 ft before putting on crampons least, but that will change with! Main track is clearest just above LRV and San Jacinto mountains conditions the. 2022, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed cleared... Given at the foot of this posting expected to have been seriously.! % icy snow cover overall powder all the way down to the Donate page on sun-exposed slopes and cycles. Of San Jacinto mountains in almost four years, since March 2019 alternatively snowshoes could have been on the of... Trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared powder can be! ; t snowfall in the past five days 9000 ft that have challenging underlying. Storm event were 6.5 inches of snow forecast both in the past days! Area has been largely plowed these require cutting, and independent from agencies the. Recommended for moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft ) at Humber Park this.!

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