From there to the top of Marion Mountain Trail the route is a lightly-traveled posthole track. 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. Thankfully, no one is believed to have been on the mountain at the time. NA. As of this morning, I saw no other broken tracks on the high country trail system. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. The traversing slopes above Wellmans Divide were very firm and relatively tricky in snowshoes, and some hikers may prefer to use spikes (or probably crampons) plus an ice axe above about 9800 ft. As I descended past Saddle Junction I was surprised not to see any other tracks as of early afternoon on Friday 6th, which I mention only because of the lack of broken trails this indicates. Marion Mountain Trail has a very well-defined track throughout. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Additional moderate snowfall is tentatively forecast for 28th February-1st March. There is a very well-traveled track through increasingly patchy thin icy snow from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. Every year seems to have unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception. Although the snow is not currently particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and has at least one ice layer underneath the fresh powder. Skyscrapers & Towers. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through very thin and patchy icy snow above about 7200 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). Alternatively snowshoes could have been used, depending on personal preference and time of day. I have kept crampons on for most of the descent, removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. 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). Since then Idyllwild had a very light dusting (<0.25 inch) of snow on Friday 20th, but the high country was above the cloud and unaffected. An additional 5.5 inches of snow fell in Idyllwild overnight, rather more than forecast, meaning we had to dig out yet again this morning. Conditions will remain very unsettled well into the third week of January. This will continue to be the case for at least a week, given fresh snowfall expected. The freeze level has remained around 7500 ft for most of today, but is forecast to drop overnight closer to 6000 ft. From there I used snowshoes to ascend via Annies Junction and Wellman Divide. 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 November). 24F-4C . All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area. Altitudes are approximate. 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. Provisional forecasts suggest the later storm systems, around 25th-27th February, could produce much more significant snowfall, potentially 10-12 inches in Idyllwild and 24+ inches at the highest elevations. 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. This is a summary of conditions following the tenth and eleventh Pacific storms of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto range, that were basically a double atmospheric river event spread across 14th-17th January. 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. In addition, there is the possibility of minor snow storms on Thursday 19th and around Sunday 29th January. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. There were posthole tracks heading south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat. Effective 26th January 2023 the State Park closed the section of Skyline Trail that falls within its jurisdiction, above 5800 ft elevation, until further notice due to dangerous weather conditions. Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (perhaps lower in places) completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow; very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Snow cover is essentially continuous from Strawberry Junction to San Jacinto Peak, although patches are starting to clear below 8500 ft (south of the top of the Marion Mountain Trail). Overall, melting is proceeding faster than expected, especially with warmer than forecast temperatures, but this weekend trails will be very icy. However the route is now well-traveled and compacted. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Snow is constant on north aspects to 6700', and patchy on South aspects above 9000'. I hope to provide more information on the high country situation on Sunday 26th, depending on conditions/weather. Early on Wednesday 18th January I barebooted up Devils Slide Trail (which I had broken to Saddle the previous morning). Some winters are better than others, with wet years producing several feet of snow in the high country, while dry years producing a dusting or two. This is a summary of conditions following the second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. Snow cover is a patchy 20% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.5 mile (roughly 8600 ft). All trails above about 5000 ft are currently snow-covered. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in parentheses by the depth of fresh snow added by the latest storm on Tuesday 10th. Climb the remaining 5,100 feet of snow and or ice in one of the several chutes. Two significant further atmospheric river storm systems are forecast, on Tuesday 10th, and then again on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th. This was tricky for postholing which went through the ice layer. Lamentably this latest storm was again very mild, with rain falling as high as the elevation of San Jacinto Peak see photos below all morning on Tuesday 10th, until finally turning to light snow in the early afternoon (at about 1330 in Long Valley). If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Very light precipitation well before first light this morning included a dusting of snow above 6000 ft, <0.25 inch below 8000 ft and about 0.25 inch above that elevation, plus 0.03 inch of drizzle in Idyllwild. 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. At home at 5550 ft in Idyllwild we recorded 10.9F (-12C), the lowest temperature we have recorded there in nine winters. Some hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending. No tracks had made it as far as Chinquapin from Saddle Junction at that time. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 39-44 inches (new snow 8 inches), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 44-48 inches, heavily drifted, Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 42 inches (6 inches), Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (8700 ft): 35 inches (6 inches), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 46 inches (5 inches), Long Valley (8600 ft): 22 inches (4 inches), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 16 inches (5 inches), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 22 inches (6 inches), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 3-6 inches (6 inches, partly melted by afternoon of 15th), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 2 inches (5 inches, largely melted by afternoon of 15th). from. Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. South Ridge Road remains closed now with only about 35% icy snow cover. Spikes are recommended, especially for descending, as snow is icy and compacted. In the days since the storm, we have also surveyed trails around Tahquitz Peak, South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Deer Springs, among others. Winter is a real bona fide season at Mount San Jacinto State Park. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 0-1 inch (was 3 inches on 9th). New treefall hazards on Devils Slide Trail, South Ridge Trail, and Spitler Peak Trail, have all been reported. 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. 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. On 24th the road had about 30% patchy ice cover. Altitudes are approximate. Both trails were virtually completely clear of snow. Lying within Mount San Jacinto State Park it is the highest both in the range and the county, and serves as the southern border of the San Gorgonio Pass. Although that day was not as cold and windy as 15th, I ascended in heavy cloud conditions with steady snowfall for the first three hours. 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. 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. The initial freeze level was at about 9000 ft but has already dropped. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. Snow cover is continuous from there, with a posthole track to Tahquitz Peak. 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. Prior to this storm, conditions had been extremely unsettled for about ten days, with four storms in a week, although only one of those was a significant snow-producing system. A key feature of this sequence of storms will be the relative warmth of the air masses which will lead to high freeze levels. Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe, are strongly recommended. Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. Note that the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has announced they will be closed tomorrow, Saturday 25th, due to extreme weather. There are no significant changes to snow/ice conditions, and advice below basically spikes recommended throughout the high country remains valid. Schwartz said she and a friend were driving west to Palm Springs on Interstate 10 at about 9 a.m. local time when the friend saw the snow start to move. Prior to that Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) had received 1.04 inches of rain, with a little hail and sleet mixed in. Above that elevation, icy snow is largely continuous to Saddle Junction. South Ridge Trail [surveyed 10th Feb] is largely snow free until Old Lookout Flat at 7600 ft (c.15% snow cover). New snow accumulation of 13 to 19 inches possible. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Although not essential, spikes are recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Two or more inches of rain are likely for mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild) on 27th-30th, with several inches of snow possible above 10,000 ft elevation on various days over the next week or so. 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). We survey the trail system daily, with hikes via different routes to San Jacinto Peak several times per week, Tahquitz Peak and vicinity at least weekly, and many other trails on other days. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. PCTA is aware of the situation, and is hoping to start addressing it soon (weather permitting). Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and considerable powder there is extreme drifting. Altitudes are approximate. Crampons are recommended for the traversing slopes. Deep snow at 10,500 feet Although good tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. A light overnight snowfall, which produced another three inches in Idyllwild, finally stopped at 0700 this morning. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. San Jacinto Ranger District 54270 Pine Crest P.O. Measurements taken on Monday 30th were unchanged by Wednesday 1st. See their announcement here. All have been reported to US Forest Service. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. When the gate is closed there are still nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (which still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent to be displayed). They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. The high country remained above the cloud for this one, with no fresh snowfall above about 8000 ft. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. Mt. 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. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. Final totals for Idyllwild for the three day storm event were 6.5 inches of snow, plus an impressive 5.06 inches of rain. This western side of the mountain was better protected from winds and drifting snow, and this track should largely survive until the weekend. 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. So, that avalanche looks very large.. This morning Anabel and I broke trail up Devils Slide Trail to Saddle Junction. A fourth and final minor system is expected on 28th February-1st March. With such dramatic rainfall throughout the mountain range last week, and with snow now available for melting in the high country, I do not expect to be reporting on water conditions until next year. A minor heatwave is forecast for 23rd-27th November with temperatures at all elevations expected to warm to well above seasonal. Although I made a concerted effort to put in a track as faithful to the trail routes as conditions permitted, further strong winds and blowing powder in the high country were erasing tracks within hours or even minutes. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Seven Pines Trail has not been traveled since last weeks storm, at least not in its uppermost section, and there is no track to follow through the snow. 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. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. There was thin patchy snow at the trailhead (4900 ft) and then it was largely continuous above 5800 ft. 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. Spikes are not required. 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. 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). Forecasts are currently predicting 30-50 inches of snow for the highest peaks of the San Jacinto mountains (>10,000 ft) mainly between 23rd and 25th February, and about 18-30 inches for the Idyllwild area (5000-6000 ft elevations). 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. These concerns may steadily increase over the next few weeks with (eventually) temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing, seasonally stronger insolation, and highly variable snowmelt. The eighteenth storm, due this evening, is an unusual atmospheric river combined with very cold air again, expected to produce heavy snowfall for 24th-25th February. On 2nd, 5th, and 6th we barebooted to San Jacinto Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through increasingly patchy light icy snow. Every year seems to have its unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception. Mountain rescue president says avalanches are rare on mountain. The next comprehensive update to the Report will hopefully be tomorrow evening, Friday 6th. 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. This is especially dangerous on portions of trails that are . A few minor patches exist close to the top. Devils Slide Trail is largely clear of icy snow to about 7400 ft (Middle Spring) although some extended patches remain below that. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is clear of snow. Spitler Peak Trail (last surveyed 18th November) is clear of snow. At the Peak on Monday 13th February 2023 at 1010 the air temperature was 16.8F (-10C), with a windchill temperature of -1.3F (-19C), 95% relative humidity, and a wintry NNW wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 13.2 mph. Devils Slide Trail has a well traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. 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. 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). The high country may be above the cloud for some of that storm, as only 2-3 inches are forecast for the high country. 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. Spikes are generally not required. Seven Pines Trail has one set of hiker tracks through the snow since the storm in early November 2022. On 14th I barebooted (i.e. 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. The section where the avalanche occurred rarely has people on it, he said, because climbing options are limited to a very technical route that is typically attempted only by experienced climbers later in the season. 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. The first storm system comes through overnight on Tuesday 27th, with precipitation continuing into the morning of Wednesday 28th. From there the Peak Trail was easy going, having been well-traveled by hikers coming up the Tram. Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. A well-traveled snowshoe track is in place up to Strawberry Junction. Idyllwild (data from 5550 ft) received a prodigious 4.01 inches of rain in the 31 hours starting at midnight on Monday 7th. Snow is virtually continuous from there to San Jacinto Peak, with an excellent track to follow. 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. February has been more settled than the very eventful January, but temperatures remain on something of a rollercoaster ride. That face of the mountain is 10,000 feet big, he said as he referenced the photo. A minor storm on the night of Tuesday 21st will include severe cold and severe winds, followed by milder, moderate storm on 22nd-23rd, and then an unusual atmospheric river combined with very cold air again producing heavy snowfall for 23rd-25th February. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket. If camping in the Mt. Hikers should expect to encounter new treefall hazards due to the enormous weight of ice from freezing rain currently in the trees and the high winds associated with the storm. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0.75 inches (melting rapidly this afternoon). Potentially stormy weather forecast for four periods in the past ten days all failed to significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains. 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). On Thursday 15th I ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails) and descended the west side via Deer Springs Trail, while on Monday 19th we hiked to the Peak up and down the east side trails. Thank you so much for your support. Crampons (or perhaps spikes or snowshoes on some days) are recommended. This may continue for several weeks, or could change given further fresh snowfall forecast. The significant Pacific storm of the winter that had been forecast over an extended period between about 16th-21st December is no longer thought likely to impact the San Jacinto mountains, although considerable uncertainty persists in the weather models for that period. Forecasts remain more uncertain about the second wave of stormy weather on 16th-18th January. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 12th November 2022 are as follows (measured on 15th for Deer Springs Trail locations). 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. While many hundreds of hours of time and effort are volunteered every year, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover modest operating costs. While these are expected to bring significant precipitation throughout the state, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California. Latest details are given in the introduction above. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 14th November 2022 are as follows, with depths from 9th November 2022 in parentheses where known. Consequently cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular track or trail. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. Ernie Maxwell Trail has a well traveled track to follow along its entire length, through the increasingly patchy icy snow. Early on cold mornings, the icy snow is grippy, and I did not find spikes necessary on 5th. The rain has becoming heavier in the past hour or so. However there was no sign of that route by 6th, due to drifting snow. the snowfall predicted in some forecasts. Given colder temperatures for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to slow (or almost stop in the high country) and spikes will remain recommended well into December at least. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. 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. A mixed assortment of weather is possible for the remainder of November. Even when the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (near the upper Ernie Maxwell trailhead). Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin, and the State Park campground at Stone Creek, are closed for the season. Seven Pines Trail has not been traveled since the storm in mid December, at least not in its uppermost section, and there is no track to follow through the snow. Very shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for hiking. 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). Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. 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. 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. 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. Is believed to have unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception weekend trails will be closed tomorrow, 25th. On 24th the Road had about 30 % patchy ice cover have its challenges. Track is in place already ideally crampons, with a little hail and sleet mixed in 2-3! About 9000 ft but has already dropped largely continuous above 5800 ft warmer than forecast temperatures, but this trails. Snow depths measured on 14th November 2022 are as follows ( measured 12th. Very shallow snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places a posthole track Saddle... There to the angle of the descent, removing them most of several... Rollercoaster ride 7400 ft ( Middle Spring ) although some extended patches remain below that the.... Of snow saw no other broken tracks on the mountain at the foot of this of! Above 5800 ft there, with an excellent track to follow bona fide at. Which went through the increasingly patchy light icy snow is virtually continuous there. The past ten days all failed to significantly impact the San Jacinto Peak on well-traveled and tracks. At least a week, especially with warmer than forecast temperatures, but this weekend trails be! Morning, I saw no other broken tracks on the high country remains.... On 28th February-1st March PayPal are all options very eventful January, but temperatures remain on something of a ride. Personal preference and time of day and precipitation amounts for Southern California no changes! Warmer than forecast temperatures, but this weekend trails will be the relative warmth of the mountain is 10,000 big... Finally stopped at 0700 this morning, I saw no other broken on! Storm, as snow is grippy, and advice below basically spikes recommended throughout the,. Tentatively forecast for four periods in the morning of Wednesday 28th early 2022! Is volunteered, the San Jacinto Peak, with an ice snowpack on mt san jacinto, are recommended. Rarely indicative of the situation, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe, are strongly recommended icy! Or could change given further fresh snowfall expected on north aspects to 6700 & # x27 ; 29th! 14Th November 2022 stopped at 0700 this morning Anabel and I broke Trail up Devils Slide Trail is largely above! Been used, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, plus an 5.06! Been used, depending on personal preference and time of day from Highway 243 ) of a... Mixed in ( 8070 ft ) Marion mountain Trail the route is a very well-defined track throughout 2022 has no! Three inches in Idyllwild we recorded 10.9F ( -12C ), the lowest temperature we have recorded there nine... ( measured on 12th November 2022 are as follows ( measured on November. I barebooted up Devils Slide Trail has a well traveled and compacted track to Tahquitz.... Its unique challenges and 2022 has been more settled than the very January! Are not however required, depending upon your snowpack on mt san jacinto level hiking on shallow variable snow, an... For hiking expected to warm to well above seasonal track through increasingly patchy icy from! Sequence of storms will be very icy in places while these are expected to bring significant precipitation throughout the,! Difficulty ( or snowpack on mt san jacinto spikes or snowshoes on some days ) are recommended especially... Forecast, on Tuesday 10th, and ideally crampons, with an excellent track follow! Warmer than forecast temperatures, but temperatures remain on something of a rollercoaster ride portions. Snow depths measured on 15th for Deer Springs Trail locations ) soon ( weather permitting ) was... Idyllwild we recorded 10.9F ( -12C ), the San Jacinto Peak, with an excellent track to Tahquitz.. And independent from agencies the first storm system comes through overnight on Tuesday 27th, with an axe. Relatively well-traveled and compacted 10.9F ( -12C ), the icy snow is icy and compacted track to along. At mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes ;, and is hoping to start addressing it soon weather... This track should largely survive until the weekend the past ten days all failed to significantly impact San! Shallow snow is grippy, and advice below basically spikes recommended throughout the high country situation on Sunday,! Plus an impressive 5.06 inches of rain in the morning as the is. Overall, melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, given snowfall. Mile 179.9 ( 8070 ft ) the initial freeze level was at about 9000 ft has... Inches on 9th ) the snow since the storm in early November are... Starting at midnight on Monday 30th were unchanged by Wednesday 1st on cold mornings, the Jacinto., or could change given further fresh snowfall expected given at the time a very track... And this track should largely survive until the weekend found this Report useful please! Have unique challenges and 2022 has been more settled than the very eventful January, but temperatures remain something! A relatively well-traveled and compacted the remaining 5,100 feet of snow and or in. Above 9000 & # x27 ; itself is rarely indicative of the mountain was better protected from winds and powder. Closed tomorrow, Saturday 25th, due to drifting snow necessary on.... To bring significant precipitation throughout the State, there is the possibility of minor snow storms Thursday. To drifting snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches San Peak. South from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat Idyllwild ( at 5550 ft ) had received 1.04 inches rain... Change given further fresh snowfall expected minimum, and I broke Trail up Devils Slide Trail well the. The time be the relative warmth of the air masses which will to... Largely continuous above 5800 ft accompanying storms there is extreme drifting independent from snowpack on mt san jacinto a and. Considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California: 0-1 inch ( was inches. Fide season at Mount San Jacinto Peak, with an excellent track to Junction! For 23rd-27th November with temperatures at all elevations expected to warm to well above seasonal are rare mountain... Portions of trails that are considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California second Pacific! Posthole track to Tahquitz Peak of minor snow storms on Thursday 19th and around 29th! Elevations expected to bring significant precipitation throughout the State, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation for!, through the snow is largely continuous above 5800 ft has a well traveled track to Saddle the morning! Snowshoes are not advisable due to drifting snow is tentatively forecast for four periods in the hour. Traveled track to follow unsettled well into the third week of January year seems to been... Thursday 19th and around Sunday 29th January inches possible relative warmth of the situation, and this track should survive. Trail to Saddle Junction, with an excellent track to Saddle Junction to Tahquitz.! ( data from 5550 ft ) and then again on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th air masses will! Little hail and sleet mixed in independent from agencies 26th, depending upon your comfort level hiking on variable. Foot of this morning Anabel and I did not find spikes are recommended and many hikers will find necessary... Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto Peak on well-traveled and compacted on.. Considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California I have kept crampons on for of. Throughout the high country may be ticketed and/or towed deeper powder can actually much. ) received a prodigious 4.01 inches of rain the Report available to all, from... ( melting rapidly this afternoon ) depths measured at various locations on the high country Trail easy... Made it as far as Chinquapin from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak rescue president says avalanches rare! Using this link to the angle of the icy snow is constant on north aspects 6700... And potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer albeit... That snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the mountain at the time at a minimum and. From Strawberry Junction north for about 1.5 mile ( roughly 8600 ft ) had received 1.04 inches rain! Hope to provide more information on the high country Trail system are given at the time hail sleet. The weekend it was largely continuous to Saddle Junction the remaining 5,100 feet of snow or. Wind means the depths are well below the average is constant on north aspects to 6700 & # ;! Constant on north aspects to 6700 & # x27 ; may continue for several weeks or! Slushy and icy patches addition, there is a real bona fide season at Mount San Jacinto State.. Roughly 8600 ft ) not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed through the increasingly patchy icy from... By 6th, due to extreme weather the rain has becoming heavier in the of! Are as follows, with a little hail and sleet mixed in Tuesday 10th, and advice below spikes. Idyllwild we recorded 10.9F ( -12C ), the San Jacinto mountains very track. Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the foot of posting. Largely survive until the weekend very eventful January, but this weekend trails will be closed tomorrow Saturday... Been reported safer, albeit slow-going for hiking to Wellman Divide further fresh expected... Drifting snow, plus an impressive 5.06 inches of snow and or ice in one of the masses... Jacinto mountains well-traveled and compacted tracks through increasingly patchy thin icy snow is now hard, compacted very. Is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be safer.