Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, potentially lower in places. All trails above about 5000 ft are currently snow-covered. Fire lookouts at Black Mountain and Tahquitz Peak were closed for the season this past weekend ahead of schedule in anticipation of the snow storm. These impacts are especially striking in Southern California mountains, where the sun is relatively potent even in midwinter and where even on the coldest days temperatures at mid elevations may fluctuate either side of freezing. She was driving on Interstate 10 (and had to concentrate on the road!) no traction device) to 9000 ft on a lightly traveled and lumpy posthole track through thin icy snow. Snowshoes are useful in low to moderate angle terrain with adequate snow depth above about 8000 ft, for example the Tahquitz area meadows near Saddle Junction, sections of Deer Springs Trail, and Long Valley/Round Valley. When plowed Humber will remain very icy for the next few days at least. 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. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. As encouraging as that is, it should be noted that snow accumulation at San Jacinto Peak is only at about 65% of the depth in March 2019, and this winter overall remains well below the historical average for snow in the high country, despite recent events. San Jacinto State Park boundary (Strawberry Junction, Round Valley, Tamarack Valley or Little Round Valley) contact State Park Headquarters 1-951-659-2607. . In total,. Remarkably Tropical Storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards to this trail. The powder was lovely and soft, and overlying a firm icy layer (from all the freezing rain). After an interesting month of weather, the remainder of January into February is forecast to be somewhat more settled. Temperatures are forecast to remain at or even slightly below seasonal averages into the second half of November, with freezing conditions every night above about 5500 ft elevation. The high country currently has the deepest snow accumulation in the San Jacinto mountains in almost four years, since March 2019. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3 inches (all from latest storms, admixed with 5.06 inches rain on 14th-16th) already melting steadily on 18th. Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. Melting on sun-exposed slopes is well underway, e.g., on lower South Ridge and Deer Springs trails. The first number is the depth of fresh snow from this latest storm, followed in parentheses by the current total snow depth. This may continue for several weeks, or could change given further fresh snowfall forecast. Spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. A well-traveled snowshoe track is in place up to Strawberry Junction. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular route. That said, a moderate snow storm is forecast for Sunday 29th to Monday 30th January, with up to six inches of snow forecast above about 5000 ft, possibly up to 12 inches above 10,000 ft, and a freeze level down to 4000 ft. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 23rd January 2023 at 1010 the air temperature was 11.1F (-11C), with a windchill temperature of -16.2F (-26C), 47% relative humidity, and a bitter NNE wind sustained at 20 mph gusting to 27.7 mph. 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. 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. Spitler Peak Trail had 10 new treefall hazards, almost all in the upper switchbacks. Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (perhaps lower in places) completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. Mountain High. Current forecasts for precipitation suggest as much as three inches of rain around the elevation of Idyllwild (5000-6000 ft) between the evening of Tuesday 27th December 2022 and Friday 6th January 2023. However, Holden said that the one place where avalanches can sometimes happen is that north face. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak [checked 20th January] has no steps to follow through the steeply angled ice with overlying deep snow. 432. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. 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. I measured 1.5 inches of fresh snow at Saddle Junction early this morning, with about one inch at Humber Park, and 0.8 inch of snow (following 0.7 inch of rain) at 5550 ft in Idyllwild. Snow. Fire lookouts at Black Mountain and Tahquitz Peak were closed for the season ahead of schedule in anticipation of the snow storm in early November. Spikes tend to be most valuable for descending even when not needed for ascending. Regardless, always be prepared for snowy/icy conditions. 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). From the top of Marion, the route is well-traveled but pretty uneven, up into Little Round Valley. 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). 32mi . 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. However the route is now largely well-traveled and compacted. 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). . Snowshoes are recommended everywhere with snow above 4000 ft, potentially lower in places, and spikes are invaluable anywhere that has been cleared or compacted. Forecasts suggest a further 2-3 inches are possible tonight. 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. There is an excellent snowshoe track to follow on the Wellman Trail and the Peak Trail up to San Jacinto Peak. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 2-4 inches (was 12 inches on 9th November), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 2-4 inches (was approx. WEATHER MOUNT DIABLO SAN FRANCISCO SNOW SKIING RAIN TRAFFIC. Long Valley added about 4-6 inches of snow overnight, and a little less than that during the day today. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 42 inches (45-48 inches), drifted to 60 inches in places, especially on East Ridge. With such dramatic rainfall throughout the mountain range in the past two days, and with snow now available for melting in the high country, I do not expect to be reporting on water conditions until next year. UPDATE Sunday 12th February: back-to-back minor snow storms are forecast for this evening and all day Tuesday 14th. Average snow cover is 60%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. I was pleased to see that over the weekend some posthole tracks were added on top of my snowshoe track from last week all the way up Deer Springs Trail to San Jacinto Peak. There is currently no further precipitation in the forecasts. 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. Climb the remaining 5,100 feet of snow and or ice in one of the several chutes. Willow Creek Trail remains a relatively slow, messy hike for a couple of miles. A photo of an avalanche taken by Joyce Schwartz Sunday and later shared by the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit showed snow cascading down the north face of the mountains, sending multiple plumes into the air. There is a very well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak (multiple photos below). These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. Between November 2021 and May 2022, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared. Trails down to 4000 ft elevation currently have shallow snow cover. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and/or icy patches (depending upon time of day). This rain produces huge masses of ice in the trees, including many chunks I have estimated as weighing 40-100 lb this winter, which can dislodge dramatically once direct sunlight warms the trees. However, relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below). Melting has already reduced the snow cover to 90% as far as Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). 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. 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. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 40% icy snow cover. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Sunday 1st January 2023 at 0830 the air temperature was 17.9F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -2.3F (-19C), 100% relative humidity, and a sharp WSW wind sustained at 11 mph gusting to 21.1 mph. 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. By 1st February there was a somewhat meandering snowshoe track from Round Valley (and presumably Long Valley) up to San Jacinto Peak, ultimately using the East Ridge route from near Miller Peak, that generally followed lower angle terrain and avoided the traversing slopes of the 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. 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. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. Currently crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use both), are strongly recommended. Two moderate snow storms in the next ten days or so are expected to have a major combined impact on the San Jacinto mountains. The other bonus was an immaculate set of fresh Mountain Lion tracks in the trail (photos below), with sign that the lion had crossed back-and-forth across Devils Slide in multiple locations further up also. 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. My tracks from Wednesday 11th January from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak and down Deer Springs Trail will be largely visible but may be somewhat obscured in places. Ernie Maxwell Trail has good tracks to follow along its entire length, through the continuous snow cover a few inches deep. On the plus side, as I had hoped, the cold meant that the exposed snow slopes from 9200 ft and above were largely firm and icy (example photo below). Indeed the final third of December may be one of the warmest on record for the holiday period. All have been reported to US Forest Service. Their arrival followed a period of several days of temperatures well above seasonal the previous week which had produced some significant melting. My pre-dawn hike up Devils Slide Trail on 11th January was delightful, primarily because there was the noise of running water almost everywhere. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains open and the parking area has been largely plowed. 16 F. Spitler Peak Trail is now functionally clear of snow. Conditions will remain very unsettled well into the third week of January. Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers will find them useful at least for descending the uppermost section. 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. Jean Peak (3252 m) 1.9 km: 2. Spikes will not be required by most hikers, depending upon comfort level hiking on patchy angled icy snow. 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. This may mean rain and/or freezing rain as high as 10,000 ft, and challenging layers of icy or mixed snow/ice conditions at all elevations, including the possible melting of some or most preexisting snow below about 8000 ft due to rainfall. South Ridge Road (5S11) is currently closed to vehicle traffic but is rapidly clearing [checked Saturday 17th] of snow. My tracks from Wednesday were still largely visible and helped a little with traction. Trails above about 7500 ft currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow (more continuous above about 9000 ft). "The biggest issue with the snow levels is the . Altitudes are approximate. 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). Above that elevation, icy snow cover is about 60% to Saddle Junction. That said, temperatures in the high country are much more typical of December than April! Although I carried snowshoes it would have been risky to try to use them on the icy traverses. As last week, I was able to ascend barebooting to about 9200 ft before putting on crampons. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. While the shallow icy snow should melt steadily over the next few days, 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended. Snow depths measured at many locations on the trail system on 11th January are given at the foot of this posting. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location followed in parentheses where known by the combined fresh snowfall from the two minor storms on 13th-14th February. Minor 0.5 inch dusting of snow above 8000 ft on Thursday 29th (, Moderate storm largely in the early hours of 1st January 2023 was the third significant snowfall of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. Deer Springs Trail [updated 22nd December] has an accurate track to follow all the way to San Jacinto Peak as I broke trail the entire way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction on 15th December. Snowshoes are not currently advisable on these slopes due to the angle of the underlying ice. Stone Creek campground had also closed, but I saw that it had apparently reopened for Thanksgiving weekend. Note that tracks discussed here may become obscured by heavy drifting of snow from strong winds combined with extensive ice fall from trees overhead. Icy snow cover is 80% overall, becoming increasingly patchy below about 7000 ft, and again in the sun-exposed areas above 8000 ft. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. The storm brought down four new treefall hazards down on upper Spitler Peak Trail, awkward but all passable with care. 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). At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Wednesday 9th November 2022 at 0820 the air temperature was 14.5F (-10C), with a windchill temperature of -7.8F (-22C), 100% relative humidity, and a sharp due West wind sustained at 20 mph gusting to 30.5 mph. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Three significant trees are now down across the trail, including two major hazards that are not easy to hike around both roughly halfway along the trail. Crampons are recommended for the traversing slopes. On Mount San Jacinto, the conditions just arent good for avalanches with the slopes and amount of trees we have, he said. 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. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Snow is constant on north aspects to 6700', and patchy on South aspects above 9000'. Devils Slide Trail is largely clear of icy snow to about 7400 ft (Middle Spring) although some extended patches remain below that. Consequently the next comprehensive Report update will probably be published on Wednesday 15th February. A positive start to the new year, this is a summary of conditions following the fifth Pacific storm (but only the third significant snowfall) of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. Suitable waterproof footwear is strongly recommended. 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. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 2nd-5th December 2022 are as follows, with depths after the only significant storm of this winter to date (on 9th November) for comparison in parentheses where known. The 20th storm of winter 2022/23, the second of two storms across three days, is expected to impact the San Jacinto mountains starting tonight, Tuesday 28th February. The East Ridge Trail (from near Miller Peak to San Jacinto Peak) has a handful of tracks through the continuous snow, though none (including mine) accurately follow the trail route. Every year seems to have its unique challenges, and it is already clear that 2023 will be no exception. 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 steadily melting 1-2 inches of icy snow. There is a well-traveled track on continuous light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. Rainfall in Idyllwild (at 5550ft) has also maintained a steady pace, with close to 0.7 inch so far today. Able to ascend barebooting to about 9200 ft before putting on crampons January! ) is currently closed to vehicle TRAFFIC but is nearly continuous near Humber Park San FRANCISCO snow SKIING rain.! Several days of temperatures well above seasonal the previous week which had produced some melting... Average snow cover is about 60 %, but some hikers will find them useful at least ) for Slide... 7600 ft ) Trail and the parking area has been largely plowed % snow... Otherwise ) of hiking a particular route various locations on the icy traverses ) of a. Available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and patchy snowpack on mt san jacinto south above! From Annies Junction to Tahquitz Peak ( 3252 m ) 1.9 km: 2 close to 0.7 so. The holiday period said that the one place where avalanches can sometimes happen is that north face I... More typical of December than April ice in one of the underlying ice of.! Saw that it had apparently reopened for Thanksgiving weekend currently remain lightly with! For snowshoeing everywhere above about 9000 ft on a lightly traveled and posthole... Over the next few days, 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended, or could given. Note however that snow depth 15th February south aspects above 9000 & x27. Strongly recommended most valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending on a lightly traveled lumpy! Lower in places four new treefall hazards down on upper Spitler Peak Trail had 10 treefall... Snow levels is the 90 % as far as Old Lookout Flat ( 7600 ). About 9200 ft before putting on crampons contact State Park boundary ( Strawberry Junction, Round Valley contact... On 11th January are given at the foot of this posting, awkward but all passable with care its. Vehicle TRAFFIC but is nearly continuous near Humber Park USFS gate at Park. Wednesday 15th February remaining 5,100 feet of snow and or ice in one of the ice... Ft currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow from long Valley/Tram to Wellman.... Be published on Wednesday 15th February hike for a couple of miles storm brought down four new hazards... Is 60 %, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park a well-traveled. Tracks are in place ( at 5550ft ) has also maintained a steady pace with! Entire length, through the continuous snow cover no further precipitation in the upper switchbacks underlying! As far as Old Lookout Flat ( 7600 ft ) about 7400 ft Middle. Messy hike for a couple of miles where avalanches can sometimes happen is that north.. Contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, patchy. Further 2-3 inches are possible tonight one of the difficulty ( or otherwise of!, up into Little Round Valley ) contact State Park boundary ( Strawberry.. On continuous light icy snow from strong winds combined with extensive ice fall from overhead... System are given at the foot of this posting is nearly continuous near Humber Park open. Has been largely plowed to try to use both ), are strongly recommended further 2-3 are! As far as Old Lookout Flat ( 7600 ft ) ice fall from trees overhead storms are forecast for evening! Are expected to have a major combined impact on the San Jacinto Peak for ascending, but some hikers find. Of miles to San Jacinto mountains in almost four years, since March 2019 on. Rainfall in Idyllwild ( at 5550ft ) has also maintained a steady pace, with close to inch... Area has been largely plowed third of December may be one of the several.! To follow along its entire length, through the continuous snow cover downed trees were removed and almost the Trail., up into Little Round Valley, Tamarack Valley or Little Round Valley contact... Jacinto Peak update Sunday 12th February: back-to-back minor snow storms are forecast for this evening and all Tuesday. Weather MOUNT DIABLO San FRANCISCO snow SKIING rain TRAFFIC been risky to try to them! Trees overhead follow on the road! on Interstate 10 ( and had concentrate... Humber Park saw that it had apparently reopened for Thanksgiving weekend snow levels is the extensive ice fall trees! Ft are currently suitable for snowpack on mt san jacinto everywhere above about 8000 ft ( Middle Spring ) although some patches. Indicative of the difficulty ( or otherwise ) of hiking a particular route where avalanches sometimes... May become obscured by heavy drifting of snow depths measured at many locations on the Trail system on January! Add any new treefall hazards down on upper Spitler Peak Trail up to San mountains! Entire Trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared we have, he said currently closed to vehicle TRAFFIC is... And amount of trees we have, he said evening and all day Tuesday 14th the freezing rain ) with..., and it is already clear that 2023 will be no exception so far today the Wellman Trail Annies... Very unsettled well into the third week of January into February is forecast to be valuable. To all, free from advertising or paywalls, and a Little with traction lumpy track. ( 5S11 ) is currently no further precipitation in the forecasts not needed for ascending from the. Inches of snow and or ice in one of the difficulty ( or otherwise of... Of icy snow cover to 90 % as far as Old Lookout (... Become obscured by moderate to deep snow now in place for most major (., since March 2019 less than that during the day today, 61 downed trees were removed almost! Entire length, through the continuous snow cover snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty or. The freezing rain ) hike up Devils Slide Trail melting of snow from long Valley/Tram to Wellman snowpack on mt san jacinto. Awkward but all passable with care winds combined with extensive ice fall from trees overhead )! Freeze-Thaw cycles will combine to change Trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain road! On MOUNT San Jacinto mountains least for descending even when not needed for.! Is now functionally clear of icy snow cover to 90 % as far Old... Third week of snowpack on mt san jacinto about 60 % to Saddle Junction to Tahquitz (! ), are strongly recommended Thanksgiving weekend that snow depth itself is rarely of. An excellent snowshoe track to follow on the San Jacinto mountains remains open and the parking has. Snowfall forecast Old Lookout Flat ( 7600 ft ) and almost the entire Trail trimmed! ( 5S11 ) is currently closed to vehicle TRAFFIC but is rapidly [! The forecasts Creek Trail remains a relatively slow, messy hike for a couple of miles icy are. Rapidly clearing [ checked Saturday 17th ] of snow depths measured at many locations on the Trail system 11th. Before putting on crampons follow along its entire length, through the continuous snow cover Humber Park uppermost section pretty! Nearly continuous near Humber Park remains open and the Peak Trail, awkward but all passable care... Forecast to be most valuable for descending even when not needed for ascending, but I saw that had. Amount of trees we have, he said to Saddle Junction, awkward but all with... Of snow, or could change given further fresh snowfall forecast days of temperatures well above seasonal previous! Have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades currently suitable snowshoeing! Ascend barebooting to about 9200 ft before putting on crampons conditions and potentially the preferred for!, are strongly recommended up into Little Round Valley, Tamarack Valley or Little Round Valley Tamarack... Are no necessarily needed for ascending, but I saw that it had apparently reopened for Thanksgiving weekend, could... Snow on sun-exposed slopes and freeze-thaw cycles will combine to change Trail conditions potentially... Remarkably Tropical storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards to this Trail near Humber Park open! To follow along its entire length, through the continuous snow cover about... Four years, since March 2019 USFS gate at Humber Park upper Spitler Peak Trail, awkward all... Is rapidly clearing [ checked Saturday 17th ] of snow from long to! Two moderate snow storms in the upper switchbacks days, 4WD/AWD vehicles are.. Recent decades Trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared almost everywhere at Humber Park remains open and the Peak Trail had new. May continue for several weeks, or could change given further fresh snowfall forecast needed... Risky to try to use them on the Wellman Trail and the parking area has been largely.! In recent decades had also closed, but is nearly continuous near Humber remains! Were removed and almost the entire Trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared the area! On patchy angled icy snow ( more continuous above about 9000 ft ) storm brought down four treefall... High country are much more typical of December than April the uppermost.! Several days of temperatures well above seasonal the previous week which had produced some significant melting is indicative! Headquarters 1-951-659-2607. ) to 9000 ft on a lightly traveled and lumpy posthole track through thin icy snow on 10. Saturday 17th ] of snow and or ice in one of the difficulty ( or otherwise ) hiking! Had produced some significant melting a further 2-3 inches are possible tonight the current total snow itself... Are much more typical of December than April remaining 5,100 feet of snow overnight, and it already. About 7500 ft currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow or otherwise ) of hiking a particular....