She used her cellphone to grab the picture, and assumes not many people around her noticed it as traffic did not slow at all from drivers taking a look. Black Mountain Road closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243 (see Forest Service website regarding this closure here). Time of day, temperature, and sun exposure all have significant impacts on the nature of the snow, in turn changing the conditions underfoot, and hence both the hiking difficulty and the preferred traction device (if any). 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). Snow is constant on north aspects to 6700', and patchy on South aspects above 9000'. Snow, weather, and trail conditions for the San Jacinto mountains. On 23rd January I saw posthole tracks from Saddle Junction that head down the start of the Caramba Trail, the start of Willow Creek Trail, and following the PCT southbound toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have no further details at this time. I measured 15 inches of snow during a check of Devils Slide trailhead (6520 ft) at Humber Park this morning. Conditions prior to this storm had been unsettled for several days, with a minor storm overnight on 27th-28th December. 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. South Ridge Trail is now functionally clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak with only 1-2% icy snow cover overall. There is precipitation forecast from Wednesday 28th into the first week of 2023. Above Little Round Valley there are at least half-a-dozen tracks ascending toward San Jacinto Peak, none of which entirely accurately follow the established trail route. Devils Slide Trail has a moderately traveled track to Saddle Junction. My blogging throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here. Since the depths given in the previous Report, there has been some melting at higher elevations which have been above the cloud at times, and below 7000 ft where temperatures have remained above freezing for several days. South Ridge Road is clear of ice and snow. Conversely on the afternoon of Tuesday 6th the ice was distinctly more watery, and I wore spikes from San Jacinto Peak down to Wellman Divide (9700 ft). The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. From there I used snowshoes to ascend via Annies Junction and Wellman Divide. Eli Lilly cuts insulin prices up to 70% amid federal pressure to lower costs of life-saving medication, 60 million under winter weather alerts as massive storms roll across US; New York finally gets snow: Live updates, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. From near Miller Peak I put in a track up the East Ridge, rather than continuing on the Peak Trail round to Summit Junction, but this track was being partially erased by spindrift within minutes. Snowshoes can be used for ascending the highest peaks, but with considerable caution. Mountain High. 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. The atmospheric river of moisture from lower latitudes was weaker than the storm in early November, although snowfall was ultimately slightly greater in this storm than in November, perhaps in part due to the colder temperatures. February has been more settled than the very eventful January, but temperatures remain on something of a rollercoaster ride. The freeze level again started very high at >9000 ft, with light rain falling in Long Valley (8600 ft) all morning. Current forecasts suggest that the moderate storm on 14th-15th January may be cooler than the Tuesday storm, with somewhat more snow at lower elevations. Conditions are currently excellent for avalanches on specific terrain in the San Jacinto high country, as proven below. Slushy in places in the afternoon. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. This latest storm was again very mild, as expected from an atmospheric river system pulling moisture in from warmer latitudes. Often spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. Since the depths given in the previous Report, there has been some melting at higher elevations on sunny days and below 9000 ft caused by the heavy rainfall. Only five of these require cutting, and I was able to remove three by hand earlier in February. This was discussed in, Minor snow storm in the early hours of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 then turned to rain all day. Such unseasonably warm temperatures led to rapid snow melt everywhere, despite the low sun angle at this time of year, while in many areas freeze/thaw cycles have resulted in icy trails and roads especially in the early mornings. Spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. 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. In Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) additional light rain this morning has added up to 0.1 inch. There were no visible hiker tracks on Marion Mountain, Seven Pines, or Fuller Ridge trails, as of 15th February. Generally the San Jacinto mountains have just caught the southern edge of these systems, with nothing like the dramatic precipitation being reported from further north. Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. There is a very well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. That is expected to change, with up to several inches of snow forecast both in the high country and at mid elevations tonight. Currently only two major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. Note that the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has announced they will be closed tomorrow, Saturday 25th, due to extreme weather. Mount Baldy Ski Lifts. The PCT on the south-facing slope (Angels Glide) for about 1.0 mile north of Saddle Junction is largely clear of snow (spikes not required). Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 6000 ft, possibly lower in places on cold (icy) mornings. I also reported on the storm in real time over the past couple of days (available here) which has more detail than this summary. Temperatures on the morning of 15th were the lowest of this winter, and among the lowest of the past decade. Although the snow is not currently particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and has an ice layer underneath the fresh powder. Above seasonal temperatures will continue until Sunday 27th November. This rain produces huge masses of ice in the trees, including chunks I have estimated as weighing 40-100 lb this winter, which can dislodge dramatically once direct sunlight warms the trees. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3.5 inches (total 3.5 inch). Snowshoes are dangerous due to the angle of the icy snow. A few cleared patches are developing below 7000 ft. Altitudes are approximate. Spikes are not essential but will be useful for most hikers, especially for descending. UPDATE Saturday 17th December 2022: Early this morning we hiked South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak, and I broke trail from Tahquitz Peak to and from Chinquapin Flat through moderate snow. 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. Hikers should expect to encounter new treefall hazards due to the enormous weight of ice from freezing rain associated with the early November storm, followed by recent Santa Ana winds, and after the passage of Tropical Storm Kay in September. As mentioned last week, current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness typical of April rather than December. Steady melting of snow, especially on sun-exposed slopes, and freeze-thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain. Mt. There are layers of hard ice and firm icy snow beneath the fresh powder, and crampons are ideal at present everywhere above 9000 ft, lower in places. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 22nd December] has a well-defined but lumpy posthole track throughout. Conditions are forecast to remain very unsettled for the first week of January. I recorded a short video at the Peak, available here on YouTube. The northeast . Although excellent tracks are now in place for almost all major trails (details below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. Indeed it rained as high as San Jacinto Peak multiple times on 7th and 8th November. 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. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. 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. Some hikers will find spikes preferable. Consequently the trail conditions and snow depths reported herein will change dramatically over the next few days. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. 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. The snow quickly turned into semi-melted slush. They may become increasingly useful if conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 9000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 6 inches, Long Valley (8600 ft): 2-3 inches [special thanks to Kyle Eubanks for this measurement], Saddle Junction/approx. Back-to-back Pacific storm systems already the tenth and eleventh storms of this winter are forecast for Saturday 14th and then from late Sunday 15th January to the early hours of Tuesday 17th January. 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. Box 518 Idyllwild, CA 92549 1-909-382-2921 Mount San Jacinto State Park 25905 Highway 243 Idyllwild, CA 92549 Spikes will become increasingly useful over the next few days and weeks as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. The avalanche was an unusual occurrence on Mount San Jacinto,Riverside Mountain Rescue UnitPresident Eric Holden said. I was very happy to find no new treefall hazards down on Spitler Peak Trail. I postholed barebooting to 8900 ft before putting on crampons. With a rapidly changing climate in the region in recent years, it has become increasingly common for there to be little or no difference in snow quantities at mid and higher elevations, often because the high country remains above the cloud, and this system was no exception. However the combined effect of the two minor storms, in combination with wild gusty winds pushing spindrift snow all over the high country, had completely erased the few tracks that were in place by the morning of Wednesday 15th. Strong winds expected on 11th-12th February, and again on 14th, will likely obscure many tracks with spindrift. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. 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. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are now closed for the season. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds there has been drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Skyline Trail closed on 26th January due to dangerous weather conditions above the State Park boundary (5800 ft elevation). Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. Altitudes are approximate. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 7000 ft, possibly lower in places on cold (icy) mornings. My track largely followed the established route of the trail, especially below the Fuller Ridge junction, but higher up the track is much more direct in places. Spikes are recommended. No tracks had made it as far as Chinquapin from Saddle Junction at that time. Final totals for Idyllwild for the three day storm event were 6.5 inches of snow, plus an impressive 5.06 inches of rain. 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). 24F-4C . In the week since the last storm we have surveyed trails around Tahquitz Peak twice, plus South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Marion Mountain trails, among others. In my recent experience off-trail snow is now also largely too shallow and/or patchy for snowshoes. Conversely, lower down Devils Slide Trail is a combination of very light snow cover, slush, and multiple stream crossings, with much water flowing down the trail. The track on Deer Springs Trail largely follows the existing trail route up to Little Round Valley. Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storm (the most recent is at the top). Long Valley added about 4-6 inches of snow overnight, and a little less than that during the day today. Current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness feeling more typical for April or May than late November. 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. The first storm system comes through overnight on Tuesday 27th, with precipitation continuing into the morning of Wednesday 28th. Above that elevation, icy snow is largely continuous to Saddle Junction. 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. $30.00. Due to the very high freeze level snowfall was restricted to a light dusting above 8200 ft, increasing to one inch above 9000 ft and 1.5 inch above 10,000 ft. Impacts will be minimal on high country trails, but trails between 7000-9000 ft with pre-existing snow may be a mix of slush, snow and ice, and will require some caution. On 24th and 28th we barebooted to the Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through light icy snow. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. A rapidly warming montane climate, with changes especially striking at high elevation, is exacerbating all of these issues. 25F-4C. 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. Spitler Peak Trail has a very visible boot track through light snow to the PCT. Otherwise, reliable posthole tracks are in place from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, but parts will become obscured by any additional light snowfall and/or especially by drifting snow from strong winds. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 1st January 2023 are as follows. 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. There is considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Currently crampons, always with an ice axe, and advanced knowledge of how to use this equipment, are required. This morning I broke South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently ideal everywhere above about 9500 ft. However the high country has been largely above this precipitation, with the sun even trying to peek out at times in Long Valley, and only about another inch of snow was added there this morning. Climb the remaining 5,100 feet of snow and or ice in one of the several chutes. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 6000 ft, potentially lower in places. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Prior to that Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) had received 1.04 inches of rain, with a little hail and sleet mixed in. 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. 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. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and light powder there is extreme drifting. Spikes are not required. I put spikes on at the Peak for the descent and ultimately kept on my Kahtoola microspikes until about 9000 ft, one mile north of Saddle Junction. Mountain Sunrise Hike and Meditation in Palm Springs. On 15th I barebooted (i.e. Fresh snow at San Jacinto Peak now measures 3-4 inches, snow in Long Valley (8600 ft) at three inches, and rainfall in Idyllwild since 0700 this morning at 0.6 inch. These concerns may steadily increase over the next few weeks with rising then falling temperatures, seasonally stronger insolation, and highly variable snowmelt. With compaction of the trails over the next few days, snowshoes will become less useful on-trail, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel at the highest elevations for the foreseeable future. NA. 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. I switched to crampons and then finished breaking the Peak Trail through to near Miller Peak (photo below). There is already a moderately traveled posthole track on Devils Slide Trail, and I was surprised to find that below 7000 ft some of the trail was already slushy simply due to relatively warm air temperatures as there was no direct sun. 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. Spikes are useful at least for descending. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Wednesday 18th January 2023 at 1115 the air temperature was 16.8F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -3.6F (-20C), 27% relative humidity, and a frigid NNW wind sustained at 10 mph gusting to 25.8 mph. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. 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. Snow depths are expected to change multiple times over the next ten days due to mixed precipitation, including even possibly loss of snow at mid elevations due to rainfall. Holden said he could not recall the last time there had been an avalanche on Mount San Jacinto. This is a summary of conditions following the second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. . As of the afternoon of Monday 12th, the only tracks that I saw and that are known to be in place are my snowshoe track between Humber Park and San Jacinto Peak (using Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails), and the track of Kyle Eubanks from the previous evening between Long Valley and the Peak via Wellman Divide (which remained surprisingly visible in places about 15-20 hours later, showing how calm the winds were overnight). Sign up for Alert San Diego notifications for all your telephone numbers. I ultimately kept my Kahtoola microspikes on until just past the top of Marion Mountain Trail, but could have removed them somewhat sooner. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. 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. 10 other mountain peaks closest to Mount San Jacinto Peak: 1. 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). Firstly because it is really unsafe, that is a busy and winding mountain road, not remotely a route designed for pedestrians. 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. 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). Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0.75 inches (melting rapidly this afternoon). Altitudes are approximate. Note that tracks are being obscured very quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in hours or even minutes (see photo below). The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 20% icy snow cover. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. I descended via Deer Springs Trail, breaking trail through virgin powder all the way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction. If there are Road Closed signs across Fern Valley Road at its junction with Forest Drive likely the case at least on weekends and holidays when significant snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. 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