For our first foray into snowshoeing, we chose a really easy option taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tram up to Mount San Jacinto State Park. 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). 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. February is forecast to be somewhat more settled than the very eventful January. I barebooted to 9000 ft, then snowshoed the rest of the way through lovely light powder. Snow cover is only 50% below 6700 ft, about 95% up to 7200 ft, and continuous thereafter. Forecasts for snowfall have varied greatly in both timing and volume, the latter ranging from inches to feet. Seven Pines Trail has no sign of any hiker traffic since the snow on 12th. Todays rainfall total has passed an inch in Idyllwild, and various locations in Pine Cove (5800-6500 ft) were reporting 1.1 to 1.3 inches two hours ago. 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. They will be especially valuable on well-consolidated tracks over the coming weeks before they clear of snow (e.g., Devils Slide, Ernie Maxwell, Deer Springs trails, at least), on colder mornings when conditions are icy, and for descending. 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). Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Despite the relatively weak sun at this time of year, such warm temperatures mean that snow melt may be unusually rapid (for December) at all elevations, snow conditions will generally be poor for hiking (soft, slippery, and even slushy), while in many areas conditions will be ideal for freeze/thaw cycles and hence icy trails in the early mornings above about 7000 ft. 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. 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. 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). They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. 16 F. In the high country temperatures will be more like April or May, some 10-20F above seasonal, before finally cooling (but still remaining above average) in the last couple of days of the year. Two significant further atmospheric river storm systems are forecast, on Tuesday 10th, and then again on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th. 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). Spikes are recommended. Spikes tend to be most valuable for descending even when not needed for ascending. Most significantly in terms of snow conditions daytime temperatures at all elevations will be well above freezing for about a week starting 20th. In the high country temperatures will be 10-20F above seasonal and, more significantly regarding snow/ice conditions, well above freezing for at least a week. There I generally put on Kahtoola microspikes for the descent. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Deep snow at 10,500 feet However they will remain very valuable for off-trail travel at elevations above about 9000 ft (potentially lower in places) for the next week or two at least. 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. Of those, 27 are in the 0.6 mile section between Willow Creek crossing and the State Park boundary. 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. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular track or trail. Thank you so much for your support. The system was cooler in the early hours of Friday morning, with a dusting of snow to 6000 ft and a covering of icy sleet below that in Idyllwild. IMPORTANT UPDATE Friday 13th January: back-to-back Pacific storm systems are forecast to impact the San Jacinto mountains this weekend, the first on Saturday 14th, immediately followed by another Sunday 15th-Monday 16th January. Conditions are currently excellent for avalanches on specific terrain in the San Jacinto high country, as proven below. Cloud cover started to envelop the mountains early this morning. Long Valley (8600 ft) has added about two inches, where it continues to snow gently this morning. 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. Altitudes are approximate. 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. Although not required, many hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending. 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. After such a long, hot, and largely dry last 6-7 months, it was a real pleasure to see and hear water running in all of the ephemeral streams and springs on my descent on 9th November. Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. February has been more settled than the very eventful January, but temperatures remain on something of a rollercoaster ride. Temperatures are expected to remain below average for January for the remainder of the month in Strawberry Valley (Idyllwild area), but are forecast to swing well above average (above freezing) for the highest elevations on 21st-26th January. However the fresh powder is very fine and drifting heavily in the strong SW wind, and I had 2-3 inches in places in the upper Peak Trail. The Weather section below is updated. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 1st January 2023 are as follows. Crampons are recommended for the traversing slopes. Deer Springs Trail has an excellent posthole track to follow along its entire length. 4 Forecast Elevations: Peak: 10804 ft 8203 ft 4922 ft Base: 1641 ft This table gives the weather forecast for Mount San Jacinto Peak at the specific elevation of 3293 m. Our advanced weather models allow us to provide distinct weather forecasts for several elevations of Mount San Jacinto Peak. Multiple atmospheric river storm systems are forecast to bring very unsettled weather to the San Jacinto mountains starting Tuesday 27th December, lasting well into the first week of January. Avalanche risk in the high country is currently minimal due to snow depths and conditions, with the exception of the traditionally unstable north face of San Jacinto Peak which avalanches to some extent every winter. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. Altitudes are approximate. With the light fresh powder the previous evening, accompanied by very strong winds causing extensive drifting, prior tracks, including my own from 13th, had been totally erased everywhere so I was again breaking trail the entire way. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. The freeze level again started very high at >9000 ft, with light rain falling in Long Valley (8600 ft) all morning. But in 2020, two people had to be rescued when they were caught in an avalanche while hiking in Snow Creek Canyon on the north face. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 0-1 inch (was 3 inches on 9th). In Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) it started raining at 1100, where it has been relatively slow to accumulate so far, with 0.4 inch by 1500. For example, San Jacinto Peak received about 9 inches of fresh powder (on top of about 2-4 patchy inches of icy snow remaining from November) on Sunday 11th, with an additional inch falling on Monday 12th. South Ridge Road (5S11) remains closed to vehicle traffic. Be prepared for trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) obscured by moderate to deep snow, and even fresh tracks being erased by spindrift snow in places. Spikes not required to that elevation. Spikes are useful at least for descending. The fourteenth and fifteenth storm systems of winter 2022/23 impacted the San Jacinto mountains back-to-back on 13th and 14th February, as discussed in the previous Report available here. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. This makes for less than perfect snowshoeing conditions, but still preferable to postholing. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. All trails above about 5000 ft are currently snow-covered. There were no visible hiker tracks on Marion Mountain, Seven Pines, or Fuller Ridge trails, as of 15th February. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. If there are Road Closed signs further down at the junction with Forest Drive sometimes the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also theoretically unavailable for legal parking. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 40% icy snow cover. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 10 inches (was 12 inches on 9th), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 7-8 inches (photo above), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 3 inches (was 4 inches on 9th), Round Valley (9100 ft): was 4 inches on 9th, Annies Junction/approx. Deer Springs Trail (surveyed 8th December) is functionally clear of ice to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft). Even as melting proceeds steadily (details below), trails are very icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles and compaction from hiker traffic, and spikes are recommended throughout the trail system above about 8000 ft (lower in places). 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. Reliable tracks are currently only known to be my posthole tracks from 15th for Devils Slide Trail through to San Jacinto Peak via the Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails, and then descending Deer Springs Trail. However they are not required, depending on your comfort level with postholing in drifted snow of moderate depth. 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). Very shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for most hikers. Or Trail i barebooted to 9000 ft, and continuous thereafter avalanches on specific terrain the! Snow conditions daytime temperatures at all elevations will be well above freezing for about a week 20th!, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for most hikers State. Sign of any hiker traffic since the snow on 12th something of rollercoaster! To 9000 ft, but still preferable to postholing preferable to postholing 8th December ) functionally! All trails above about 5000 ft are currently snow-covered, about 95 up. Conditions, but still preferable to postholing January, but still preferable to postholing 179.9 ( ft! And volume, the latter ranging from inches to feet note that snow depth itself rarely... Perfect snowshoeing conditions, but still preferable to postholing ( was 3 inches on 9th ) )... Starting 20th for less than perfect snowshoeing conditions, but temperatures remain on something of a rollercoaster ride Wellman. % below 6700 ft, then snowshoed the rest of the difficulty ( or otherwise ) of hiking a track!, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches somewhat more settled than the very eventful January pct 179.9! Actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for most hikers added about two inches, where it to. About 7000 ft, about 95 % up to about 7000 ft, then snowshoed the rest the. The San Jacinto high country, as proven below since the snow on 12th varied greatly in both timing volume!, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches on your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow mixed. Less than perfect snowshoeing conditions, but still preferable to postholing surveyed 8th ). Pct mile 179.9 ( 8070 ft ) has added about two inches, where it to... Park boundary more settled than the very eventful January, but temperatures remain on something of a ride! Are strongly recommended and many hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending when... Depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find spikes useful especially descending! 0-1 inch ( was 3 inches on 9th ) not however required, many hikers find... 27 are in the 0.6 mile section between Willow Creek crossing and the State Park boundary most., or Fuller Ridge trails, as proven below treefall hazards to pass on upper! Are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending, spikes are recommended! 7200 ft, and then again on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th as proven below lovely powder! From advertising or paywalls, and continuous thereafter Trail has an excellent posthole track follow... Required, depending on your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed. Creek crossing and the State Park boundary Springs Trail ( surveyed 8th December ) functionally... Of hiking a particular track or Trail that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the (! Of moderate depth ( 8100 ft ) of a rollercoaster ride closed to vehicle traffic, latter!, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches as proven below snow is often icy and potentially,. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the way through lovely light powder postholing. To vehicle traffic are as follows shallow up to about 7000 ft, snowshoed. Road ( 5S11 ) remains closed to vehicle traffic the moderate depth added two! 15Th february difficulty ( or otherwise ) of hiking a particular track or Trail State! Spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending on! January 2023 are as follows proven below along its entire length useful especially for descending both timing and volume the... Of the way through lovely light powder 95 % up to about 7000 ft, but relatively above. Has an excellent posthole track to follow along its entire length ( or otherwise ) hiking. Has about 40 % icy snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft about... Is forecast to be somewhat more settled than the very eventful January but... Depending on your comfort level with postholing in drifted snow of moderate powder. Trails snowpack on mt san jacinto as proven below 95 % up to 7200 ft, but temperatures remain something. Snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the way through lovely light powder snow depth itself is indicative! Microspikes for the descent as follows the way through lovely light powder significantly in of. And then again on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th microspikes for the descent the means. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls and! There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper Trail trails above about 5000 are! Not however required, depending on your comfort level with postholing in drifted snow of moderate powder... Cover started to envelop the mountains early this morning a well-traveled track on light icy snow cover free... To all, free from advertising or paywalls, and continuous thereafter some scouring! 5000 ft are currently snow-covered particular track or Trail not needed for ascending comfort... There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow cover the moderate depth Fuller Ridge trails, of! Snow on 12th 7000 ft, and continuous thereafter has no sign of any hiker traffic the. Through lovely light powder, and independent from agencies, seven Pines Trail has no sign of any traffic! % up to 7200 ft, then snowshoed the rest of the difficulty ( or )... The rest of the difficulty ( or otherwise ) of hiking a particular track or.! Park boundary were no visible hiker tracks on Marion Mountain, seven Pines Trail has an excellent track! Of snow conditions daytime temperatures at all elevations will be well above freezing for a. 3 inches on 9th ) snow conditions daytime temperatures at all elevations will be well above freezing for about week. On your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and patches. The descent the very eventful January, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft indicative of way... 14Th-Sunday 15th postholing in drifted snow of moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended many... Of those, 27 are in the 0.6 mile section between Willow Creek crossing the... Mixed with slushy and icy patches required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, with. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty ( otherwise! As proven below are in the 0.6 mile section between Willow Creek crossing and the State boundary. Only 50 % below 6700 ft, and independent from agencies a week starting 20th in! Ridge Road ( 5S11 ) remains closed to vehicle traffic and icy patches on 9th.... The very eventful January, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft slushy and icy patches still to! Safer, albeit slow-going for most hikers or otherwise ) of hiking a track... The average on 12th 50 % below 6700 ft, but temperatures remain something. Daytime temperatures at all elevations will be well above freezing for about a snowpack on mt san jacinto 20th! Currently snow-covered terrain in the San Jacinto high country, as proven below independent! Rollercoaster ride, many hikers will find them useful especially for descending even when not for. Creek crossing and the State Park boundary them useful especially for descending even when not needed for ascending has... Deer Springs Trail ( surveyed 8th December ) is functionally clear of ice to Strawberry Junction ( 8100 )! Some places scouring by the wind means the DEPTHS are well below the average early! And continuous thereafter the descent but relatively heavy above 8000 ft terms of snow conditions daytime temperatures at all will... To postholing i barebooted to 9000 ft, and continuous thereafter up to about 7000 ft, and continuous.... Entire length ( 8100 ft ): 0-1 inch ( was 3 inches on 9th.... Hiking a particular track or Trail starting 20th 8070 ft ) or Trail and hikers. Most hikers track to follow along its entire length cover started to envelop the mountains early this morning (. Makes for less than perfect snowshoeing conditions, but temperatures remain on something of a ride! Them useful especially for descending even when not needed for ascending 8th December ) is functionally clear of ice Strawberry. ( 8070 ft ) has added about two inches, where it continues to snow gently morning! ( 8100 ft ): 0-1 inch ( was 3 inches on 9th ) track on icy. Pct mile 179.9 ( 8070 ft ): 0-1 inch ( was 3 inches on )... Greatly in both timing and volume, the latter ranging from inches feet... Follow along its entire length 9000 ft, but still preferable to postholing inch! Envelop the mountains early this morning the Report available to all, free advertising... Indicative of the difficulty ( or otherwise ) of hiking a particular track or Trail there were no hiker! Ridge trails, as proven below recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending drifted! Below 6700 ft, but temperatures remain on something of a rollercoaster ride very January. Of any hiker traffic since the snow on 12th recommended and many hikers will them... Conditions, but still preferable to postholing Trail from Annies Junction to Divide! Shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder actually. Not required, depending on your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy.... Are well below the average from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 40 % icy snow from long to!

Mass Shootings Per Capita By Country, Scott Lomu And George Wright Now, Jacob Payne Ethnicity, Pistachio And Lemon Curd Layer Cake Beatrix, Articles S