Spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. 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). Average snow cover is 40%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. Below is an excellent videograb of an avalanche in the Snow Creek drainage on the north face of San Jacinto Peak that was witnessed by friend of the Trail Report Catherine Peterson yesterday morning at about 0840. 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. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. 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. Donate via PayPal using the link below. An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. Rescuers typically are called out about 90 times a year, but rarely in such close succession. Through and below Little Round Valley, my track almost entirely follows the established trail. San Gorgonio Wilderness-California. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail is largely clear of icy snow, with a few patches remaining, mostly close to Humber Park. This storm is expected to have two periods of precipitation, one each on 11th and 12th. On 14th, about 2.0 inches fell in Idyllwild, with an inch all the way down to 3500 ft (and a dusting even lower), but upper elevations received a similar amount, with 2.5 inches in Long Valley (8600 ft) and at Wellman Divide (9700 ft), and no more than three inches at San Jacinto Peak. I barebooted to Saddle, and then snowshoed back down to help consolidate the track. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and/or icy patches (depending upon time of day). All trails above about 6500 ft are currently snow-covered, and partially snow-covered above 5500 ft. South Ridge Trail (surveyed 19th November) is largely clear of snow from the top of South Ridge Road to Old Lookout Flat at about 7600 ft, with just 5% cover of icy snow. Steady heavy snow started in Idyllwild at about 0830 but stopped at about 1400. 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. Snow covered Mt. The flow of atmospheric river storm systems continues unabated across California. All in all, I found the Fish Creek Trail to be a great way to go. 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). According to "tarol" Adventure Passes are now required at only the Vivian, Momyer, and South Fork Trailheads - the other SG Wilderness Trailheads are free. 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 trail is clearest above immediately above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. 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. By my measurements, Idyllwild is up to 51 inches of snow to date for this winter, compared to the average for the thirty year period 1991-2020 of 31 inches. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in parentheses where known by the maximum depth so far this winter immediately following the latest storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. 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. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, potentially lower in places. My Actual Distance: 18.4 miles. Remarkably Tropical Storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards to this trail. Their arrival followed a period of several days of temperatures well above seasonal the previous week which had produced some significant melting. Spikes are not required. Because of the 18K+ acre Lake Fire (which is still burning as of 6/24/15), a large section of the San Gorgonio Wilderness including all trails to the summit of San Gorgonio Mountain will be CLOSED until October 1, 2015 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. There was no evidence of hiker tracks on Fuller Ridge Trail or Seven Pines Trail as of Monday 23rd January. It has stopped snowing both in Idyllwild (current storm total 0.75 inch snow plus 1.14 inches of rain) and at San Jacinto Peak (9 inches snow). 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). "He usually goes with his girlfriend or a buddy," said Hendley, who lives across the street from Kumm. Back-to-back Pacific storm systems already the tenth and eleventh storms of this winter are forecast for Saturday 14th and then from late Sunday 15th January to the early hours of Tuesday 17th January. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. At home at 5550 ft in Idyllwild we recorded 10.9F (-12C), the lowest temperature we have recorded there in nine winters. Altitudes are approximate. The Peak Trail still has about 90% cover of icy snow to San Jacinto Peak. 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). I snowshoed down from San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, Saddle Junction, and Devils Slide Trail. Get ready to get WILD because Girl Scout Day at the Erie Zoo is almost here! There was thin patchy snow at the trailhead (4900 ft) and then it was largely continuous above 5800 ft. San Gorgonio, located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area. Temperatures will be below seasonal for December for at least the next week, with many days cloudy or at least partly cloudy. "He was alone and had no map. San Bernardino 9 Peaks Traverse. The trail design is excellent, with the grade perfectly balanced for ascent and descent. Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio offers an opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of girls and young women. For water information, please visit the PCT Water Report. Remarkably Tropical Storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards to this trail. Average snow depth around the peak was 24-25 inches, but heavily drifted. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. Light or moderate rain is currently forecast daily at mid elevations (possibly totaling one inch in Idyllwild), with an uncertain possibility of light snow in the high country (<3 inches above 10,000 ft elevation). All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. Amounts listed may Spikes are not essential but will be useful for most hikers, especially for descending. 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. The South Fork Trailhead (officially known as South Fork Trail 1E04) lies about 2.5 miles off of Rt 38, close to the town of Angelus Oaks. 2; 2; 1 month, 1 week ago. Started by: MikeH. For both storms snow estimates for the highest elevations range from 10-15 inches, with perhaps only an inch of snow in Idyllwild following some rainfall. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter especially at weekends and holiday periods then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. The Weather section below is updated. 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. It turned to occasional light snow at about 1500, but less than 0.5 inch has accumulated so far (at 5550 ft). Current air temperature at San Jacinto Peak is 17.8F (-8C) with a windchill of -5.6F (-21C) and a steady SW wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 30.2 mph. We have surveyed the high country almost daily, with hikes taking in San Jacinto Peak at least twice per week, Tahquitz Peak area once per week, and a variety of other trails on other days (World Cup viewing permitting of course). Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular track or trail. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and light powder there is extreme drifting. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. Put on snowshoes and went up to the base of San Gorgonio . All have been reported to US Forest Service. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. Be prepared for trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) obscured by moderate to deep snow, and even fresh tracks being erased by spindrift snow in places. Above that elevation, icy snow is largely continuous to Saddle Junction. My Alpine start meant that all layers remained firm throughout the ascent. There is a very well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. Later that morning at San Jacinto Peak, I measured a windchill temperature of -26.3F (-32C), the fourth lowest temperature I have ever recorded there. The By late afternoon, with the sun sinking, the search was suspended for another long, cold night. The Ernie Maxwell Trail [surveyed 5th January] has patchy snow along its entire length, however it is largely clear for long sections, and the remaining snow is soft. Spikes will become increasingly useful over the next few days and weeks as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 6000 ft, possibly lower in places on cold (icy) mornings. Drive to the parking area at the end of the road and walk uphill through the pinic area on the dirt road to reach the trailhead.There are several other trailheads all of which are located along Highway 38. However, snowshoes will become increasingly useful as snow depths increase over the coming days; they may initially be useful as low as 4000 ft, steadily rising to 5000-6000 ft next week. At least two further minor storm systems are forecast, overnight on Monday 2nd into Tuesday 3rd, and then again all day on Thursday 5th. On the mornings of both Wednesday 1st February and Monday 30th January I ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails), descending the same way. Potentially dangerous cold is currently forecast for the highest peaks for 14th-23rd January at least. 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. This may continue for several weeks, or could change given further fresh snowfall forecast. Extremely cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. 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. I think some of the switchbacks above High Creek Camp may have been lengthened in recent history to make the route longer. The State Park boundary is not marked but is near the site of the old Florians Cache, below Flat Rock. It's a beautiful hike through pines, cedars . Map showing recreational areas. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in parentheses by the approximate depth of fresh snow added by the latest storm sequence on 14th-17th January. 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. Forecasts suggest a further 2-3 inches are possible tonight. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and/or icy patches (depending upon time of day). http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sbnf/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3846020. Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. Melting on sun-exposed slopes is already well underway, e.g., on lower Devils Slide Trail, South Ridge and Deer Springs trails. Winds decreasing (severe gales from the W on Mon morning, fresh winds from the WNW by Wed night). Highways into Idyllwild were closed today and may well be for some or all of tomorrow. Dutch Flat, at about 5600 ft elevation between Idyllwild and Pine Cove, recorded 0.86 inch of rain by 1300. 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. San Bernardino Nat. These storms are each expected to produce a further 4-6 inches of snow. On 2nd, 5th, and 6th we barebooted to San Jacinto Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through increasingly patchy light icy snow. 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. Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. Melting on sun-exposed slopes is already well underway, e.g., on lower Devils Slide Trail, South Ridge and lower Deer Springs trails. [Checked 18th January by Anne and Anabel. 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). SOLD JUN 7, 2022. 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. Distance : 17.3 miles. For water information, please visit the PCT Water Report. Were so happy to be back! All trails above about 6500 ft remain lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th January 2023 are as follows. From the 10 freeway (coming east or west), you'll take Highway 38 through Forest Falls to get to the trailhead. South Ridge Trail is now functionally clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak with only 1-2% icy snow cover overall. San Bernardino, CA 92408 The USGS benchmark on the summit reads 11,501.6 feet and is dated 1989. At Day Camp, girls sing songs, try their hand at science experiments, learn knot-tying skills, make arts and crafts and enjoy water activities during these fun themed weeks. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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). There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover costs. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. I descended via Deer Springs Trail, breaking trail snowshoeing through virgin powder all the way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and considerable powder there is extreme drifting. Current Trail Conditions On the morning of Wednesday 11th 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. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular track or trail. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) 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. 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. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 3 inches (4 inches on 12th December), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0-1 inches (3.5 inches on 12th December). There is no planned reopening date at this time. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches, and on the quality of your footwear (tread grip, in particular). Reservation Rules. Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. Chung Hun "Charles" Koh, 53, of Buena Park left home New Year's Day to hike on Mt. Thank you so much for your support. San Bernardino National Forest Near Angelus Oaks, California. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. As described above, crampons (always in conjunction with an ice axe) are currently recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, at a minimum on the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, the Wellman Trail, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, on both flanks but especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. The traversing slopes above Wellmans Divide (roughly 9800-10,500 ft) were extremely firm early in the morning and potentially treacherous. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. 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. DM, The correction has been changed. There is precipitation forecast from Wednesday 28th into the first week of 2023. I hope to provide more information on the high country situation on Sunday 26th, depending on conditions/weather. Spikes are recommended. 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. Cliff Weston, the San Bernardino County sheriff's search-and-rescue coordinator. Additional moderate snowfall is tentatively forecast for 28th February-1st March. It finally stopped snowing at about 0700, and some blue sky has resulted in spectacular vistas. After some early sleety drizzle it has been snowing in Long Valley (8600 ft) since late morning with 0.75 inch accumulating so far. 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. 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. There was a dusting of snow in Garner Valley (4300 ft). In my most recent survey there were at least 82 treefall hazards between PCT Miles 170-175 including 20+ major ones, and about six more on PCT Miles 175-177. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 22nd-27th December 2022 are as follows. Freeze levels will be well below 3000 ft at times, and for example Garner Valley (4300-4800 ft) could receive as much as 6-12 inches of snow this week. So rather than being a once-in-a-generation event, this may prove to be a once-in-a-lifetime event for most Idyllwild residents. All trails above about 8000 ft are obscured by snow at this time, and cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Use this trailhead address: South Fork Trail 1E04, 40800-40894 Jenks Lake Rd W, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305. 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. SNOW DEPTHS measured on or around 28th November 2022 are as follows, with depths after the last significant storm (on 9th November) for comparison in parentheses where known. On the plus side, as I had hoped, the cold meant that the exposed snow slopes from 9200 ft and above were largely firm and icy (example photo below). Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. This was discussed in, Minor snow storm in the early hours of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 then turned to rain all day. However excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place for most of the major trails (details below). Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. 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. While we have to be grateful for any precipitation received given our rapidly warming mountain climate, it was not the significant snow-producing storm that had been generally forecast in recent days. South Fork Trail is a popular 5.94-mile hike in the San Gorgonio Wilderness that gains around 4,600 feet of elevation. 0:04. February has been more settled than the very eventful January, but temperatures remain on something of a rollercoaster ride. connected to the .gov website. They tend to be especially useful for descending trails. Note that tracks are being obscured very quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in hours or even minutes (see photo below). 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. There may be patches, but nothing you can't get around or easily through without special gear.
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