As mentioned last week, current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness typical of April rather than December. Ft. 3919 Calle Andalucia, San Clemente, CA 92673. My blogging throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here. I put in a posthole track the entire way up, but crampons (with an ice axe) were essential at that time on the upper switchbacks above about 8300 ft due to the typical steeply angled ice obscured underneath 6-12 inches of powder (photos below). Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 45 inches, heavily drifted, Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 40 inches (45 inches), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 44 inches (45-48 inches), Tahquitz Peak (8836 ft): 25 inches, heavily drifted to 40 inches in places (measured 20th January), Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (8700 ft): 36 inches, Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183 (8100 ft): 15 inches, Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 19 inches (21 inches), Suicide Rock Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (6950 ft): 1-3 inches, Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 2-4 inches (5-6 inches), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0-2 inches (3 inches). That said, the going was extremely easy as the rain layer on top of the snow remaining for earlier storms had completely frozen, so I was only having to break trail through an inch or two of fine powder. 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. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. Another 10+ inches are forecast overnight, which is very possible given current conditions. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 7000 ft, possibly lower in places on cold (icy) mornings. "It's just a sheet of ice up there," said John Amrhein, emergency services coordinator for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. The storm expected on 28th November failed to materialize, producing only below average temperatures, wind, and spectacular clouds (photos below). Alternatively snowshoes could have been used, depending on personal preference and time of day. A very mild system with 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 above 10,000 ft. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. contact San Bernardino National Forest, San Gorgonio Ranger District, 34701 Mill Creek Rd., Mentone, CA 92359 909-382-2882 or fax (909) 794-1125. Three significant trees are now down across the trail, including two major hazards (one new in gale force winds on 26th January) that are not easy to hike around both roughly halfway along the trail. Forecasts suggest a further 2-3 inches are possible tonight. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing above about 9000 ft, potentially lower in places. If you have general comments or questions, they can be submitted via our Contacts page. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently lightly, or above 7500 ft moderately, snow-covered. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. March 4 - San Gorgonio via Dobbs ridge/peak and return same route. Snow cover is continuous from there, with a posthole track to Tahquitz Peak. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Gary Suttle's book lists it as 8.4mi. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. This is the flattest portion of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains, and snow depth currently averages about 13 inches. As evident in the video, spikes are currently needed at least, and snowshoes would be ideal especially for sections that have not yet been traveled. On my ascent I put crampons on at Wellmans Cienega (9300 ft) and they were more-or-less essential for traversing the icy slopes of the Peak Trail. With compaction of the trails in the second week of January, snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country for the foreseeable future. Snow cover is a patchy 20% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.5 mile (roughly 8600 ft). San Gorgonio Peak via Vivian Creek Trail Directions: Report An Accident; Traffic Cameras >> Interstate 10 >> California >> North Palm Springs >> News Reports. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating in the trails. I barebooted to 9000 ft, then snowshoed the rest of the way through lovely light powder. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. These concerns may steadily increase over the next few weeks with rising then falling temperatures, seasonally stronger insolation, and highly variable snowmelt. Minimum Impact Ethics; Wilderness Regulations; Forum; Trails. San Gorgonio Wilderness-California. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. At the Peak on Monday 19th December 2022 at 0920 the air temperature was 31.3F (0C), with a windchill temperature of 20.7F (-6C), 9% relative humidity, and a gentle WNW wind sustained at 5 mph gusting to 9.9 mph. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. The finally push to the summit from Sky High trail was relatively easy. Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. Darren Goodman of the sheriff's search-and-rescue team. The snow continues unabated, although the pace has slowed somewhat in the past hour. 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. February 2011 recorded 45.5 inches, and there were 45.5 inches in March 2006. This is crowdsourced and depends on your contributions. (130) Good Coverage. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. (406), Comments The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping panoramic views from the top of Mt. The second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 is currently impacting the San Jacinto mountains. I kept those on for the rest of the ascent, and almost all of the descent, finally removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. 3; 8; 3 months ago. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Although good tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. MikeH. What does it mean if I have a California Campfire Permit? Both storms produced more snow than was generally forecast. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Latest details are given in the introduction above. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Trail Conditions. March 2 - Marion Mountain to San Jacinto and return same route. If the Report is useful to you in any way, please consider using this link to the Donate page. This is a summary of conditions following the second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. Long Valley (8600 ft) has received about 1.0 inch fresh snow this morning. Be prepared for ice and deep snow, bring crampons and /or snow shoes and above all do not hike past your limits. Forecasts are currently indicating about 30-40 inches of snow for the highest peaks of the San Jacinto mountains (>10,000 ft) between 21st and 25th February, and about 18-30 inches for Idyllwild (5000-6000 ft elevations). Map Information. A few trees were cut by chainsaw at the far (Hidden Divide) end of the Forest Service section recently, presumably by a CCC or State Park crew. Indeed there were no other tracks anywhere above Humber Park, not even on lower Devils Slide Trail. ft. home is a 2 bed, 3.0 bath property. Trails above about 8500 ft currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow (more continuous above about 9000 ft on the west side, 9900 ft on the east). The freeze level is currently at about 7500 ft and it has been periodically snowing gently above that elevation, with Long Valley (8600 ft) having added a few inches overnight, for a current total depth of about 24 inches. The State Park campground at Stone Creek is also closed. 2 night trip SB Peak Trail to Limber Pine, Trail Fork Springs and back. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 22-24 inches (includes 6 inches added on 5th January), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 15 inches (5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 5th), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 17 inches (5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 5th), Long Valley (8600 ft): 8 inches (2 inches on 5th), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 10 inches (2 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 5th), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 3-5 inches (1 inch snow plus >1.0 inch rain on 5th). Current known total accumulations are 4 inches in Idyllwild, 6 inches at Devils Slide Trailhead, 9 inches at Saddle Junction, and 8 inches at Long Valley. The freeze level has remained around 7500 ft for most of today, but is forecast to drop overnight closer to 6000 ft. That's suicide." 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). You will enter San Gorgonio Wilderness as the trail begins to gentle down. 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. Spikes are recommended. 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through increasingly patchy, very thin, icy snow above about 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). Mountain Conditions. When Anabel and I waded out for a modest walk, the snowplows seemed to be struggling to keep up on the streets, but we know they will catch up in due course. Palm Springs Desert Sun. However, relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below). They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. Deer Springs Trail has an excellent posthole track to follow along its entire length. This was tricky for postholing which went through the ice layer. Trip Report. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. 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). Of course, this February was notable in that roughly 80% of the total fell all in the last week of the month, with no respite for significant melting. website belongs to an official government organization in the February has been more settled than the very eventful January, but temperatures remain on something of a rollercoaster ride. There is a very well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. The lower half of the trail should be largely clear of snow by the weekend. At the Peak on Wednesday 1st February 2023 at 0935 the air temperature was 16.6F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -8.0F (-22C), 13% relative humidity, and a wild NNE wind sustained at 21 mph gusting to 35.2 mph. There is an excellent snowshoe track to follow on the Wellman Trail and the Peak Trail up to San Jacinto Peak. Estimated Distance: 17 miles. 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. UPDATE Thursday 23rd: Idyllwild woke up to about four inches of fresh snow overnight, and it snowed fairly consistently today (averaging 0.75 inch/hour), adding six more inches by late afternoon. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0-1 inch (0.5 inch hail/sleet plus 1.04 inch rain on 5th). 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. Forecasts range widely from 6-22 inches of snow for the highest elevations across multiple days, with a mix of rain and several inches of snow at mid elevations. (6), Images They tend to be especially valuable for descending trails. 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). There is a lightly traveled compacted snowshoe track on the East Ridge between Miller Peak and San Jacinto Peak but it does not accurately follow the route of the East Ridge Trail. Started by: MikeH. The first number is the current total snow depth, followed in parentheses by the storm total for this latest storm 11th-12th December. South Ridge Road (5S11) remains closed to vehicle traffic. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Spikes are useful but not strictly required for ascending, but most hikers will continue to find them very useful for descending. Skyline Trail is now largely clear, but has very limited patchy, thin, icy snow above about 7200 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). 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. He had taken ice climbing equipment he'd been given for Christmas, but had never used it before, authorities said. 3 Beds. . 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. The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek, which you can also camp at. Some general comments on snow/ice conditions. Snowshoes are dangerous due to the angle of the icy snow. Official websites use .gov A .gov Given the importance of this trail for the safety of northbound PCT hikers in particular, it is one of several trails adopted by the Trail Report. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 8 inches (8-9 inches), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 4 inches (total 4 inches). As described above, crampons (always in conjunction with an ice axe) are currently recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, at a minimum on the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, the Wellman Trail, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, on both flanks but especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. Authorities were able to locate and rescue two 17-year-old hikers who were lost for several days on the Pacific . Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, potentially lower in places. It warmed last night to just above freezing below 6000 ft, with a mixture of rain and sleet falling on top of the prior snow, turning it increasingly to wet slush at mid elevations (we measured about 0.25 inch rain in Idyllwild). Potentially stormy weather forecast for four periods in the past ten days all failed to significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains. Although I carried snowshoes it would have been risky to try to use them on the icy traverses.
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