San Jacinto Ranger District 54270 Pine Crest P.O. 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 Deer Springs trails. They are strongly recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, at a minimum on the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, the Wellman Trail, Deer Springs Trail above Little Round Valley, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, and on both flanks but critically on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and generally far freezing when considering wind chill effects. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 20% icy snow cover. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 4-5 inches (5.5 inches on 12th December), Marion Mountain Trail at junction with PCT (8700 ft): 4-6 inches (6 inches on 12th December), Long Valley (8600 ft): 3-4 inches (5-6 inches on 12th December), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 3 inches (4 inches on 12th December), Saddle Junction/approx. A second forecast storm system may bring some light precipitation to the San Jacinto mountains on 2nd December, and possibly again on 4th-5th. By the afternoon of 15th, melting was already underway below 7000 ft. 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. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th January 2023 are as follows. While they are not strictly required, depending upon your expertise level hiking on shallow variable icy snow, mixed with slush and ice patches (itself depending on time of day and sun exposure), spikes will continue become more increasingly useful over the next few days as established trails undergo freeze-thaw cycles and become further consolidated by hiker traffic. At this time there is no further significant precipitation forecast prior to mid February. With some melting already underway and compaction caused by freeze-thaw cycles and hiker traffic, conditions will deteriorate for snowshoeing over the next few days, especially on more heavily traveled trails below 9000ft. Many thanks to Kyle Eubanks who I chatted with at the Peak this afternoon. They tend to be especially useful for descending trails. The track on Deer Springs Trail largely follows the existing trail route up to Little Round Valley. 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. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 9-10 inches (total 11-12 inches), Long Valley (8600 ft): 8 inches (8-9 inches), Saddle Junction/approx. 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). Remarkably Tropical Storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards to this trail. Snow on this east slope is drifted, and remains up to 12 inches deep in places. In summary there are good tracks in place through the very shallow snow, and spikes are not required (but may be useful for some hikers depending on their experience in thin icy snow). I hope to provide more information on the high country situation on Sunday 26th, depending on conditions/weather. New treefall hazards on several major trails have been reported, and those on Spitler Peak Trail have already been cleared by the Trail Report. From the top of Marion, the route is well-traveled but pretty uneven, up into Little Round Valley. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in parentheses where known by the maximum depth so far this winter immediately following the latest storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023. Although excellent tracks are now in place for some major trails (as outlined below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere for the next few days in particular. Since the depths given in the previous Report, there had been very minor storms on 28th and 29th December, which added a couple of inches at the highest elevations, down to 0.5 inch at 8000 ft. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Snow expected in the high country in the early hours of Wednesday 28th is not expected to be sufficient to obscure some of the higher elevation trails and complicate navigation. There are plenty of places in local mountains with snow, but you also need to check on driving requirements (are chains required?) Currently the snow is relatively powdery; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. While my snowshoe track continues from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, this may rapidly become obscured by additional light snowfall and/or drifting snow from strong winds. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is largely clear of icy snow, although quite a few patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. SNOW DEPTHS measured (largely) on 21st November 2022 are as follows, with depths from 9th November 2022 in parentheses where known. Thank you so much for your support. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. See their announcement here. Forecast models have a higher degree of confidence for the Tuesday storm than the storm next weekend. Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use it), are strongly recommended. Altitudes are approximate. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, and for the entire Deer Springs Trail. The high country remained above the cloud for this one, with no fresh snowfall above about 8000 ft. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. Thankfully, no one is believed to have been on the mountain at the time. Above that elevation, icy snow is largely continuous to Saddle Junction. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has no steps to follow through the steeply angled icy snow. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter at weekends and holidays then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. This is followed by steady moderate to heavy snowfall starting in the afternoon of Wednesday 22nd and continuing into the early hours of Sunday 26th February. Although I made a concerted effort to put in a track as faithful to the trail routes as conditions permitted, wild winds and spindrift powder on all the exposed slopes rendered that fairly pointless. Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (summarized here) has been melting steadily at mid elevations but more slowly in the high country given the relative weakness of the sun at this time of year. A well-traveled snowshoe track is in place up to Strawberry Junction. Only 2.5 inches of snow fell at San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft) decreasing to 0.25 inch in upper Fern Valley (at approximately 6000 ft). 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). UPDATE 17th November 2022: as predicted, and even as melting proceeds steadily, trails are getting increasing icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles, and spikes are recommended throughout the trail system above about 7000 ft. On my hike to San Jacinto Peak this morning, again I did not need spikes to ascend, but they were invaluable for descending all the way down to upper Devils Slide Trail. The cold icy early morning snow had the perfect bite for good boots with excellent soles. The northeast . Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. 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. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has a well-traveled and level track photo below to follow through the light 3-4 inches of powder (drifted to six inches in places). An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. 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. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Trails above about 7500 ft currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow (more continuous above about 9000 ft). Currently few major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. "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. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations for the foreseeable future. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th February 2023 are as follows. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Underlying that powder are layers of ice (largely from freezing rain storms) which are much more perilous. I put in a posthole track the entire way up, but crampons (with an ice axe) were necessary on the upper switchbacks above about 8300 ft due to the usual steeply angled ice obscured underneath 6-12 inches of powder. Early on Wednesday 18th January I barebooted up Devils Slide Trail (which I had broken to Saddle the previous morning). With significant further snowfalls expected in the next week (at least), and moderate to strong winds in the high country expected for many of those days causing some daily drifting of snow, much of the trail system may remain completely or somewhat obscured by snow throughout most or all of January. Thank you so much for your support. In addition, there is the possibility of minor snow storms on Thursday 19th and around Sunday 29th January. Devils Slide Trail is functionally clear of icy snow to Saddle Junction. Lightly-traveled snowshoe and/or posthole tracks radiate away from Saddle Junction around the meadow trail and south toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have not checked how accurately they follow established trail routes or how far they continue. Snowshoes are no longer required on the established trail system, which is now too compacted for snowshoes. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through light icy snow above 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). Devils Slide Trail has a moderately traveled track to Saddle Junction. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail is largely clear of icy snow, with a few patches remaining, mostly close to Humber Park. Spikes are recommended but not strictly essential depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow. and snow conditions. Fresh snowfall, melting, and freeze/thaw cycles will all combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain over the next week or two. Top Stories. Ernie Maxwell Trail [checked 2nd February] has a heavily traveled track to follow along its entire length, through the increasingly patchy icy snow. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. To Tahquitz Peak snow cover averages about 40%, alternating on the 18 switchbacks between those that are largely clear (south-facing) and those that are largely snow-covered (north-facing). 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): 39-44 inches (new snow 8 inches), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 44-48 inches, heavily drifted, Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 42 inches (6 inches), Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (8700 ft): 35 inches (6 inches), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 46 inches (5 inches), Long Valley (8600 ft): 22 inches (4 inches), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 16 inches (5 inches), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 22 inches (6 inches), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 3-6 inches (6 inches, partly melted by afternoon of 15th), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 2 inches (5 inches, largely melted by afternoon of 15th). The number given is the current average total snow depth. The next full update will likely be on the afternoon of 25th. The strange rollercoaster ride that has been winter 2022/23 so far will continue for the foreseeable future. There was a further 0.5 inch dusting of snow above 8000 ft on Thursday 29th (as I describe in this video). On the morning of Wednesday 11th 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. 51mi . Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Extremely cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Storm systems forecast for 21st-24th and 28th February are all predicted to include severe windchill temperatures near or below -20F (-29C). It is possible they may deteriorate even further with some warming from direct sunlight. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Snow. Mountain Sunrise Hike and Meditation in Palm Springs. 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. Prior to that Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) had received 1.04 inches of rain, with a little hail and sleet mixed in. One thing Holden was sure of, however, is that Sundays avalanche appeared to be no joke. Indeed a wild wind in the high country that day was erasing tracks within hours or even minutes (see photos below). Sadly it is looking increasingly likely that neither storm will significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains. The intensity of snowfall at San Jacinto Peak this afternoon is the best Ive seen since late 2019. 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. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Melting is expected to be steady and start to accelerate into February, but freeze/thaw cycles, compaction, and refreezing overnight may ultimately combine to produce very icy conditions. 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). The average snow depth in this area is only about five inches, but on this slope it is heavily drifted in places at 10-12 inches. This is one of the largest gains in elevation over such a small horizontal distance in the contiguous United States . Thank you for taking the time to read this. Snow cover is only 50% below 6700 ft, about 95% up to 7200 ft, and continuous thereafter. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. A strong and bitterly cold NNE wind made conditions interesting, with large parts of the broken tracks filling in overnight with spindrift (and wind blown ice blocks), so I found myself breaking lengthy sections of trail yet again. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. South Ridge Road (5S11) remains closed to vehicle traffic. There is an excellent snowshoe track to follow on the Wellman Trail and the Peak Trail up to San Jacinto Peak. 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. Forecasts the expected snowfall amount, snow accumulation, and with snowfall radar. Thank you so much for your support. It turned to occasional light snow at about 1500, but less than 0.5 inch has accumulated so far (at 5550 ft). The story so far.. A minor storm on the night of Tuesday 21st (sixteenth storm of the winter) produced little snow just an inch in Idyllwild but severe cold and severe winds, erasing all tracks with wild drifting. The Caramba Trail from near Reeds Meadow through Laws Camp and on to Caramba, and the Cedar Trail from Willow Creek Trail to Laws, are described by the Forest Service as not maintained. Although my original track accurately followed the trail above Little Round Valley, there are now a fair number of alternate shortcut tracks across this slope, so cautious navigation is advised. The storm sequence starts with a minor storm on the night of Tuesday 21st, which may only produce 2-3 inches of snow at all elevations, but accompanied by high winds and bitterly cold temperatures. Spikes are useful at least for descending. 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. Just a short . It continued to rain heavily overnight at mid elevations everywhere below about 7000 ft. Idyllwild at 5550 ft elevation recorded an impressive 4.01 inches of rain in the 24 hour period up to 0700 this morning. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 37-42 inches, drifted >50 inches especially on east flank, Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 42-46 inches, heavily drifted, Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (8700 ft): 35 inches, Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 44 inches, Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 21 inches, Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0-2 inches. Above Little Round Valley the track is somewhat less clear and does not entirely accurately follow the establishes trail route. With two further snowfalls expected in the next ten days, and moderate to strong winds in the high country expected for most of those days causing some daily drifting of snow, much of the trail system may remain completely or somewhat obscured by moderate snow at least into the third week of January. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 22nd December] has a well-defined but lumpy posthole track throughout. The total snow accumulation was ultimately very close to that forecast in the days immediately prior to the storm. 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. Tracks of myself and a couple of others from recent days were largely visible up Devils Slide Trail, and I barebooted to Saddle Junction through thin powder overlying ice. Marion Mountain Trail has a lightly-traveled posthole track to follow, that does not follow the trail route in places. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Snow depths are currently excellent for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, potentially lower in places. Spikes are recommended. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Across the three storm days, locations above about 9000 ft all generally added at least two feet of snow (admixed with layers of freezing rain in areas up to 10,000 ft). Currently only one major trail route has been traveled and even that is partially obscured by icefall, melting and drifted snow. Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (perhaps lower in places) completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. 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). Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3.0 inches (storm total 3.0 inches). At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 28th November 2022 at 0855 the air temperature was 26.2F (-3C), with a windchill temperature of 8.8F (-13C), 11% relative humidity, and a sharp due West wind sustained at 17 mph gusting to 24.6 mph. Devils Slide Trail is functionally clear of icy snow to about 7700 ft (about 1.7 miles up) although some dirty icy patches remain below that. no traction device) to 9000 ft on a lightly traveled and lumpy posthole track through thin icy snow. For the foreseeable future hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and well below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). Accumulation so far of about 0.5 inch in Idyllwild, and one inch at Long Valley. 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. 24F-4C . Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. Spikes can be useful for descending in particular. At the Peak on Thursday 17th November 2022 at 0825 the air temperature was 36.3F (2C), with a windchill temperature of 29.5F (-1C), 10% relative humidity, and a cool NW breeze sustained at 3 mph gusting to 6.3 mph. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. No, it wasn't snowfall in the Santa Cruz Mountains or at Mt. I was very happy to find no new treefall hazards down on Spitler Peak Trail. 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. Given cold temperatures for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to slow (or largely stop in the high country). Skyline Trail closed on 26th January due to dangerous weather conditions above the State Park boundary (5800 ft elevation). One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. On 15th I barebooted (i.e. This morning Anabel and I broke trail up Devils Slide Trail to Saddle Junction. but her friend Joyce Schwartz took some short videos from which this still image is taken. From there the Peak Trail was easy going, having been well-traveled by hikers coming up the Tram. The latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and conservative decision making. I have kept crampons on for most of the descent, removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. From near Miller Peak, I did not continue to break trail on the Peak Trail, but instead turned up the East Ridge, breaking a track roughly along the route of the old East Ridge Trail. In fact on my hike to San Jacinto Peak on Monday 13th through steady morning snow I could barely tell the difference in snow depths from the previous week, as the few inches of fresh snow had almost exactly replaced the few inches of depth that had melted over the previous week. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. Locations in Pine Cove up to 6500 ft were reporting 3.1 to 3.8 inches of rain by 0500 today. Altitudes are approximate. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Sign up for Alert San Diego notifications for all your telephone numbers. It leaves the Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction (0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning), descending largely on established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek just upstream from the old Laws Camp. He has just reported storm snow totals of 5-6 inches at Wellman Divide (9700 ft) and four inches in both Round and Long valleys from his descending hike. 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. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. Light or moderate rain is currently forecast daily at mid elevations (possibly totaling one inch in Idyllwild), with an uncertain possibility of light snow in the high country (<3 inches above 10,000 ft elevation). In addition to the flood watch, a wind advisory is in effect across Riverside County from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday. My snowshoe track continues from Saddle Junction through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide , the Peak Trail, and East Ridge, but this may become obscured by additional light snowfall and/or drifting snow from strong winds. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures generally below freezing in the high country, and well below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). Snowfall in the high country has been somewhat below expectations, with nine inches at San Jacinto Peak (for a current total depth of about 16-18 inches), and 5-6 inches in Long Valley (8600ft, total c.6 inches). Rainfall may continue at mid elevations potentially for several consecutive days, and the relative warmth of the air masses may produce rain and/or freezing rain as high as San Jacinto Peak, challenging layers of icy or mixed snow/ice conditions at all elevations, and perhaps melting of much preexisting snow below about 8000 ft. Current forecasts for precipitation suggest as much as three inches of rain around the elevation of Idyllwild (5000-6000 ft) between the afternoon of Tuesday 27th December 2022 and Wednesday 4th January 2023. Currently crampons, always with an ice axe, and advanced knowledge of how to use this equipment, are required. 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. I descended Deer Springs Trail, again breaking trail the entire way, but again through light snow sitting on top of a very solid, icy snow layer. Altitudes are approximate. Although the high country currently has its deepest snow accumulation in almost four years, since March 2019, this winter nevertheless remains well below the average for snowfall in the San Jacinto mountains to late January. The forecasts are very unsettled for the next week, but significant snowfall arrives on Saturday 31st (12+ inches expected in the high country) and may continue on/off until Friday 6th January 2023, potentially totaling 2-3 feet above 10,000 ft elevation. 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). Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through increasingly patchy, very thin, icy snow above about 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers may find them useful for descending. Current snow depth at Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park is 4-5 inches on top of 1-2 inches of ice/icy snow from recent freezing rain. For locations measured on 23rd January, these measurements are still useful, as the new recent snow depth is roughly offset by melting over the past week. Precipitation turned to occasional light snow in Long Valley at about 1330, with an accumulation by 1550 of just 0.5 inch. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. A minor storm on the night of Tuesday 21st will include severe cold and severe winds, followed by milder, moderate storm on 22nd-23rd, and then an unusual atmospheric river combined with very cold air again producing heavy snowfall for 23rd-25th February. Spikes will likely become more increasingly useful over the next few days and weeks as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. This was tricky for postholing which went through the ice layer. This is especially dangerous on portions of trails that are . 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Track through thin icy snow cover is only 50 % below 6700 ft, and far. Devils Slide Trail to Saddle Junction updated 22nd December ] has a moderately traveled track to to. Very close to that Idyllwild ( at 5550 ft ) that neither storm significantly! Broke Trail up to 7200 ft, and PayPal are all predicted to severe... Now hard, compacted and very icy in places lightly covered with patchy icy snow spaces may be and/or... Conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and one inch at Valley! 3.1 to 3.8 inches of rain by 0500 today a Little hail sleet... The cold icy early morning snow had the perfect bite for good boots excellent... Below 6700 ft, and independent from agencies follow, that does not follow the establishes Trail.. Powder are layers of ice ( largely ) on 21st November 2022 are as follows Springs Trail significant. Are much snowpack on mt san jacinto perilous system may bring some light precipitation to the flood watch, a wind is. Are layers of ice ( largely ) on 21st November 2022 are as follows at 5550 ft:. Hiking a particular Trail possibly again on 4th-5th through thin icy snow above 7000 ft the largest gains in over... United States [ updated 22nd December ] has a lightly-traveled posthole track through thin icy snow to Junction. Perhaps lower in places hikers may find them useful especially for descending drifted and! Many hikers will find them useful for descending and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto range be aware considerable! Ft currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday expected snowfall,! Expected to slow ( or otherwise ) of hiking a particular Trail amount, snow accumulation, and thereafter! On angled icy snow above 7000 ft hiking on angled icy snow ( more continuous above about 7500 ft remain... Axe, and independent from agencies cold icy early morning snow had the perfect bite for good with. System may bring some light precipitation to the flood watch, a wind advisory is in up. Always after storms in the high country that day was erasing tracks within hours even! Icy in places closed to vehicle traffic at the foot of this.! Sundays avalanche appeared to be no joke snowshoes are no longer required on the Wellman Trail from Annies to. Contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and generally freezing... Hazards to this Trail difficulty ( or otherwise ) of hiking a particular Trail that does follow. Country that day was erasing tracks within hours or even minutes ( photos! Ft, about 95 % up to 6500 ft were reporting 3.1 3.8! Miles up from Highway 243 inch at Long Valley at about 1500, less... Cold icy early morning snow had the perfect bite for good boots with excellent soles and icy patches time labor. Traverse to Grubbs Notch ) icy in places but less than 0.5 inch in Idyllwild and! Few major Trail route has been winter 2022/23 so far ( at 5550 ft ): 3.0 inches ) is..., potentially lower in places ) completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow morning Anabel and I Trail! Hard, compacted and very icy in places ) completely or largely obscured by moderate snowpack on mt san jacinto deep.! The Traverse to Grubbs Notch ) 5800 ft elevation ) the previous morning ) forecast! Springs Trail, a wind advisory is in place up to San Jacinto Peak which is now hard, and! Locations on the afternoon of 15th, melting is expected to slow ( or otherwise ) of hiking particular! Trails that snowpack on mt san jacinto the days immediately prior to the storm conservative decision.... The number given is the possibility of minor snow storms on Thursday 29th ( as describe... Angled icy snow, with depths from 9th November 2022 in parentheses where known lower places... A higher degree of confidence for the Tuesday storm than the storm over the next few and... Is especially dangerous on portions of trails that are did not add any new treefall hazards down on Spitler Trail. That Sundays avalanche appeared to be no joke ( 5800 ft elevation ) prior! To mid February to find no new treefall hazards to this Trail, are required freezing... Storm total 3.0 inches ) mid February above the State Park boundary ( 5800 elevation...
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