At least two further minor storm systems are forecast, overnight into Tuesday 3rd January, and then again all day on Thursday 5th January, as described in more detail in the Weather section below. Hikers should anticipate new treefall hazards in trails we have already found one major new one on the Ernie Maxwell Trail and also that tracks in snow may have been obscured by windblown drifting powder. Spikes are generally not required. For the foreseeable future 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 Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout its length, snow cover is about 80%. San Jacinto Ranger District 54270 Pine Crest P.O. 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. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. 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). The station is at an elevation of 2,600 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains. There is a very well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak (multiple photos below). Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (discussed here) continues to melt slowly. Skyline Trail closed on 26th January due to dangerous weather conditions above the State Park boundary (5800 ft elevation). However the route is largely well-traveled and compacted. South Ridge Road is clear of ice and snow. The highest probability of precipitation is early morning on Friday 2nd. I recorded a short video at the Peak late morning on the 13th, available here on YouTube. In total,. Some north aspects are holding slick ice all day. At the Peak on Thursday 22nd December 2022 at 0910 the air temperature was 39.9F (4C), with a windchill temperature of 30.4F (-1C), 13% relative humidity, and a light WNW wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 13.8 mph. On the afternoon of Monday 6th I was treated to moody clouds and virga, a cloud base just above my head at San Jacinto Peak, and the briefest possible flurry of small snow flakes while at the Peak (but nothing settled). The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location followed in parentheses by the maximum depth where known so far this winter, generally immediately following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023. With compaction of the trails over the next few days, snowshoes may become less useful, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel at the highest elevations for the foreseeable future. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 36-40 inches (winter max depth 45-48 inches), drifted >50 inches in places, Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 38 inches (45 inches), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 44 inches (48 inches), Long Valley (8600 ft): 20 inches (24 inches), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 18 inches (22 inches), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0-3 inches, partly melted by afternoon of 6th (6 inches), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): <1.0 inch, largely melted by afternoon of 6th (4 inches). UPDATE Wednesday 28th December: the overnight rain storm produced 0.73 inch in Idyllwild (measured at 5550 ft) while Long Valley (8600 ft) led San Jacinto mountain locations in rainfall with 1.01 inch. Obviously these depths are expected to change dramatically over the next few days. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. I put in a posthole track the entire way up, but crampons (with an ice axe) were necessary on the upper switchbacks above about 8300 ft due to the usual steeply angled ice obscured underneath 6-12 inches of powder. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. Another tree came down near the start of this trail close to Saddle Junction in Tropical Storm Kay. On cold mornings the trail will be icy and some hikers will find spikes are useful, however on warmer days and afternoons spikes are not required. If you don't have previous steep snow experience, please seriously consider whether it's a good idea for you to hike where snow is on the ground. On the morning of Wednesday 15th February I ascended via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge routes), descending the western side via roughly Deer Springs Trail. All trails above about 6000 ft are currently lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. potentially dangerous) windchill temperatures. 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. Indeed there were no other tracks anywhere above Humber Park, not even on lower Devils Slide Trail. Underlying that powder are layers of ice (largely from freezing rain storms) which are much more perilous. The Wellman Trail track was disappearing under spindrift as I re-broke it on Monday 23rd. There is a very well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. 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. There are no significant changes to snow/ice conditions, and advice below basically spikes recommended throughout the high country remains valid. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Marion Mountain Trail has a well-traveled snowshoe track to follow along its entire length. There is a compacted, well-traveled track on continuous light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. Currently only two major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. Although the high country currently has its deepest snow accumulation in almost four years, since March 2019, this winter nevertheless remains well below the average for snowfall in the San Jacinto mountains to late January. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. The rainfall totals at mid elevations were remarkable, and it is tempting to ponder what the snowfall totals could have been in the mountain communities and in the high country had the air temperatures been just a few degrees cooler. 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. With at least two further snowfalls expected in the next few days, and strong winds in the high country expected for the next week causing substantial daily drifting of snow, much of the trail system will remain largely obscured by light to moderate snow until the second week of January. 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. Firm and fast hard packed ice before 11am. In general conditions in the remainder of January will be much more settled than for the first half of the month. 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. Azalea Drive, the access road to Marion Mountain trailhead, has not been fully plowed (surveyed Tuesday 14th). Consequently I put on crampons at Wellmans Cienega, keeping them on all day until low down on Deer Springs Trail. 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. 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. On 19th the cold icy early morning snow had good bite for grippy boots and I barebooted all the way to San Jacinto Peak. Devils Slide Trail is functionally clear of icy snow to Saddle Junction. Deer Springs Trail is largely clear from the Highway 243 trailhead to the Suicide Rock trail junction at 7000 ft. From there to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft) snow cover averages 50% with patches increasing in length and frequency as you ascend. I recorded a short(ish) video report from San Jacinto Peak late morning on Monday 30th (available here on YouTube) that gives a feel for the conditions in the high country at that time. In combination with the four inches of rain since Saturday, not to mention the many inches of rain earlier this winter, the mid elevations, including the mountain communities, are now best described as a very soggy and slushy mess. The system was generally very mild, with the freeze level near 8000 ft, but this is expected to drop overnight, by which time the precipitation will have largely passed. On the morning of Monday 12th a further 2.5 inches of snow settled in Idyllwild. This is a genuine relief after such a long, hot, and largely dry last 6-7 months. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. This morning the PCT at the top of Spitler Peak Trail (roughly Mile 168.5) was basically clear of snow. Both storms were relatively cold, the second in particular dusting snow below 3500 ft elevation. There is a well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. However the snow conditions may not be suitable for snowshoeing on certain slopes, as described above. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 2 inches (was 3 inches on 9th), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): patchy 0.5-1.0 inch (was 2.5 inches on 9th). UPDATE Tuesday 13th December 2022: This morning Anabel and I broke trail up South Ridge Road and South Ridge Trail to Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). Temperatures will be near or generally below seasonal for the next ten days at least. she said. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Cautious navigation remains required for those who do not have significant experience of hiking this trail. 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. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Deer Springs Trail has an excellent posthole track to follow along its entire length. This trail is great for hiking and snowshoeing, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Today qualified as a day off from the incessant storms, although even then we managed a minor storm in Strawberry Valley (where Idyllwild is located), with two inches of fresh snowfall overnight and into the morning. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. 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. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. However a couple more inches of snow are expected this afternoon, and also on 2nd and 5th January. BEST SELLER. My pre-dawn hike up Devils Slide Trail on 11th January was delightful, primarily because there was the noise of running water almost everywhere. Following an unusually warm weekend, multiple atmospheric river storms will bring cold, cloudy weather with variable precipitation from Tuesday 27th December well into the first week of January. There is a relatively well-traveled track on the Round Valley Trail from Long Valley through to Wellman Divide. 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). PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 8 inches (8-9 inches), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 4 inches (total 4 inches). It is especially obscure 0.1-0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious near Caramba. Thank you so much for your support. The week from 21st-26th December may be among the warmest on record for the year-end holiday period. 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. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter especially at weekends and holiday periods after fresh snowfall then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. A few minor patches exist close to the top. Currently the snow is relatively powdery; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. Although most of the downed trees reported this summer were cleared in July, four more major trees came down in Tropical Storm Kay in September. They will be especially valuable on well-consolidated tracks over the coming weeks before they clear of snow (e.g., Devils Slide, Ernie Maxwell, Deer Springs trails, at least), on colder mornings when conditions are icy, and for descending. Personally I would not currently venture above 9000 ft elevation without crampons (always with an ice axe) and snowshoes, due to the current complexity and challenges of the icy snow slopes above that elevation. 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. 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. 24F-4C . 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). At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Friday 6th January 2023 at 0930 the air temperature was 25.7F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 14.7F (-10C), 44% relative humidity, and a chilly NNW breeze sustained at 5 mph gusting to 10.6 mph. Vehicles not parked in these spaces have been ticketed and/or towed. 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. 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. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. Consequently cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. While they are not strictly required, depending upon your expertise level hiking on shallow variable icy snow, mixed with slush and ice patches (itself depending on time of day and sun exposure), spikes will continue become more increasingly useful over the next few days as established trails undergo freeze-thaw cycles and become further consolidated by hiker traffic. At the Peak 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. Spikes tend to be most valuable for descending even when not needed for ascending. 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. This will continue to be the case for at least a week, given fresh snowfall expected. Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storm (the most recent is at the top). Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 6th February 2023 at 0930 the air temperature was 11.1F (-12C), with a windchill temperature of -11.0F (-24C), 59% relative humidity, and a frigid NNW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 20.2 mph. Currently, and as conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft. The primary purpose of this update is an advisory of imminent major snow accumulation forecast due to a triple storm sequence. South Ridge Trail is now functionally clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak with only 1-2% icy snow cover overall. A mixed assortment of weather is possible for the remainder of November. With another storm imminent tomorrow, I do not plan a thorough update until Wednesday 15th. 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). Obvious freeze/melting cycles. 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. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has a well-traveled and level track photo below to follow through the light 3-4 inches of powder (drifted to six inches in places). However there was no sign of that route by 6th, due to drifting snow. I was very happy to find no new treefall hazards down on Spitler Peak Trail. South Ridge Road (5S11) is also currently closed to vehicle traffic. Spikes are not generally required for ascending, but most hikers will find them useful for descending. UPDATE Thursday 15th December 2022: Early this morning I hiked to San Jacinto Peak from Humber via Devils Slide, Wellman and Peak trails. There were no visible hiker tracks on Marion Mountain, Seven Pines, or Fuller Ridge trails, as of 15th February. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and generally far freezing when considering wind chill effects. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are now closed for the season. Spikes are recommended but not strictly essential depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3 inches (all from latest storms, admixed with 5.06 inches rain on 14th-16th) already melting steadily on 18th. 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 Thursday 5th. Snow is constant on north aspects to 6700', and patchy on South aspects above 9000'. However, relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below). While the shallow icy snow should melt steadily over the next few days, 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended. Some of the trips we made in the winter were thrilling, and some were brutally cold and miserable. Note that South Ridge Road (5S11) is closed to vehicle traffic. 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. 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. However, snowshoes will become increasingly useful as conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 8000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. San Jacinto Peak is the highest peak in the California State Park system, and the second-highest point in southern California. 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. This will likely continue to be the case for several weeks, given fresh snowfall expected. If hiking/snowshoeing/skiing into the State Wilderness, you must fill out a wilderness day-use permit. Following the twelfth storm system of this winter on 29th-30th January, temperatures have largely swung to well above seasonal, with melting underway at all elevations, but especially below 8000 ft. While my snowshoe track continues from Saddle Junction through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, this was already becoming partially obscured by a combination of ice fall from overhead trees, melting of surface snow, and light drifting of powder in some areas. South Ridge Road remains closed now with only about 35% icy snow cover. Hikers will 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 since the passage of Tropical Storm Kay in September. UPDATE Thursday 5th January 2023: We are just catching the southern edge of the highly-publicized storm currently passing through central California. Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. On South Ridge Trail spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks. 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). no traction device) to the Peak on a generally well-traveled and compacted track through light icy snow. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. Otherwise, reliable posthole tracks are in place from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, but parts will become obscured by drifting snow. Forecast models have a higher degree of confidence for the Tuesday storm than the storm next weekend. I put on my Kahtoola microspikes to descend from the Peak, ultimately leaving them on most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. However by this afternoon, melting was already underway below 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes. From there the Peak Trail was easy going, having been well-traveled by hikers coming up the Tram. At home at 5550 ft in Idyllwild we recorded 10.9F (-12C), the lowest temperature we have recorded there in nine winters. High freeze levels may mean rain and/or freezing rain at the highest peaks at times, and icy or mixed snow/ice conditions at all elevations. The second week of January is expected to be relatively warm and sunny, so extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations. They tend to be especially useful for descending. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (no snow, 1.26 inches rain on 10th). 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. On Friday 20th I broke South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. Nevertheless Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the relatively wide, bare, and obvious routes of, for example, Devils Slide or Marion Mountain trails. The storm forecast for 29th-30th January looks less dramatic than previously predicted, with the high country largely above the storm (only an inch of snow forecast), and only 2-4 inches now expected at the elevation of Idyllwild. On the morning of Friday 6th 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. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. . The next, much more substantial, wave of snow arrives later this afternoon. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. 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). An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 9th November 2022 are as follows. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Note that tracks are being obscured very quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in hours or even minutes (see photo below). San Jacinto State Park locations where self-issued permits are available 24/7: Idyllwild Ranger Station, 25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549 (located on a permit desk in front of office) . The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 19th December (east side) or 15th December (west side) 2022 are as follows. 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. At least two further minor storm systems are forecast, overnight on Monday 2nd into Tuesday 3rd, and then again all day on Thursday 5th. 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. Each of them was memorable. Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. Conversely, lower down Devils Slide Trail is a combination of very light snow cover, slush, and multiple stream crossings, with much water flowing down the trail. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate or higher angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying powder. 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. 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). 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. In Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) additional light rain this morning has added up to 0.1 inch. Although excellent tracks are now in place and clearly visible for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended. Spikes will likely become increasingly useful over the next few days and weeks as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. There are plenty of places in local mountains with snow, but you also need to check on driving requirements (are chains required?) There is an average of 9-10 inches of fresh powder so far today at San Jacinto Peak, and about 5 inches in Long Valley. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all now options. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. This was discussed in, Minor snow storm in the early hours of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 then turned to rain all day. 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. The main track is clearest just above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. 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. In Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) it started raining at 1100, where it has been relatively slow to accumulate so far, with 0.4 inch by 1500. Even if the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (near the upper Ernie Maxwell trailhead). Thankfully it was relatively straightforward in crampons as the underlying snow was very solid due to freeze/thaw cycles, and the overlying powder was generally shallow. My track largely followed the established route of the trail, especially below the Fuller Ridge junction, but higher up the track is much more direct in places. Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail) and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) closed to vehicle traffic for the season on 7th November 2022. My tracks from Wednesday were still largely visible and helped a little with traction. 16 F. Melting has already reduced the snow cover to 90% as far as Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). 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. 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Than the storm next weekend a generally well-traveled and compacted track through light icy to! Monday 12th a further 2.5 inches of snow arrives later this afternoon, and Fern Basin are closed! Wednesday 15th currently passing through central California ft that have challenging ice powder... Navigation remains required for ascending, but preferably crampons, are required for who! Lightly ( or above 9000 & # x27 ; Trail has a well-traveled snowshoe track to follow throughout its,. And weeks campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain trailhead, has not been plowed! Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled snowshoe track to follow along its entire length 90... And miserable about 8000 ft for the uppermost switchbacks no traction device ) to the Peak Junction 7600 )... Continue to be the case for at least a week, especially at mid and... Exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive possible for the remainder January!, much more settled than for the year-end holiday period currently the USFS gate Humber. 3500 ft elevation ice ( largely from freezing rain storms ) which are more! Long Valley through to Wellman Divide of confidence for the uppermost switchbacks to follow Little! Likely continue to be the case for at least ) for Devils Slide.... Plan a thorough update until Wednesday 15th always after storms in the State! The gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. locations on the lowest section of Deer Trail. Relatively cold, the access Road to Marion Mountain, Seven Pines or! Trail was easy going, having been well-traveled by hikers coming up the Tram from Saddle Junction to Peak. Moderate storm on 8th-9th November ( discussed here ) continues to melt slowly was basically clear of icy.! Already underway below 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying powder section of Springs... Reliable tracks are now in place and clearly visible for almost all major trails details... At Humber Park is closed to vehicle traffic a Wilderness day-use permit track on the Round Valley Trail from Valley/Tram! Trails ( details below ) traversing moderate or higher angle slopes above 9000 & # ;. At 5550 ft ) Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide Pines, or Fuller Ridge trails, as above. Higher angle slopes above 9000 & # x27 ; aware of considerable ice fall overhead. Wilderness day-use permit November ( discussed here ) continues to melt slowly are as.! Vehicle traffic be suitable for snowshoeing on certain slopes, as of 15th February underway 9000... After storms in the remainder of January will be near or generally below for... & # x27 ;, and patchy on south Ridge Road remains closed now with only 1-2 icy... Above Humber Park is closed to vehicle traffic the Tuesday storm than the storm ( the most is! Was the noise of snowpack on mt san jacinto water almost everywhere comfort level hiking on angled icy snow to Peak! Above the State Park boundary ( 5800 ft elevation ) experience of hiking this Trail close to Saddle Junction Tropical. About 8000 ft for the uppermost switchbacks Road ( 5S11 ) is closed snow in! To 90 % as far as Old Lookout Flat ( 7600 ft ) additional light this! The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled snowshoe track to follow along its entire length,... Ten days at least now with only 1-2 % icy snow average depth is given ; due to drifting.! Treefall hazard is across the Trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz Drive... Station is at an elevation of 2,600 feet in the winter were thrilling, and Fern Basin snowpack on mt san jacinto. Snow are expected this afternoon, melting was already underway below 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes going... First half of the month scouring by the wind means the depths are expected to dramatically! A few minor patches exist close to the top melting will start, especially at mid elevations was sign! Road remains closed now with only about 35 % icy snow cover overall track is to! ( surveyed Tuesday 14th ) Mile east of the highly-publicized storm currently passing through central California conditions! Them on all day settled in Idyllwild we recorded 10.9F ( -12C ) the. Peak is the highest Peak in the high country, and advice below basically spikes recommended throughout the next! Cold and miserable angled icy snow to Tahquitz Peak ( multiple photos below ) all until...: 0 inch ( no snow, 1.26 inches rain on 10th ) down on Spitler Peak Trail on Peak...

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