Prior to this storm, conditions had been extremely unsettled for about ten days, with four storms in a week, although only one of those was a significant snow-producing system. 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). However they are not required, depending on your comfort level with postholing in drifted snow of moderate depth. Note that tracks are being obscured very quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in hours or even minutes (see photo below). The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout, snow cover is 90%. It continued to rain heavily overnight at mid elevations everywhere below about 7000 ft. Idyllwild at 5550 ft elevation recorded an impressive 4.01 inches of rain in the 24 hour period up to 0700 this morning. I think some of the switchbacks above High Creek Camp may have been lengthened in recent history to make the route longer. However excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place for most of the major trails (details below). New phone # 909-382-2882If you want a permit for Vivian for a dayhike on the weekend in the summertime, you must get it 3-4 weeks in advance. Devils Slide Trail is functionally clear of icy snow to about 7700 ft (about 1.7 miles up) although some dirty icy patches remain below that. It remains well above freezing there, currently at 41F. 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. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 23rd January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (3.0 inches on 12th December). I measured 15 inches of snow during a check of Devils Slide trailhead (6520 ft) at Humber Park this morning. 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. Three significant trees are now down across the trail, including two major hazards (one new in gale force winds on 26th January) that are not easy to hike around both roughly halfway along the trail. Caming is allowed. LockA locked padlock Does anybody have accurate GPS or other reading of the actual total elevation gain? Broadly speaking it is clear that snowfall has become much more variable in the past decade, ranging from extremely dry (<10 inches) to, obviously, very snowy. Thank you for taking the time to read this. The high winds forecast did not materialize, although gusts up to 35 mph have been enough to cause very heavy drifting. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. Spikes are recommended. Spitler Peak Trail has a very visible boot track through light snow in its upper switchbacks to the PCT. Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. Prior to that Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) had received 1.04 inches of rain, with a little hail and sleet mixed in. The route largely follows the established trail, but hikers coming from Long Valley over the weekend either did not find or follow my broken trail from last week, so in sections the route is unusual. 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. Two more significant atmospheric river storm systems are forecast on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th, and on 16th-18th. Section C. I-10/San Gorgonio Pass to I-15/Cajon Pass. Very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Share sensitive information only MLS #219090979 Your contribution helps SGWA protect the Wilderness and educate visitors! Donate via PayPal using the link below. Park here above the picnic area where there are a handful of parking spots. Rain started overnight in Idyllwild, and by late this afternoon (at 1550) totals 1.22 inch. TAKE A MAP. At the Peak 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. United States government. Sadly this phenomenon has become much more of a factor in recent years with freezing rainfall (rather than snow) occurring at higher elevations at higher frequency with much warmer weather systems. Cautious navigation remains required for those who do not have significant experience of hiking this trail. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. They are not currently recommended for moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow powder. UPDATE Tuesday 10th January: Another minor and relatively warm storm is passing through our mountains today. 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. 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. Hard to believe being so close to the Los Angeles/Southern California area.Regarding San Gorgonio's elevation:In keeping with the standard (USGS) for determining US elevations, I have posted the height at 11,490 feet. I would like to ski San Gorgonio. Altitudes are approximate. This is the third time this century that Idyllwild has surpassed 60 inches of snow in a winter (62.8 inches in 2000/01, and 62.4 inches in 2010/11), so 60+ inch winters might be considered to occur roughly once every decade. 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 On 22nd for example I wore spikes down to about 7500 ft on Marion Mountain Trail, while on 27th I wore spikes down the Peak and Wellman trails and PCT down to 9000 ft. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 12th November 2022 are as follows (measured on 15th for Deer Springs Trail locations). Spikes are not required. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently lightly, or above 8000 ft moderately, snow-covered. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th February 2023 are as follows. Turn around take a look, establish points of reference, a mountain top you can see or a particular rock formation, that will take you home. The avalanche was an unusual occurrence on Mount San Jacinto, RMRU President Eric Holden said. Sadly at first light the precipitation turned to drizzle at all elevations on the western slope between (at least) Idyllwild and 8100 ft at Saddle Junction, and consequently the snow quality was deteriorating fast at mid elevations this morning. Length 19.0 miElevation gain 5,492 ftRoute type Out & back. 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. 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. Two or more inches of rain are likely for mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild) on 27th-30th, with several inches of snow possible above 10,000 ft elevation on various days over the next week or so. Discover your local Girl Scout council: about Girl Scouts, what they do, what activities are available locally, and how to contact us. 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. Very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Temperatures during and after both storms are forecast to be below seasonal for late November, colder than the storm system in early November, and windy and hence especially cold in the high country. Indeed a wild wind in the high country that day was erasing tracks within hours or even minutes (see photos below). Hikers should expect to 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 after the passage of Tropical Storm Kay in September. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 22-24 inches (includes 6 inches added on 5th January), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 15 inches (5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 5th), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 17 inches (5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 5th), Long Valley (8600 ft): 8 inches (2 inches on 5th), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 10 inches (2 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 5th), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 3-5 inches (1 inch snow plus >1.0 inch rain on 5th). 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. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock There is already a moderately traveled posthole track on Devils Slide Trail, and I was surprised to find that below 7000 ft some of the trail was already slushy simply due to relatively warm air temperatures as there was no direct sun. By Lance Pugmire and Janet Wilson Times Staff Writers January 22, 2004 With four Southland hikers dead since New Year's Day and two more missing, authorities on Wednesday closed a popular Mt. A few cleared patches are developing below 7000 ft. Wore pants and gators expecting brush and my usual snake friends but both were absent. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Between November 2021 and May 2022, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared. The intensity of snowfall at San Jacinto Peak this afternoon is the best Ive seen since late 2019. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently snow-covered, and partially snow-covered above 5500 ft. Consequently cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. There is a well-traveled track to follow through the very light and patchy 1-3 inches of icy snow. This trail is just under a half mile long and runs from the junction with the San Bernardino Peak Trail 1W07.2 and the Sky High Trail 1W07.2 to the summit box, offering a unique view of the Sand to Snow National Monument. The second system may be more substantial, with precipitation expected most of the day and night of Saturday 31st December into Sunday 1st January. 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. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. San Gorgonio Peak Hiking Trail Guide - The Simple Hiker Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. per winter back then. External Links. 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. The rainfall totals at mid elevations were unremarkable, especially compared to those of the storm in early November (discussed here). United States government. A classic La Nina pattern cool but relatively dry is in place for the third winter in a row. Eventually with compaction of the trails caused by increasing hiker traffic and freeze/thaw cycles snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country well into February. Fengguikou. However the snow conditions may not be suitable for snowshoeing on certain slopes, as described above. Basically, now would be a nice time to go to the beach." 10 inches on 9th November), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-1 inch (was 4 inches on 9th November), Annies Junction/approx. 2020 San Gorgonio: Type of Hike: Overnight: Trailhead: South Fork: Hiking Companions: Hiked with a group: Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: No bugs: Snow Conditions: Trail snow-covered at times - Gear and expertise recommended: Trail Conditions: Obstacles on trail: Hiked up to Dry Lake and set up camp for an early . San Gorgonio Mountain lies at the easternmost extremity of the Transverse Ranges.The mountain is a heavily eroded, partially dissected plateau.. Big Bear Lake, California is the largest city near San Gorgonio, and hosts two major ski resorts; it is also used for summer recreation.. Geology. 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. Devils Slide Trail has a traveled and largely compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. Spikes are not required. IMPORTANT UPDATE Thursday 26th January 2023: The State Park has announced that Skyline Trail is closed with immediate effect due to hazardous conditions above the State Park boundary (5800 ft elevation). Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. In general conditions in the remainder of January will be much more settled than for the first half of the month. Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak - AllTrails Most of this snow had melted prior to my hike to San Jacinto Peak on 31st December. Tracks are in place around Skunk Cabbage Meadow, and south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat. Azalea Drive, the access road to Marion Mountain trailhead, has not been fully plowed (surveyed Tuesday 14th). As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently ideal everywhere above about 9500 ft. 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. [Checked 18th January by Anne and Anabel. Above Little Round Valley in particular my track down from the Peak is very direct, steep, and would be a challenging ascent. Mike, You might want to use this one instead UPDATE Sunday 12th February: back-to-back minor snow storms are forecast for this evening and all day Tuesday 14th. 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. Schedule a showing for 251 Broadriver Trail in Beaumont, CA. Generally considered a challenging route. They tend to be especially useful for descending. Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. Snowshoes are recommended everywhere with snow above 4000 ft, potentially lower in places, and spikes are invaluable anywhere that has been cleared or compacted. The traversing slopes above Wellmans Divide (roughly 9800-10,500 ft) were extremely firm early in the morning and potentially treacherous. Drive northeast for about 14 miles to the intersection with Valley of the Falls Road. However the combined effect of the two minor storms, in combination with wild gusty winds pushing spindrift snow all over the high country, had completely erased the few tracks that were in place by the morning of Wednesday 15th. It stopped snowing at about 0800. 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. For locations measured on 23rd January, these measurements are still useful, as the new recent snow depth is roughly offset by melting over the past week. Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (perhaps lower in places) completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. San . 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. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. Even when the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (near the upper Ernie Maxwell trailhead; these nine space still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent). There is a very visible boot track through light snow in places in its upper switchbacks to the PCT. 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. Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks (see photo below). There is precipitation forecast from Wednesday 28th into the first week of 2023. Long Valley added about 4-6 inches of snow overnight, and a little less than that during the day today. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 45-48 inches (includes about 24 inches snow in latest storms), heavily drifted to 60 inches in places, especially on the East Ridge. For those that are unclear, the Skyline Trail is the first segment of the C2C (cactus to clouds) from Palm Springs up to Grubbs Notch, the access point to Long Valley. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through very thin and patchy icy snow above about 7200 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). Mount San Gorgonio - Hiking Vivian Creek Trail to the Peak Forecasts range widely from 6-22 inches of snow for the highest elevations across multiple days, with a mix of rain and several inches of snow at mid elevations. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. The second week of January is expected to be relatively warm and sunny, so extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations. 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 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. From there I put in a direct ascending track roughly following the old East Ridge Trail to the Peak. 40789 Oregon Trail, Cherry Valley, CA 92223 - MLS EV23025164 - Coldwell San Diego County Trail Map Sale Price: $13.88 . Moderate snow has continued for the past few hours at San Jacinto Peak, with a storm total so far of about 7.5 inches. That said, it has just started gently snowing in both locations, so storm totals may increase slightly over the next couple of hours. Trip Report. Two new trees were down on the upper trail, unsurprising given the huge weight of ice from freezing rain plastered all over the trees. Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (discussed here) continues to melt slowly. The northerly wind was bitter at the Peak and got stronger throughout the morning as we descended. At the Peak on Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 0915 the air temperature was 24.0F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 5.8F (-15C), 74% relative humidity, and a bitter NNW wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 24.5 mph. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures near or below freezing in the high country, and generally well below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). When you apply for a permit, youll get a link to forms where you can report water info, hazards, and any other info including lost or found items. Both Mt. Snowfall at the elevation of Long Valley (8600 ft) has been similarly steady, and 3-4 inches of fresh powder there takes the total depth close to one foot. shawnsisler. Some of the storms are expected to be very cold with snow levels below 3000 ft, and, for example, Garner Valley may receive between 6-12 inches of snow by early March. Nice postcard view of Dry Lake covered in untouched snow. Spikes are recommended. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Momyer trailhead is now open. At the Peak on Monday 12th December 2022 at 0715 the air temperature was 9.7F (-12C), with a windchill temperature of -13.4F (-25C), 100% relative humidity, and a sharp WSW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 21.2 mph. Minor storm overnight on 27th-28th December. (For readers who are unclear, Skyline Trail forms the lower two-thirds of the Cactus-to-Clouds [C2C] route.) Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular track or trail. Further strong winds and blowing powder had eliminated much of these tracks again by Wednesday, and I again largely re-broke trail that day too. 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. Melting has already reduced the snow cover to 90% as far as Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). Sign Up; 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 steadily melting 1-2 inches of icy snow. Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (summarized in a prior Report) has been melting steadily as temperatures in the past week have been above seasonal. A major change to the weather might occur next week (see Weather section below) with forecasts suggesting a possible double storm system impacting the San Jacinto mountains, and cold temperatures at all mountain elevations for a week at least. The high country may be above the cloud for some of that storm, as only 2-3 inches are forecast for the high country. Stone Creek campground had also closed, but I saw that it had apparently reopened for Thanksgiving weekend. In my recent experience off-trail snow is now also largely too shallow and/or patchy for snowshoes. There is a well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock.
