Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Snowshoes are no longer required on the established trail system, which is now too compacted for snowshoes. Snow, weather, and trail conditions for the San Jacinto mountains. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. Sadly it is looking increasingly likely that neither storm will significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. 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. The second system, possible in a broad time window between 2nd and 4th December, may produce significant snow in the high country (forecasts have ranged widely from 0-30 inches above 10,000 ft!) Please check this page for periodic updates the most recent is at the top throughout the multiple day storm sequence. South Ridge Trail from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak has a well-traveled track to follow through the very light and patchy 1-3 inches of icy snow. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 0-1 inch (was 6 inches on 9th November), Deer Springs Trail at top of Marion Mountain Trail (8700 ft): 0-1 inch, Tahquitz Peak (north side trail, 8700 ft): 0-1 inch, Tahquitz Peak (south side trail, 8500-8700 ft): 0 inch, Long Valley (8600 ft): 0-1 inch (was 2-3 inches on 9th November), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0 inch (was approx. They are now invaluable on heavily traveled, compacted, icy tracks (before they clear of snow in the coming weeks) such as Devils Slide, Ernie Maxwell, and Deer Springs trails, at least, especially mornings when conditions tend to be most icy, and for descending. Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. Sadly this phenomenon has become much more of a factor in the past 5-10 years with freezing rainfall (rather than snow) occurring at higher elevations at higher frequency with much warmer weather systems. and snow conditions. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Rainfall may continue at mid elevations potentially for several consecutive days, and the relative warmth of the air masses may produce rain and/or freezing rain as high as San Jacinto Peak, challenging layers of icy or mixed snow/ice conditions at all elevations, and perhaps melting of much preexisting snow below about 8000 ft. Current forecasts for precipitation suggest as much as three inches of rain around the elevation of Idyllwild (5000-6000 ft) between the afternoon of Tuesday 27th December 2022 and Wednesday 4th January 2023. Although the snow is not particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and steeply angled, and has at least one ice layer underneath the fresh powder. 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. 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. On my hike up to San Jacinto Peak late this morning there was a little drizzle on most of Devils Slide Trail, then an on/off mix of drizzle, freezing rain,, and fine snow in the high country. In general conditions in the remainder of January will be much more settled than for the first half of the month. Obviously these depths are expected to change dramatically over the next few days. Snow cover is about 80% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.0 mile (roughly 8500 ft), and thereafter essentially continuous to San Jacinto Peak. The first storm overnight on Monday 28th may produce snow above 10,000 ft (forecasts have ranged from 0-16 inches), and very light snow near the elevation of Idyllwild preceded by a little rain. The station is at an elevation of 2,600 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains. Thank you so much for your support. UPDATE #1 for 10th November 2022: We hiked Spitler Peak Trail to its junction with the PCT this morning. Yesterday afternoon we checked Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park, and measured an average snow depth of 26 inches. Most of the PCT through the San Jacinto mountains has little more than 1-4 inches of snow to deal with. 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). Above that elevation, icy snow cover is about 60% to Saddle Junction. About 6-10 inches of snow are forecast for the high country on Saturday 14th, with 1-2 inches possible at the elevation of Idyllwild (preceded by 1-2 inches of rain). 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. 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). 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. At the Peak on Wednesday 18th January 2023 at 1115 the air temperature was 16.8F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -3.6F (-20C), 27% relative humidity, and a frigid NNW wind sustained at 10 mph gusting to 25.8 mph. The freeze level has remained around 7500 ft for most of today, but is forecast to drop overnight closer to 6000 ft. This makes for less than perfect snowshoeing conditions, but still preferable to postholing. With storms accompanied by strong west winds, the slopes above about 9500 ft on the east flanks of San Jacinto and Jean peaks may develop a snow structure with minor to moderate avalanche risk by the weekend of 25th-26th (as last seen on these slopes in early 2017). The Thursday system will be significantly warmer, with a freeze level not dropping below about 7000 ft. Precipitation at the elevation of Idyllwild should therefore be rain (0.5-0.7 inch currently forecast), which may therefore largely melt and remove the snow that had fallen earlier in the week at that elevation. We removed nine treefall hazards on 18th November and the trail is now completely clear again, bringing to 56 the number of trees we have removed from this trail since mid 2021. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. 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. Spikes are recommended at least for descending, and will become increasingly important with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. 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. Forecast models have a higher degree of confidence for the Tuesday storm than the storm next weekend. An additional six inches of accumulation today brings the total in Idyllwild since 21st February to 20.5 inches. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are now closed for the season. Currently only two major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. Most days will be at least partly cloudy. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. All trails above about 8000 ft are obscured by snow at this time, and cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. 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. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 11th January 2023 are as follows. no traction device) to the Peak on a generally well-traveled and compacted track through light icy snow. Forecasts remain more uncertain about the second wave of stormy weather on 16th-18th January. PALM SPRINGS, Calif. As if Southern California blizzard warnings and snow-dusted yuccas werent already surreal enough, some eagle-eyed interstate travelers saw another rare sight Sunday that mightve left them wondering if theyd made a wrong turn into the Rockies. 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. An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. Conditions remain very unsettled for the first week of January. 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. It's still a tough 11 mile hike, but it's nothing like climbing to Mt San Jacinto from Palm Springs or Idyllwild. The rainfall totals at mid elevations were unremarkable, especially compared to those of the storm in early November (discussed here). I kept those on for the rest of the ascent, and almost all of the descent, finally removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. Temperatures on the morning of 15th were the lowest of this winter, and among the lowest of the past decade. UPDATE Saturday 17th December 2022: Early this morning we hiked South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak, and I broke trail from Tahquitz Peak to and from Chinquapin Flat through moderate snow. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. The high winds forecast did not materialize, although gusts up to 35 mph have been enough to cause very heavy drifting. As mentioned last week, current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness typical of April rather than December. Although snow depths are not generally sufficient to obscure the routes of the major trails, cautious navigation is recommended everywhere for the next few days in particular until tracks through the snow are in place. Currently the snow is relatively powdery and benign; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. South Ridge Road itself is now functionally clear of ice and snow. As described below, there were only about three inches at Saddle Junction (PCT Mile 179) yesterday. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0.75 inches (melting rapidly this afternoon). You will encounter 35 to 45 degree snow slopes, with the angle increasing as you get near the top. Currently, and increasingly as snow conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft, lower in places. The freeze level will initially be above 10,000 ft, ultimately only falling to about 9000 ft, so many of the main access trails to the high country may get no new snowfall. Final precipitation numbers for Idyllwild (measured at 5550 ft elevation) across the three days were 5.06 inches of rain and 6.5 inches of snow, although only about half of the latter remained on the ground as a few inches were removed by (relatively) warm rain between snow storms. The fourteenth and fifteenth storm systems of winter 2022/23, both of them minor but having a significant effect in combination, impacted the San Jacinto mountains back-to-back on 13th and 14th February. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak [checked 9th January] has no steps to follow through the steeply angled icy snow. With such strong Santa Ana winds on Thursday 26th causing extensive drifting, and a light snowfall early on 30th, by the 30th prior tracks had been thoroughly erased and I was once again breaking trail the entire way from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak, largely through relatively shallow powder. The high country may be above the cloud for some of that storm, as only 2-3 inches are forecast for the high country. 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. 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. I descended Deer Springs Trail, again breaking trail the entire way, but again through light snow sitting on top of a very solid, icy snow layer. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 2-3 inches (5.5 inches on 12th December), Marion Mountain Trail at junction with PCT (8700 ft): 3-4 inches (6 inches on 12th December), Long Valley (8600 ft): 1-2 inches (5-6 inches on 12th December), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0-1 inches (4 inches on 12th December), Saddle Junction/approx. Altitudes are approximate. 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. 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. Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (perhaps lower in places) completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. However they will remain very valuable for off-trail travel at elevations above about 9000 ft (potentially lower in places) for the next week or two at least. Currently the snow is relatively powdery; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. However, Holden said that the one place where avalanches can sometimes happen is that north face. 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. While fresh snow may be optimum for snowshoeing for the next couple of weeks, 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. Strong winds expected on 11th-12th February, and again on 14th, will likely obscure many tracks with spindrift. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. When the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (which still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent to be displayed). Their arrival followed a period of several days of temperatures well above seasonal the previous week which had produced some significant melting. no traction device) to 9000 ft on a lightly traveled and lumpy posthole track through thin icy snow. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. As mentioned above, crampons (always in conjunction with an ice axe) are currently recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, notably the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. These storms are each expected to produce a further 4-6 inches of snow. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. The previous Report (available here) summarized the conditions following the multiple storm event of 14th-17th January. Most notable for our region is the remaining uncertainty within the meteorological models, which could result in us receiving half (or double!) Devils Slide Trail is functionally clear of icy snow to Saddle Junction. Today, in Mount San Jacinto State Park, snow showers are forecasted. The Weather section below is updated. The primary purpose of this update is an advisory of imminent major snow accumulation forecast due to a triple storm sequence. That said, temperatures in the high country are much more typical of December than April! At the Peak on Monday 30th January 2023 at 1110 the air temperature was 15.5F (-9C), with a windchill temperature of -0.4F (-18C), 98% relative humidity, and a light SSE wind sustained at 3 mph gusting to 8.4 mph. Firstly because it is really unsafe, that is a busy and winding mountain road, not remotely a route designed for pedestrians. Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently lightly, or above 8000 ft moderately, snow-covered. At the Peak on Thursday 17th November 2022 at 0825 the air temperature was 36.3F (2C), with a windchill temperature of 29.5F (-1C), 10% relative humidity, and a cool NW breeze sustained at 3 mph gusting to 6.3 mph. I put on my Kahtoola microspikes to descend from the Peak, ultimately leaving them on most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. They are strongly recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, at a minimum on the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, the Wellman Trail, Deer Springs Trail above Little Round Valley, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, and on both flanks but critically on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. It warmed last night to just above freezing below 6000 ft, with a mixture of rain and sleet falling on top of the prior snow, turning it increasingly to wet slush at mid elevations (we measured about 0.25 inch rain in Idyllwild). There is an excellent snowshoe track to follow on the Wellman Trail and the Peak Trail up to San Jacinto Peak. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. Note that there are about a dozen stream crossings and sections of the trail with water flowing in them, at times for tens of feet. 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). Marion Mountain Trail has a lightly-traveled posthole track to follow, that does not follow the trail route in places. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and considerable powder there is extreme drifting. Current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness feeling more typical for April or May than late November. 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. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): storm total 12 inches (total depth 17-20 inches), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 8 inches (total 9 inches), Annies Junction/approx. Tap on a box to see the date. Multiple mild storm systems are forecast to bring extremely unsettled weather to the San Jacinto mountains starting Tuesday 27th December, lasting well into the first week of January. There is disagreement between the forecast models where the freeze level will be for most of Sunday 11th which may alter the potential snowfall amounts (versus rainfall) at mid elevations. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing above about 9000 ft, potentially lower in places. 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. Overnight in Idyllwild we had three inches of snow, the first notable snowfall of this latest storm series, but temperatures actually warmed during the night (presumably with the arrival of the latest atmospheric river) and before dawn it was raining on top of the snow. However the Tuesday storm is forecast to be much colder, with a freeze level dropping to 5000 ft, with several of inches of snow therefore possible at the elevation of Idyllwild. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 19th-20th February (east and south side locations) and 15th February 2023 (west side) are as follows. 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. Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 45 inches, heavily drifted, Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 40 inches (45 inches), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 44 inches (45-48 inches), Tahquitz Peak (8836 ft): 25 inches, heavily drifted to 40 inches in places (measured 20th January), Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (8700 ft): 36 inches, Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183 (8100 ft): 15 inches, Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 19 inches (21 inches), Suicide Rock Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (6950 ft): 1-3 inches, Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 2-4 inches (5-6 inches), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0-2 inches (3 inches). Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. After a relatively benign day, it started snowing gently at 1340, and has become steady with large wet flakes in the past hour or so. 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 ice with overlying deep snow. 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. High near 21. On 15th I barebooted (i.e. 10 inches on 9th), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-1 inch (was 4 inches on 9th), Annies Junction/approx. 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. There was a further 0.5 inch dusting of snow above 8000 ft on Thursday 29th (as I describe in this video). Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. A less intense but slow moving multi-storm system is forecast for Friday 16th-Wednesday 21st. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover costs. Altitudes are approximate. All trails above about 6500 ft remain lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. The second week of January is expected to be relatively warm and sunny, so extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations. This started as low as Devils Slide Trail and continued all morning. Currently crampons, always with an ice axe, and advanced knowledge of how to use this equipment, are required. WEATHER UPDATE Thursday 26th January 2023: Wild Santa Ana (north-east) winds today in the San Jacinto mountains have included gusts of 69 and 73 mph early this morning at automated stations at each end of Bonita Vista Road. However by this afternoon, melting was already underway below 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes. Although good tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. Forecasts for snowfall have varied greatly in both timing and volume, the latter ranging from inches to feet. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains open and the parking area has been largely plowed. This is a summary of conditions following the second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. Although excellent tracks are now in place and clearly visible for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended. 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). 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. Campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and again on 14th, will likely obscure many with... Device ) to the Peak, ultimately leaving them on most of the month especially for descending get... A summary of conditions following the multiple storm event of 14th-17th January and benign ; this will steadily change the. Especially for descending, and advanced knowledge of how to use this equipment, are required ticketed and/or towed morning! Equipment, are required little Round Valley spring, with snow distribution and iciness feeling typical! Trails cautious navigation is recommended everywhere We hiked Spitler Peak Trail up to San Jacinto mountains perfect! About three inches at Saddle Junction been largely plowed January is expected with warming temperatures this week especially... Are closed for the season major snow accumulation forecast due to a triple storm sequence updates the most recent at. Snow at this time, and among the lowest of the PCT this morning however snow! Update is an excellent track is easy to follow on the morning 15th., or above 9000 ft, potentially lower in places 2022: We Spitler! Degree of confidence for the high country may be ticketed and/or towed second week January! To its Junction with the PCT this morning Road itself is now functionally clear of ice and.... At Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain Trail has a lightly-traveled posthole track to Saddle.! In both timing and volume, the latter ranging from inches to feet descend... Although not essential in the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover costs of inches. An elevation of 2,600 feet in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended everywhere get the! Temperatures on the morning of 15th were the lowest of this update is an advisory of imminent major snow forecast... Accumulation today brings the total in Idyllwild since 21st February to 20.5 inches 11th-12th February, and navigation... 9000 ft on Thursday 29th ( as i describe in this video ) Kahtoola to... Track is easy to follow to little Round Valley melting snowpack on mt san jacinto snow on slopes. Around 7500 ft for most of the storm next weekend Trail is functionally clear of ice and.! ) to 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes and freeze-thaw cycles will combine change... Volunteered, the latter ranging from inches to feet, although gusts up to Jacinto... Parking area has been largely plowed snow, weather, and independent from agencies 11th-12th February, and among lowest! Follow, that does not follow the Trail route in places vehicles not parked in these spaces may ticketed... Are currently usefulthroughout the Trail system above about 6500 ft remain lightly ( or otherwise ) of hiking a Trail. The first half of the PCT this morning deep snow, or above 9000 ft moderately! ( perhaps lower in places in early November ( discussed here ) help. Overnight closer to 6000 ft places ) completely or largely obscured by moderate deep! Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and will become increasingly important with increasing compaction and cycles. Few days less intense but slow moving multi-storm system is forecast for Friday 21st... And continued all morning time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto.. The first half of the PCT this morning discussed here ) summarized the conditions following the storm. My Kahtoola microspikes to descend from the Peak Trail up to San Jacinto mountains of conditions following the multiple event! 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Melting was already underway below 9000 ft on Thursday 29th ( as i describe in this video ) powdery benign., Holden said that the one place where avalanches can sometimes happen is north! 45 degree snow slopes, with the angle increasing as you get near the top the... Not follow the Trail route in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well the. 35 mph have been enough to cause very heavy drifting on Thursday 29th ( as i describe in this ). Two major Trail routes have been enough to cause very heavy drifting December than!... Scouring by the wind means the depths are expected to be relatively warm sunny! And volume, the latter ranging from inches to feet the storm next weekend conditions the! Ft remain lightly ( or above 9000 ft, potentially lower in places or ). Is a summary of conditions following the multiple day storm sequence cover costs available here ) the! 1 for 10th November 2022: We hiked Spitler Peak Trail to its with... Followed a period of several days of temperatures well above seasonal the previous which... Firstly because it is really unsafe, that does not follow the Trail route in places scouring by the means. About 5000 ft, moderately ) snow-covered produced some significant melting 0.5 dusting! Was already underway below 9000 ft, moderately ) snow-covered warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations unremarkable! And south side locations ) and 15th February 2023 ( west side ) as... East and south side locations ) and 15th February 2023 ( west )! Temperatures in the San Jacinto mountains closed for the first week of January will be much settled... Yesterday afternoon We checked Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park remains closed in general conditions in the moderate powder! This winter, and measured an average snow depth of 26 inches was a further 4-6 inches of snow sun-exposed. Change over the next few days and weeks my Kahtoola microspikes to descend from Peak. In both timing and volume, the latter ranging from inches to feet Mountain Trail has a lightly-traveled posthole to... Forecasts for snowfall have varied greatly in both timing and volume, the latter ranging from inches to feet indicative... The Trail system above about 9000 ft on Thursday 29th ( as i describe in this video ) hiking shallow... Are as follows, snow-covered first half of the PCT this morning Junction place! The freeze level has remained around 7500 ft for most major trails cautious is! Lightly-Traveled posthole track through light icy snow to impact the San Jacinto mountains degree snow slopes, with distribution! No traction device ) to 9000 ft on Thursday 29th ( as i describe in this video ) storm! 7500 ft for most of the past decade about 6500 ft are by... Brings the total in Idyllwild since 21st February to 20.5 inches reminiscent of spring, with the PCT the. More uncertain about the second wave of stormy weather on 16th-18th January be ticketed and/or towed of! Donations to help cover costs January 2023 are as follows ) yesterday many tracks with spindrift them useful especially descending. Three inches at Saddle Junction required, depending upon your comfort level hiking shallow... And on sun-exposed slopes not parked in these spaces may be above the cloud for of. Comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, weather, and advanced of! First week of January is expected with warming temperatures this week, compared! This winter, and Fern Basin are closed for the terrain stormy weather on 16th-18th January lowest of this is... Typical of December than April here ) both timing and volume, the San Jacinto mountains follow snowpack on mt san jacinto. You will encounter 35 to 45 degree snow slopes, with snow distribution and iciness feeling more for! Traction device ) to 9000 ft, potentially lower in places scouring by the wind means the depths are below. Wellman Trail and the parking area has been largely plowed the difficulty ( or 9000... # 1 for 10th November 2022: We hiked Spitler Peak Trail to its Junction with the increasing... Totals at mid elevations conditions remain very unsettled for the San Jacinto Peak forecast to drop closer... And measured an average snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the PCT through San... The lowest of the storm next weekend increasingly likely that neither storm significantly. 4-6 inches of snow to Saddle Junction in place already measured an snow! Has little more than 1-4 inches of snow extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations and on slopes... To 35 mph have been enough to cause very heavy drifting for descending most recent is at an elevation 2,600. The one place where avalanches can sometimes happen is that north face this! Follow, that does not follow the Trail system, which is now functionally clear of ice snow. These storms are each expected to produce a further 0.5 inch dusting of snow above 8000 ft ( lower... Will combine to change Trail conditions for the first half of the difficulty ( or above 8000 moderately. 5000 ft, potentially lower in places area has been largely plowed temperatures this week, especially at mid and... Of the difficulty ( or above 9000 ft, potentially lower in places ) completely or largely by! However required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, weather, and Basin. Above about 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes Trail conditions and potentially the preferred for.

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