Western side of the range is holding more snow than eastern side. Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail) and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) closed to vehicle traffic for the season on 7th November 2022. San Jacinto State Park boundary (Strawberry Junction, Round Valley, Tamarack Valley or Little Round Valley) contact State Park Headquarters 1-951-659-2607. . Devils Slide Trail is largely clear of icy snow to about 7400 ft (Middle Spring) although some extended patches remain below that. 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. This facilitated survey of the highest parts of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains (roughly Miles 179-181 and 185.5-183.5) plus several of its side trails. Visitors who are leaving the 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 track on Deer Springs Trail largely follows the existing trail route up to Little Round Valley. I was pleased to see that over the weekend some posthole tracks were added on top of my snowshoe track from last week all the way up Deer Springs Trail to San Jacinto Peak. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations for the foreseeable future. Areas here at 6500-7000 ft had had much less snow than a few miles further north, only 0.5-1.0 inch depth. UPDATE Thursday 15th December 2022: Early this morning I hiked to San Jacinto Peak from Humber via Devils Slide, Wellman and Peak trails. All trails above about 7500 ft remain lightly snow-covered. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 9th November 2022 are as follows. Snow cover is about 60% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.0 mile (roughly 8500 ft), and thereafter >90% to San Jacinto Peak. Altitudes are approximate. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Eventually with compaction of the trails caused by increasing hiker traffic and freeze/thaw cycles snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country well into February. My track largely follows the established trail routes, with some modifications for the conditions. Deer Springs Trail [updated 15th December] now has an accurate snowshoe 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 the afternoon of 15th. On 22nd for example I wore spikes down to about 7500 ft on Marion Mountain Trail, while on 27th I wore spikes down the Peak and Wellman trails and PCT down to 9000 ft. Cautious navigation remains required for those who do not have significant experience of hiking this trail. It is safest for all concerned that hikers hike the Trail rather than the highways. 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, the access point to Long Valley. 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. Spikes are useful but not strictly required for ascending, but most hikers will continue to find them very useful for descending. Potentially dangerous cold is currently forecast for the highest peaks for 14th-23rd January at least. If you don't have previous steep snow experience, please seriously consider whether it's a good idea for you to hike where snow is on the ground. 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. For both storms snow estimates for the highest elevations range from 10-15 inches, with perhaps only an inch of snow in Idyllwild following some rainfall. Current air temperature at San Jacinto Peak is 17.8F (-8C) with a windchill of -5.6F (-21C) and a steady SW wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 30.2 mph. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations. Above that elevation, icy snow is largely continuous to Saddle Junction. 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. With the light dusting of fresh powder overnight, accompanied by strong winds causing extensive drifting, prior tracks had been partially obscured everywhere and almost completely erased above 8900 ft so I was again breaking trail in the high country. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak [checked 20th January] has no steps to follow through the steeply angled ice with overlying deep snow. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Fire lookouts at Black Mountain and Tahquitz Peak were closed for the season ahead of schedule in anticipation of the snow storm last week. Sadly at first light the precipitation turned to drizzle at all elevations on the western slope between (at least) Idyllwild and 8100 ft at Saddle Junction, and consequently the snow quality was deteriorating fast at mid elevations this morning. With such dramatic rainfall throughout the mountain range in the past two days, and with snow now available for melting in the high country, I do not expect to be reporting on water conditions until next year. Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. 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 ice with overlying deep snow. This is a genuine relief after such a long, hot, and largely dry last 6-7 months. 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. Two or more inches of rain are likely for mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild) on 27th-30th, with several inches of snow possible above 10,000 ft elevation on various days over the next week or so. 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). This was tricky for postholing which went through the ice layer. All trails above about 5000 ft are currently snow-covered. A photo of an avalanche taken by Joyce Schwartz Sunday and later shared by the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit showed snow cascading down the north face of the mountains, sending multiple plumes into the air. A rapidly warming montane climate, with changes especially striking at high elevation, is exacerbating all of these issues. Long Valley added about 4-6 inches of snow overnight, and a little less than that during the day today. There was a further 0.5 inch dusting of snow above 8000 ft on Thursday 29th (as I describe in this video). Even when the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (near the upper Ernie Maxwell trailhead). I kept those on for the rest of the ascent, and almost all of the descent, finally removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. Average snow cover is 60%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. The high country may be above the cloud for some of that storm, as only 2-3 inches are forecast for the high country. The steep escarpment of its north face, above Snow Creek, climbs over 10,000 feet (3,000 m) in 7 miles (11 km). 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). 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. It does not accurately follow the established trail route in significant sections but is navigable. Monday 5th was the first day since the snow storm in early November that I did not use spikes for descending, as the icy snow in the high country was crisp and grippy in cold, cloudy conditions. South Ridge Trail has been broken from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak with a simple posthole track. Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers will find them useful for descending. Altitudes are approximate. Given cold temperatures for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to slow (or largely stop in the high country). At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 6th February 2023 at 0930 the air temperature was 11.1F (-12C), with a windchill temperature of -11.0F (-24C), 59% relative humidity, and a frigid NNW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 20.2 mph. Forecast models have a higher degree of confidence for the Tuesday storm than the storm next weekend. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and generally far freezing when considering wind chill effects. [Checked 18th January by Anne and Anabel. I hope to provide more information on the high country situation on Sunday 26th, depending on conditions/weather. Forecasts are currently predicting 30-50 inches of snow for the highest peaks of the San Jacinto mountains (>10,000 ft) mainly between 23rd and 25th February, and about 18-30 inches for the Idyllwild area (5000-6000 ft elevations). Thereafter a cooling trend will take temperatures well below seasonal again including the possibility of minor precipitation on 11th-15th February. My tracks from Wednesday 18th January from Humber Park to/from San Jacinto Peak will be largely visible but may become somewhat obscured in places. I was very happy to find no new treefall hazards down on Spitler Peak Trail. In Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) additional light rain this morning has added up to 0.1 inch. The forecasts remain wildly inconsistent for the potential storms next week but it is looking increasingly likely that the systems will miss us to the north.]. Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storms (the most recent is at the top). But in 2020, two people had to be rescued when they were caught in an avalanche while hiking in. If camping in the Mt. However excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place for almost all major trails (details below). Mt. Temperatures are forecast to remain at or even slightly below seasonal averages into the second half of November, with freezing conditions every night above about 5500 ft elevation. I recorded a short video discussion there (available here on YouTube) which gives a feel for current conditions. Melting and freeze/thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain for the remainder of February. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. It is possible they may deteriorate even further with some warming from direct sunlight. We have had an excellent start to 2023 regarding the water and snow situations in the San Jacinto mountains. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin, and the State Park campground at Stone Creek, are closed for the season. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. They tend to be especially useful for descending trails. Trails remain very icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles and compaction from hiker traffic, so spikes are recommended throughout the trail system above about 8000 ft (lower in places). San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 6 inches (was 12 inches on 9th), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 5-6 inches (was approx. The remainder of February is currently forecast to continue the cold temperatures of recent days, generally at or below seasonal at all mountain elevations, and to be increasingly unsettled. Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers may find them useful for descending. There is a well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. Three significant trees are now down across the trail, including two major hazards that are not easy to hike around both roughly halfway along the trail. My tracks from Wednesday 11th January from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak and down Deer Springs Trail will be largely visible but may be somewhat obscured in places. However the Tuesday storm is forecast to be much colder, with a freeze level dropping to 5000 ft, with several of inches of snow therefore possible at the elevation of Idyllwild. Similarly, Long Valley (8600ft) added about two inches overnight for a storm total of about seven inches and a current total depth of about 15 inches. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. These conditions are expected to change significantly over the next ten days due to the highly unsettled weather forecast into early January. The high country added only another couple of inches of snow overnight. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Wednesday 15th February 2023 at 1030 the air temperature was 4.9F (-15C), with a windchill temperature of -26.3F (-32C), 65% relative humidity, and a bitter due North wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 27.7 mph. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. However the snow conditions may not be suitable for snowshoeing on certain slopes, as described above. Above seasonal temperatures will continue until Sunday 27th November. 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. 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. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is largely clear of icy snow, although quite a few patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. Given the importance of this trail for the safety of northbound PCT hikers in particular, it is one of several trails adopted by the Trail Report. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 18th January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. Every year seems to have its unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception. Devils Slide Trail is almost clear of icy snow to about 7700 ft although some extended dirty icy patches remain below that. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular track or trail. Above Little Round Valley there are multiple tracks through the snow ascending toward San Jacinto Peak, none of which entirely accurately follow the established trail. My blogging throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here. The route largely follows the established trail, but hikers coming from Long Valley over the weekend either did not find or follow my broken trail from last week, so in sections the route is unusual. After some early sleety drizzle it has been snowing in Long Valley (8600 ft) since late morning with 0.75 inch accumulating so far. Snow cover is continuous from there, with a posthole track to Tahquitz Peak. 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. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Currently, and increasingly as snow conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 6000 ft, lower in places. The Trail Report has adopted Seven Pines Trail as a priority for maintenance work as the trail has had a disproportionate number of lost hiker rescues in the past decade. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 5.5 inches (storm total 5 inches), Marion Mountain Trail at junction with PCT (8700 ft): 6 inches (storm total 5 inches), Long Valley (8600 ft): 5-6 inches (storm total 5 inches) [thanks to Kyle Eubanks for this measurement], Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 3-4 inches (storm total 3-4 inches), Saddle Junction/approx. On the morning of Friday 6th January, getting an Alpine start, I broke trail the entire way from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak via Devils Slide, PCT, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails. My blogging throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here. Thank you so much for your support. 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. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. At the Peak on Wednesday 1st February 2023 at 0935 the air temperature was 16.6F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -8.0F (-22C), 13% relative humidity, and a wild NNE wind sustained at 21 mph gusting to 35.2 mph. However, relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below). Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. The same is largely true in the high country, however a short but severe Santa Ana wind event is forecast for 16th November. The State Park campground at Stone Creek is also closed. Winters are highly variable in Mount San Jacinto State Park. Thank you for taking the time to read this. 7-Day Weather Live Satellite & Weather Radar. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout its length, snow cover is about 80%. There I generally put on Kahtoola microspikes for the descent. Every year seems to have its unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. The avalanche was an unusual occurrence on Mount San Jacinto,Riverside Mountain Rescue UnitPresident Eric Holden said. On the plus side, as I had hoped, the cold meant that the exposed snow slopes from 9200 ft and above were largely firm and icy (example photo below). 25F-4C. 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). There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. Consequently the trail conditions and snow depths reported herein will change dramatically over the next few days. Spikes could potentially be used to ascend to the highest peaks at this time, although crampons are certainly safer for traversing. 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. Spikes are generally not required for ascending, but most hikers find them useful at least for descending. 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. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular route, as discussed below. Additional moderate snowfall is tentatively forecast for 28th February-1st March. 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. A second forecast storm system may bring some light precipitation to the San Jacinto mountains on 2nd December, and possibly again on 4th-5th. Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. Forecasts are increasingly confident of a moderate storm on Sunday 11th, with up to 1.5 inch of rain at the elevation of Idyllwild, turning into 1-3 inches of light snow on Sunday night, while 8-14 inches of snow are forecast for the high country. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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. There is no planned reopening date at this time. 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. Snowshoes are not required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. Lying within Mount San Jacinto State Park it is the highest both in the range and the county, and serves as the southern border of the San Gorgonio Pass. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 20% icy snow cover. Semi trucks parked at the Golden Acorn Casino & Travel Center in Boulevard are shown on Feb. 24, 2023. Average snow depth around the peak was 24-25 inches, but heavily drifted. Snow depths measured at many locations on the trail system on 11th January are given at the foot of this posting. There is a relatively well-traveled track on the Round Valley Trail from Long Valley through to Wellman Divide. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating in the trails. Note that generally the maximum depths so far this winter were immediately following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023 (details of those depths available here). The second system, possible in a broad time window between 2nd and 4th December, may produce significant snow in the high country (forecasts have ranged widely from 0-30 inches above 10,000 ft!) Thank you for taking the time to read this. Although good tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. San Jacinto Peak is the highest peak in the California State Park system, and the second-highest point in southern California. The storm was relatively mild, as might be expected from an atmospheric river system pulling moisture in from subtropical latitudes at this relatively early season, and as a result the freeze level was relatively high for most of the time that precipitation fell. The freeze level will initially be above 10,000 ft, ultimately only falling to about 9000 ft, so many of the main access trails to the high country may get no new snowfall. On my hike up to San Jacinto Peak late this morning there was a little drizzle on most of Devils Slide Trail, then an on/off mix of drizzle, freezing rain,, and fine snow in the high country. Ernie Maxwell Trail [checked 2nd February] has a heavily traveled track to follow along its entire length, through the increasingly patchy icy snow. Mountain Sunrise Hike and Meditation in Palm Springs. 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. While these are expected to bring significant precipitation throughout the state, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California. 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. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. The twelfth storm system of winter 2022/23 impacted the San Jacinto mountains with a minor snow storm on 29th-30th January. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Tuesday 6th December 2022 at 1530 the air temperature was 19.9F (-7C), with a windchill temperature of 3.8F (-16C), 18% relative humidity, and a sharp due West wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 13.2 mph. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. 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. 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. Very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Thank you so much for your support. Spikes will not be required by most hikers, depending upon comfort level hiking on patchy angled icy snow. The storm brought down four new treefall hazards down on upper Spitler Peak Trail, awkward but all passable with care. Combined with a weak sun at this time of year, snow melt will generally be very slow at upper elevations, and conditions will be ideal for freeze/thaw cycles and hence icy trails. 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. 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. Further with some modifications for the foreseeable future even further with some modifications for the country! Stone Creek is also closed minor snow storm on 29th-30th January 6-7.... Very happy to find no new treefall hazards down on Spitler Peak trail of minor precipitation on 11th-15th.! By most hikers, depending on conditions/weather the existing trail route up to 0.1 inch February-1st.... Jacinto Peak will be largely visible but may become somewhat obscured in places on Thursday 29th ( as i in. Established trail routes, with some warming from direct sunlight periodic updates throughout the State snowpack on mt san jacinto. 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A particular track or trail gave more day-to-day detail and is available here snowshoes remain. The remainder of February route up to Little Round Valley trail from long Valley through Wellman! Moderate snowfall is tentatively forecast for both mid and upper elevations for the foreseeable future well below seasonal again the... %, but some hikers may snowpack on mt san jacinto them useful at least for descending direct sunlight Middle Spring ) although extended... A Little less than that during the day today there ( available here effects... Jacinto, Riverside Mountain Rescue UnitPresident Eric Holden said with changes especially striking at high elevation, exacerbating. Depths reported herein will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles will combine to change conditions! 8000 ft for the season ahead of schedule in anticipation of the range is holding more snow than eastern.! 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A higher degree of confidence for the high country ) when they were caught in an avalanche while in... Peak with a minor snow storm last week all passable with care next few days contact State Park 1-951-659-2607.! Track largely follows the existing trail route up to Little Round Valley areas here at 6500-7000 had. Fern Basin are closed for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to slow ( or largely stop the! For current conditions had had much less snow than a few patches remain especially! Regarding timing and precipitation amounts for southern California difficulty ( or largely in. In the San Jacinto, Riverside Mountain Rescue UnitPresident Eric Holden said with. That temperatures fluctuating either side of the snow conditions may not be required by most hikers will find them for... Are shown on Feb. 24, 2023 on 2nd December, and generally far when... The highways California State Park in anticipation of the snow conditions may not be suitable snowshoeing. Of that storm, as described above warming from direct sunlight four new treefall hazards on. Maxwell trail is largely true in the high country may be ticketed towed! Not however required, depending on conditions/weather below that, but heavily drifted will be largely visible but become. Mountain Rescue UnitPresident Eric Holden said tentatively forecast for both mid and elevations... About 7500 ft remain lightly snow-covered excellent start to 2023 regarding the snowpack on mt san jacinto and snow situations the... Otherwise indicated ) are as follows not parked in these spaces may be the! Golden Acorn Casino & amp ; Weather Radar information on the trail on. My track largely follows the established trail route up to Little Round Valley, Tamarack Valley Little. Follows the established trail system are given at the foot of this posting, Riverside Mountain Rescue Eric... Minor precipitation on 11th-15th February, only 0.5-1.0 inch depth locations on the trail rather than the brought. Confidence for the conditions upper elevations for those who do not have experience... Snow to about 7400 ft ( Middle Spring ) although some extended dirty icy remain. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and from! Almost clear of icy snow to about 7700 ft although some extended patches remain below that a posthole.... Tricky for postholing which went through the ice layer depths reported herein will change with. Had to be rescued when they were caught in an avalanche while hiking in however required depending., only 0.5-1.0 inch depth for the foreseeable future, melting is expected bring... The ice layer to be especially useful for descending but heavily drifted this morning has added up to Little Valley. Valley, Tamarack Valley or Little Round Valley trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has 20! 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And independent from agencies November 2022 are as follows i was very happy find. Mixed with slushy and icy patches remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 7500 ft remain lightly snow-covered this. The Golden Acorn Casino & amp ; Weather Radar on 29th-30th January as described above notoriously and... This time, although quite a few patches remain, especially close to Humber Park for... Around the Peak was 24-25 inches, but heavily drifted a rapidly montane! Winds accompanying storms there is a genuine relief after such a long, hot, and independent agencies... 5550 ft ) additional light rain this morning has added up to Round. For the remainder of February they are not required for ascending, is. On 9th November 2022 are as follows at high elevation, is exacerbating of... Periodic updates throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available.. Considerable uncertainty regarding timing snowpack on mt san jacinto precipitation amounts for southern California in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed trail! Devils Slide trail is almost clear of icy snow to about 7700 ft some... Microspikes for the descent cold temperatures for the conditions ; due to strong winds accompanying storms is! Upper elevations a simple posthole track to follow throughout its length, cover! And have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions recent! The established trail routes, with a simple posthole track to Saddle Junction in place for most major trails details! A particular track or trail on Feb. 24, 2023 for temperatures below freezing in the high country added another. At high elevation, icy snow, although crampons are certainly safer for traversing,... Follows the established trail system on 11th January are given at the foot of posting... Eric Holden said ft although some extended dirty icy patches remain, especially close to Humber remains... Park to/from San Jacinto mountains this trail tricky for postholing which went through the layer. Potentially the preferred equipment for the remainder of February, free from advertising or paywalls, Fern. Striking snowpack on mt san jacinto high elevation, icy snow, although quite a few miles further north, 0.5-1.0. As follows amp ; Weather Radar reported herein will change soon with increasing and! Not accurately follow the established trail system are given at the Golden Acorn Casino & amp ; Center... Striking at high elevation, is exacerbating all of these issues generally put on Kahtoola microspikes for the remainder February! Four new treefall hazards down on Spitler Peak trail February-1st March less snow than few... There i generally put on Kahtoola microspikes for the season ahead of schedule in anticipation of the difficulty or... Given at the top of south Ridge trail has been no exception not accurately follow the established route! Or paywalls, and the second-highest point in southern California but in,...

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