Sky High Trail (5km) Raywood Flat Trail (5.1km) North Fork Meadows Trail (5.4km) The next comprehensive update to the Report will hopefully be tomorrow evening, Friday 6th. This storm is expected to have two periods of precipitation, one each on 11th and 12th. For closure information, please visit our official PCT closures page. This will likely continue to be the case for several weeks, given fresh snowfall expected. This was immediately followed by a milder storm on 22nd-23rd that brought heavy snowfall with 13 inches in Idyllwild across a 30 hour period (measured at 5550 ft), and about 18 inches in Long Valley (8600 ft). These mileages were all recently revised by the USFS and SGWA(one-way mileages to the top of San G)Vivian Creek 9.3 miles 5,422' gainSouth Fork via Dollar Lake 9.8 miles 4,622' gainFish Creek 10.1 miles 3,342' gainSouth Fork via Dry Lake 11.34 miles, 4,622' gainAspen Grove 12.75 miles, 4,092' gainLost Creek Trail via Dry Lake 12.9 miles, 5,182' gainMomyer 13.2 miles, 6,062' gainForsee via Jackstraw 15.18 miles, 4,702' gain. UPDATE Friday 20th January: Overnight Idyllwild had a very light dusting (<0.25 inch) of snow, but the high country was above the cloud so existing tracks should be unaffected. One of the most visited National Forest in Southern California. 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. You don't hike alone. Thank you so much for your support. We have had an excellent start to 2023 regarding the water and snow situations in the San Jacinto mountains. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid. Note that there are about a dozen stream crossings and sections of the trail with water flowing in them, at times for tens of feet. 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. Qu'il s'agisse de randonnes pdestres ou vlo, il y a beaucoup d'endroits voir et visiter autour de Yucaipa. Average snow depth around the peak was 24-25 inches, but heavily drifted. Seven Pines Trail has one set of hiker tracks through the snow since the storm in early November 2022. 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 unavailable for legal parking. Palm Springs Desert Sun. Final precipitation numbers for Idyllwild (measured at 5550 ft elevation) across the three days were 5.06 inches of rain and 6.5 inches of snow, although only about half of the latter remained on the ground as a few inches were removed by (relatively) warm rain between snow storms. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Momyer and Falls Creek current trail conditions? Only five of these require cutting, and I was able to remove three by hand earlier in February. While expected to be relatively mild at first with rain above 9000 ft, overall this next sequence of storms may prove to be colder than most of the recent systems. Add : Sale Price: $8.88 . Add : Our Price: $15.95 . San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 25-27 inches (includes 2.5 inches snow added on 10th January) but very heavily drifted, Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 24 inches (2 inches on 10th January), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 16 inches (1.5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 10th), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 16 inches (1.5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 10th), Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail/PCT Mile 184.9 (8700 ft): 13 inches (1 inch snow on 10th), Long Valley (8600 ft): 8 inches (1 inch snow plus 1.5 inches rain on 10th), Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183.3 (8100 ft): 6 inches (1 inch snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 10th), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 8 inches (1 inch snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 10th), Deer Springs Trail at Suicide Rock Trail junction (6950 ft): 0-1 inch (0.5 inch snow plus >1.0 inch rain on 10th), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0.5 inch (0.5 inch snow plus >1.0 inch rain on 10th). At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 0915 the air temperature was 24.0F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 5.8F (-15C), 74% relative humidity, and a bitter NNW wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 24.5 mph. Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (discussed here) continues to melt slowly. As mentioned above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. On multiple recent ascents of San Jacinto Peak I have generally ascended and descended via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge routes). 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. 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. Long Valley (8600 ft) looks to have added about 12 inches since last night. Visitors can call our Mill Creek Visitor Center (909) 382-2882 and our staff will help plan any enjoyable trip to the forest."
Currently trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) are largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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. "Warning, Extreme Icy Conditions Do Not Hike Alone," stated fliers handed out with hiking permits in the San Gorgonio district of the San Bernardino National Forest beginning Wednesday. (909) 382-2682 (Voice)
Spikes are recommended. Altitudes are approximate. San Gorgonio, located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area. 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. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Devils Slide Trail has a well traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. For driving directions, the trailhead address is: Vivian Creek Trailhead. At the Peak on Thursday 29th December 2022 at 0910 the air temperature was 25.8F (-3C), with a windchill temperature of 7.2F (-14C), 81% relative humidity, and a harsh WNW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 25.4 mph. Just no way this is accurate. At Day Camp, girls sing songs, try their hand at science experiments, learn knot-tying skills, make arts and crafts and enjoy water activities during these fun themed weeks. Average snow cover is 40%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. Although good tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. The powder was lovely and soft, and overlying a firm icy layer (from all the freezing rain). Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. There are no significant changes to snow/ice conditions, and advice below basically spikes recommended throughout the high country remains valid. Snowshoes are not required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. On the afternoon of 18th I saw posthole tracks that head down the start of the Caramba Trail, and following the PCT southbound toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have no further details at this time. Some hikers will find spikes preferable. Both storms produced more snow than was generally forecast. Some hikers may continue to find spikes useful for some of the minor icy patches but they are no longer required. Devils Slide Trail has a very lightly traveled track to Saddle Junction in place. An additional six inches of accumulation today brings the total in Idyllwild since 21st February to 20.5 inches. Early on Monday 23rd January I ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails) that I had broken last Wednesday 18th, and descended the west side via (more-or-less) Deer Springs Trail. Currently, and increasingly as snow conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft, lower in places. Currently the snow is relatively powdery and benign; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. . Thank you for taking the time to read this. On Monday 13th I also postholed the entire hike, as I was able to ascend barebooting to about 9200 ft before putting on crampons. 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). "He was alone and had no map. At the Peak 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. In addition to snowshoes, and as conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 6000ft. The Weather section below is updated. The areas reopened include all campgrounds in the Barton Flats and Heartbar areas, including Jenks Lake picnic area. 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. On 15th I barebooted (i.e. Another tree came down near the start of this trail close to Saddle Junction in Tropical Storm Kay. Snow depths measured at many locations on the trail system on 11th January are given at the foot of this posting. Were so happy to be back! Currently the snow is relatively powdery and benign; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. (For readers who are unclear, Skyline Trail forms the lower two-thirds of the Cactus-to-Clouds [C2C] route.) Mountain Conditions. Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. Both storms were relatively cold, the second in particular dusting snow below 3500 ft elevation. Temperatures on the morning of 15th were the lowest of this winter, and among the lowest of the past decade. There are layers of hard ice and firm icy snow beneath the fresh powder, and crampons are ideal at present everywhere above 9000 ft, potentially lower in places. Both days I put spikes on at the Peak for the descent, on 24th keeping them on until about 8000 ft on Marion Mountain Trail, and on 28th until about 9900 ft on the Peak Trail, roughly one mile north of Wellman Divide. Started by: MikeH. 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. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 6-8 inches (12-14 inches on 12th December), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 8 inches (10-12 inches on 12th December), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-2 inches (7 inches on 12th December), Annies Junction/approx. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. UPDATE Thursday 15th December 2022: Early this morning I hiked to San Jacinto Peak from Humber via Devils Slide, Wellman and Peak trails. Overnight in Idyllwild we had three inches of snow, the first notable snowfall of this latest storm series, but temperatures actually warmed during the night (presumably with the arrival of the latest atmospheric river) and before dawn it was raining on top of the snow. Ice covers trails and slopes frequented by hikers, he said. 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!) However, snowshoes will become increasingly useful as conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 9000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. 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. 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. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. I had the pleasure of hiking the Fish Creek Trail on June 22nd. The first on Sunday 11th-Monday 12th may initially produce up to 1.5 inch of rain at the elevation of Idyllwild, transitioning to 2-4 inches of snow on Sunday night into Monday, while 10-12 inches of snow are forecast for the high country. "Especially on the north-facing slopes, it has remained extremely cold up there," he said. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. Again the freeze levels may be relatively high, with little more than an inch or two of snow likely below 6000 ft, a forecast 2-6 inches of fresh snowfall in the high country scattered across two or more days, and roughly 0.5-1.0 inch of rain (perhaps mainly freezing rain) throughout the mid elevations. The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and the steepest route to the summit of Mt. 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. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. 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. Print. Many thanks to Kyle Eubanks who I chatted with at the Peak this afternoon. Altitudes are approximate. There was thin patchy snow at the trailhead (4900 ft) and then it was largely continuous above 5800 ft. Currently crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use both), are strongly recommended. Hopefully someone will update the trail description with respect to the total miles. Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (summarized in a prior Report) has been melting steadily as temperatures in the past week have been above seasonal. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds there has been drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. 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). 2 night trip SB Peak Trail to Limber Pine, Trail Fork Springs and back. There is a relatively well-traveled track on the Round Valley Trail from Long Valley through to Wellman Divide. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 4 inches (storm total 3.5 inches), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 3.5 inches (storm total 3.5 inches). 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). The map below shows the new updated El Dorado fire closure area. 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. The trailhead is reached by turning east off Highway 38 to Forest Falls, then continuing until the road ends at the top and east end of Big Falls Picnic Area. All trails above about 6500 ft remain lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. Elevation gain : 5,840 ft. If there are Road Closed signs further down often the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. In addition, there is the possibility of minor snow storms on Thursday 19th and around Sunday 29th January. However avalanche risk may become significant over the next week if we receive a major wind-loaded snowfall on top of the deep, hardened base of snow currently in place. 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. These are free and self-issued. San Diego County Trail Map Sale Price: $13.88 . To the west, along the Pacific Crest Trail, a second team was searching for Ronald Barbour, 69, of La Crescenta, who set out on a combined bike ride and hike Sunday. Related objects are relevant to each other in some way, but they don't form a parent/child relationship. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. So we recommend getting your permit in advance! Altitudes are approximate. Turn right onto San Bernardino Peak Trail and finally gain the San Gorgonio summit. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Drive to the parking area at the end of the road and walk uphill through the pinic area on the dirt road to reach the trailhead.There are several other trailheads all of which are located along Highway 38. Snow depths are currently excellent for snowshoeing above about 7000 ft, where trails havent been too heavily traveled and compacted. 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. Icy snow cover is 60% overall, becoming increasingly patchy below about 7000 ft, and again in the sun-exposed areas above 8000 ft. Spikes are useful, especially for descending. The main track is clearest just above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. (
[Checked 18th January by Anne and Anabel. MLS # EV23032625 These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. On 2nd, 5th, and 6th we barebooted to San Jacinto Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through increasingly patchy light icy snow. Even experienced hikers should understand that winter ice hiking requires Alpine mountaineering equipment and skills, authorities said. Current expectations are only for 1-2 inches of snow at mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild) and not much more at higher elevations, perhaps 2-3 inches with each storm. The hike back down through Dollar Saddle also had some portions of snow - most notably just before Dry Lake View and directly after Dollar Saddle. However the snow conditions may not be suitable for snowshoeing on certain slopes, depending on the ice conditions below the surface due to multiple freezing rain incidents this winter. The icy conditions are the third deadly threat in the mountains, which were ravaged first by fires, then flash floods late last year. Hiking Mount San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek Trail is quite the challenge. South Ridge Trail from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak has a well-traveled track to follow through the very light and patchy 1-3 inches of icy snow. Eventually with compaction of the trails caused by increasing hiker traffic and freeze/thaw cycles snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will likely remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country into February. 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. 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. Official websites use .gov A .gov
I recorded a brief video at San Jacinto Peak at about 0930 on Friday 6th (available here on YouTube) which discusses conditions at that time. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 10-12 inches (12-14 inches on 12th December), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 9 inches (10-12 inches on 12th December), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 2-4 inches (7 inches on 12th December), Annies Junction/approx. Snow Snowfields to cross - could be difficult. With storms accompanied by strong west winds, the slopes above about 9500 ft on the east flanks of San Jacinto and Jean peaks may develop a snow structure with minor to moderate avalanche risk by the weekend of 25th-26th (as last seen on these slopes in early 2017). United States government. Note that the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has announced they will be closed tomorrow, Saturday 25th, due to extreme weather. This was a very mild system, producing rain to 9000 ft elevation (and consequently very icy conditions), and one inch of fresh snow above about 9000 ft elevation (increasing to 1.5 inch >10,000 ft). A classic La Nina pattern cool but relatively dry is in place for the third winter in a row. This will change later this week. "The vegetation is not strong in burned areas; more rocks are falling than ever before in those areas. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 6000 ft, possibly lower in places on cold (icy) mornings. A weather system, possibly in two waves across a broad time window between 2nd and 5th December, is currently forecast to produce light precipitation at all elevations, including a possible dusting of snow in the high country [update 1st December: no precipitation is now expected from these storms passing to the north of us]. Eventually with compaction of the trails caused by increasing hiker traffic and freeze/thaw cycles snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will certainly remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country well into February at least. Our Council owns and operates Skyland Ranch, a magnificent 192-acre camp property in the San Jacinto Mountains below the town of Idyllwild, and Camp Azalea Trails, a remote camp setting located outside of Idyllwild.