In the high country temperatures will be more like April or May, some 10-20F above seasonal, before finally cooling (but still remaining above average) in the last couple of days of the year. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3.0 inches (storm total 3.0 inches). Most days will be at least partly cloudy. If there are Road Closed signs further down often the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. As mentioned last week, current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness typical of April rather than December. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. but probably light rain and/or about an inch of snow at the elevation of Idyllwild. Forecast precipitation is currently only a dusting of 1-2 inches of snow at upper elevations, but combined with strong winds this will be sufficient to complicate route-finding. Two 17-year-old hikers were rescued on Friday after getting lost on the Pacific Crest Trail, near the San Gorgonio Mountain, during a winter storm earlier in . A very mild system with rain to 9000 ft elevation (and consequently very icy conditions), and one inch of fresh snow above about 9000 ft elevation, increasing to 1.5 inch above 10,000 ft. Coldwell Banker. Must have crampons/and Alpine boots, trails are iced and very dangerous. 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. San Bernardino Nat. About 46 inches have fallen in the past eight days. South Ridge Trail [updated 24th December] has about 30% icy snow cover from the top of South Ridge Road to Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. The top ten snowfall totals by winter for Idyllwild are as follows: While many hundreds of hours of time and labor are volunteered annually, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover modest operating costs. This is a popular trail for backpacking, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Please check this page for periodic updates (the most recent is at the top). Devils Slide Trail has an excellent compacted track to follow to Saddle Junction. Erie Zoo Girl Scout Day 05-20-23 - gswpa.org Their arrival followed a period of several days of temperatures well above seasonal the previous week which had produced some significant melting. Trail Details. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. A remarkable further 9.5 inches of snow fell in Idyllwild today, bringing the storm total to 19.5 inches, before largely stopping and the cloud cover partly clearing out near dusk. Watch for trail junctions, dont just follow your feet without looking up. 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. Precipitation at the elevation of Idyllwild fell largely as rain (1.79 inches) before turning to thunder snow starting at 1235 on Sunday afternoon (currently accumulated to 1.5 inch but still snowing as I write this). Spitler Peak Trail is now functionally clear of snow. Treacherous ice is the common denominator in three of the four deaths, and the disappearances of Kumm and Barbour, said Sgt. South Ridge Road (5S11), Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail), and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) are currently closed to vehicle traffic, as is Black Mountain Road at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. A second forecast storm system may bring some light precipitation to the San Jacinto mountains on 2nd December, and possibly again on 4th-5th. Spitler Peak Trail had 10 new treefall hazards, almost all in the upper switchbacks. Caming is allowed. Transporting firewood can move these pests to new locations. UPDATE Thursday 5th January 2023: We are just catching the southern edge of the highly-publicized storm currently passing through central California. 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). PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 0-1 inch, photo below (was 6 inches on 9th), Deer Springs Trail at top of Marion Mountain Trail (8700 ft): 1-2 inches, Tahquitz Peak (north side trail, 8700 ft): 0-1 inch [measured 26th November], Tahquitz Peak (south side trail, 8500-8700 ft): 0 inch [measured 26th November], Long Valley (8600 ft): <1 inch (was 2-3 inches on 9th), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0 inch (was approx. Sign Up; Currently trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) are largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. Spikes could potentially be used to ascend to the highest peaks at this time, although crampons are certainly safer for traversing. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular route, as discussed below. 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. As we are limited to 6-person crews, it will be a little harder on the personnel but if you are out on the trail during the week, you might see us hard at work. The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek, which you can also camp at. We are leveraging crowd-sourced info for water availability and other conditions. Spikes are not required. Altitudes are approximate. 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. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations starting in a few days time. There were posthole tracks heading south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat. 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. Long Valley (8600 ft) has received about 1.0 inch fresh snow this morning. Note that near its junction with Deer Springs Trail, the route was not close to the established trail, so cautious navigation may be needed. They are not currently recommended for moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow powder. The avalanche was an unusual occurrence on Mount San Jacinto, RMRU President Eric Holden said. 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. (800) 735-2922 (TDD/TTY), Offices may be closed on select federal holidays, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sbnf/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=26575&actid=50. 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. However the high country has been largely above this precipitation, with the sun even trying to peek out at times in Long Valley, and only about another inch of snow was added there this morning. (231), Climber's Log Entries The USGS benchmark on the summit reads 11,501.6 feet and is dated 1989. On the afternoon of 18th I saw posthole tracks that head down the start of the Caramba Trail, and following the PCT southbound toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have no further details at this time. 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. The Peak Trail still has about 90% cover of icy snow to San Jacinto Peak. Note that data for the high country are dramatically different from those for Idyllwild, and generally sadly lacking, other than meteorological records for Long Valley (8600 ft elevation) since the 1960s. 9.1 miles one-way. 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. These concerns may steadily increase over the next few weeks with rising then falling temperatures, seasonally stronger insolation, and highly variable snowmelt. Spikes can be useful for descending in particular. The permits can be obtained at the Ranger Station in Mentone, 34701 Mill Creek Rd. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 2-4 inches (was 12 inches on 9th November), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 2-4 inches (was approx. See their announcement here. Even if its warm and sunny at lower elevations, its cold and icy in the wilderness. Strong winds expected on 11th-12th, and again on 14th, will likely obscure many tracks. However the snow conditions may not be suitable for snowshoeing on certain slopes, depending on the ice conditions below the surface due to multiple freezing rain incidents this winter. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 42 inches (45-48 inches), drifted to 60 inches in places, especially on East Ridge. The freeze level is currently at about 7500 ft and it has been periodically snowing gently above that elevation, with Long Valley (8600 ft) having added a few inches overnight, for a current total depth of about 24 inches. The 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. Marion Mountain Trail has a very well-defined track to follow. Storm total at San Jacinto Peak is about 14 inches for a current total depth of 36+ inches (but very heavily drifted). (909) 382-2682 (Voice) connected to the .gov website. Despite warmer temperatures on some days, hikers should be prepared for temperatures near freezing in the high country, and generally below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). The forecasts are very unsettled for the next week, but significant snowfall arrives on Saturday 31st (12+ inches expected in the high country) and may continue on/off until Friday 6th January 2023, potentially totaling 2-3 feet above 10,000 ft elevation. Recently I have mentioned the challenges of hard, icy snow underfoot and the value of using spikes (and/or crampons) especially for descending and traversing. 5; 12; 2 months, 4 weeks ago. However they remain valuable for off-trail travel at elevations above about 9000 ft (potentially lower in places). Underlying the fresh snow is in places a thin layer of ice and/or icy snow remaining from the previous storm in early November. The main track is clearest just above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. 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. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. Temperatures have been largely above seasonal in the first week of the month, then following a brief cold spell another period of temperatures well above seasonal is forecast for 8th-10th. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. We talk about his top SoCal mountains, tips & advice for long day hikes and newbie hikers, salsa dancing up Half Dome, redemption on San Gorgonio, disappearing on Ontario Peak, completing the Six Pack of Peaks challenge in one month, Cactus to Clouds vs Iron Mountain, summit cypher, dance origins, and the one hike he would re-live all over again. Stone Creek campground had also closed, but I saw that it had apparently reopened for Thanksgiving weekend. Moderate snow has continued for the past few hours at San Jacinto Peak, with a storm total so far of about 7.5 inches. Yesterday afternoon we checked Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park, and measured an average snow depth of 26 inches. Devils Slide Trail has a traveled and largely compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. UPDATE Wednesday 14th December 2022: Early this morning Anabel and I broke trail up Spitler Peak Trail to the PCT. Current road and parking lot condition for South Fork Trailheda. There are five new major treefall hazards, plus many other limbs and branches, across the trail between the Suicide Rock junction and the Marion Mountain Trail junction. 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. "I'm assuming, with all the snow, he just got turned around," Henley said. Cliff Weston, the San Bernardino County sheriff's search-and-rescue coordinator. Photos (5,382) Directions. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. With two further minor snowfalls possible in January, and strong winds in the high country expected on some days causing substantial spindrift, tracks broken through the snow may not last long. Best, Trails down to 5000 ft elevation currently have patchy shallow snow cover. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. I kept my crampons on for the entire descent, taking advantage of excellent cross-country glissading conditions, and made it from San Jacinto Peak back to Humber Park in just over two hours. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. no traction device) to 9000 ft on a lightly traveled and lumpy posthole track through thin icy snow. The next comprehensive update of the Report will likely be in the evening of Wednesday 11th. Marion Mountain Trail has a well-traveled snowshoe track to follow along its entire length. 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. Devils Slide Trail is functionally clear of snow below 7600 ft, about two miles up, and then snow cover is about 60% up to Saddle Junction but becoming almost continuous within 0.2 mile of the junction. Cactus to Clouds (C2C) - Modern Hiker "They're going to slip and fall thousands of feet, like these other hikers, if they're not properly prepared. Palm Springs Desert Sun. Forecasts remain more uncertain about the second wave of stormy weather on 16th-18th January. Winter conditions Be prepared for all weather conditions. Although the snow is not currently particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and has an ice layer underneath the fresh powder. While searchers said three of the men who died were experienced hikers, Kumm is better described as an outdoors enthusiast, said Cpl. After we took the Dry Lake trail for about a 1/4 of a mile, we split from the main trail and took the main winter route. Get ready to get WILD because Girl Scout Day at the Erie Zoo is almost here! Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. There are no significant changes to snow/ice conditions, and advice below basically spikes recommended throughout the high country remains valid. As of the afternoon of Monday 12th, the only tracks that I saw and that are known to be in place are my snowshoe track between Humber Park and San Jacinto Peak (using Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails), and the track of Kyle Eubanks from the previous evening between Long Valley and the Peak via Wellman Divide (which remained surprisingly visible in places about 15-20 hours later, showing how calm the winds were overnight). Per "Tarol" 6-21-2011The Vivian Creek route is the most popular, South Fork is #2If you want a permit for Vivian for a dayhike on the weekend in the summertime, you must get it 3-4 weeks in advance. Current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness feeling more typical for April or May than late November. At the Peak on Wednesday 1st February 2023 at 0935 the air temperature was 16.6F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -8.0F (-22C), 13% relative humidity, and a wild NNE wind sustained at 21 mph gusting to 35.2 mph. Even when the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (near the upper Ernie Maxwell trailhead). Members | Girl Scouts The finally push to the summit from Sky High trail was relatively easy. 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. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. Spikes are not generally required for ascending, but most hikers will find them useful for descending. 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). Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. May 20th is the Erie Zoo Earth Day Celebration and they've invited the Girl Scouts to the party. As discussed above, additional snowfall expected on 10th and 14th-16th January will further complicate the trail conditions. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. Steady melting of snow, especially on sun-exposed slopes, and freeze-thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain. I've climbed it many times during winter and have found myself to be the only soul on the mountain. Trail Conditions Map; Wilderness Trip Planner . The PCT throughout the San Jacinto mountains (roughly Miles 207-151) has a clear track to follow, including Fuller Ridge Trail, which has been traversed by a handful of sobo PCT hikers. The freeze level will again start very high, but is forecast to fall lower, with the possibility of a light dusting of snow down to about 5500 ft. Another inch of rain is forecast for mid elevations, but a heavier snowfall is expected in the high country, with predictions ranging from 8-20 inches above 10,000 ft. Further precipitation is tentatively forecast for 3rd-6th January, but amounts, timing, and freeze levels remain uncertain this far ahead. It is especially obscure 0.1-0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious near Caramba. Ernie Maxwell Trail has a well traveled track to follow along its entire length, through the increasingly patchy icy snow. It climbs just fast enough to avoid being frustrating on the ascent, but is gentle enough so as to not be pounding on the descent. The open section of trail below 5800 ft is clear of snow. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 11th January 2023 are as follows. . From the top of Marion Mountain Trail icy snow cover is about 90% to Little Round Valley, although there are a few lengthy clear areas on sun-exposed sections. These data only reflect snowfall measurements, and do not incorporate rainfall totals. Sold: 251 Broadriver Trail, Beaumont, CA 92223 | 2 Beds / 2 Full Baths The first number is the current total snow depth, followed in parentheses by the greatest depth of the winter to date following the latest storm on 11th-12th December. There's a clear message being sent to those who go into the burn areas to be aware of your footing," said Ruth Wenstrom, a U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman. Jeff H. Keymaster. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and generally far freezing when considering wind chill effects.