snowpack on mt san jacintodeaths at the grand hotel scarborough
[Checked 18th January by Anne and Anabel. Altitudes are approximate. Snow is constant on north aspects to 6700', and patchy on South aspects above 9000'. Thank you for taking the time to read this. However the remaining snow patches are icy in the morning. With such mild storms this winter, it is interesting to speculate how much snow would currently be around the high peaks if air temperatures had been just a couple of degrees cooler. UPDATE Thursday 29th December: I have uploaded a video from my hike to San Jacinto Peak this morning (available here on YouTube) where I enjoyed a minor snow storm. By using snowshoes, crampons, or even just microspikes, we were able to hike Mount San Jacinto's summit every month of the year. Alternatively snowshoes could have been used for much of the hike. 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. Cautious navigation remains required for those who do not have significant experience of hiking this trail. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (discussed here) continues to melt slowly. Another 10+ inches are forecast overnight, which is very possible given current conditions. UPDATE Tuesday 13th December 2022: This morning Anabel and I broke trail up South Ridge Road and South Ridge Trail to Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter especially at weekends and holiday periods after fresh snowfall then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. 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. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. South Ridge Road remains closed now with only about 35% icy snow cover. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been well-cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with very careful route-finding. Latest details are given in the introduction above. Deer Springs Trail (surveyed 8th December) is functionally clear of ice to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft). Very shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for hiking. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide, from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak, and up South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. Winter Hiking: Dangerous conditions exist when snow and ice conditions are present. Spitler Peak Trail is functionally clear of snow, but see photo below regarding patches of ice fallen from trees. It leaves the Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction (0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning), descending largely on established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek just upstream from the old Laws Camp. 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. Temperatures will be near or generally below seasonal for the next ten days at least. With compaction of the trails in the second week of January, snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country for the foreseeable future. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. I descended via Deer Springs Trail, breaking trail through virgin powder all the way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 22nd December] has a well-defined but lumpy posthole track throughout. 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. I hope to provide more information on the high country situation on Sunday 26th, depending on conditions/weather. . The atmospheric river of moisture from lower latitudes was weaker than the storm in early November, although snowfall was ultimately slightly greater in this storm than in November, perhaps in part due to the colder temperatures. Snowshoes are not required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. 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. See their announcement here. There are many ways to enjoy the snow in the San Jacinto Mountains, but snowshoeing is perhaps one of the most exhilarating. Snowshoes are currently not required on the established trail system, which is now too heavily traveled and compacted for snowshoes. On 21st I again barebooted (i.e. A mixed assortment of weather is possible for the remainder of November. Most of the upper half of the trail had 3-4 inches of lovely fluffy powder. No, it wasn't snowfall in the Santa Cruz Mountains or at Mt. Devils Slide Trail has an excellent compacted track to follow to Saddle Junction. 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. 25F-4C. Since the depths given in the previous Report, there had been very minor storms on 28th and 29th December, which added a couple of inches at the highest elevations, down to 0.5 inch at 8000 ft. Forecasts are currently predicting 30-50 inches of snow for the highest peaks of the San Jacinto mountains (>10,000 ft) mainly between 23rd and 25th February, and about 18-30 inches for the Idyllwild area (5000-6000 ft elevations). These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. In a video taken at the city's tram station, flurries can be seen falling, and sticking, onto the ground. Every year seems to have its challenges and it is clear already that 2023 will be no exception. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has a well-traveled and level track photo below to follow through the light 3-4 inches of powder (drifted to six inches in places). This will make trail conditions more complicated, and if in any doubt whatsoever carry and use traction devices accordingly (see discussion in introduction above). When plowed Humber will remain very icy for the next few days at least. Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (perhaps lower in places) completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow; very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail) and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) closed to vehicle traffic for the season on 7th November 2022. Black Mountain Road closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243 (see Forest Service website regarding this closure here). 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. South Ridge Trail (surveyed 26th and 30th November) is now functionally clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak with only 1-2% icy snow cover overall. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and far below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). 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. Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers will find them useful for descending. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. This will continue to be the case for at least a week, given fresh snowfall expected. Spitler Peak Trail has a very visible boot track through light snow to the PCT. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is functionally clear of icy snow, although a few minor patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout its length, snow cover is about 80%. A short video giving a feel for current snow conditions at San Jacinto Peak is available here on YouTube. Trails down to 5000 ft elevation currently have patchy shallow snow cover. However, snowshoes will become increasingly useful as conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 9000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. The State Park cut about a dozen trees on the section of trail under their jurisdiction in late July. 59mi . Current expectations are only for 1-2 inches of snow at mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild) and not much more at higher elevations, perhaps 2-3 inches with each storm. Marion Mountain Trail (surveyed at least weekly in past month) now has only about 20% icy snow cover, largely in the central section between about 7400-8200 ft elevation which is less sun-exposed. I snowshoed the rest of the way to San Jacinto Peak through lovely light powder. Altitudes are approximate. 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. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Although good tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. I barebooted to 9000 ft, then snowshoed the rest of the way through lovely light powder. As discussed above, additional snowfall expected on 10th and 14th-16th January will further complicate the trail conditions. Some of the trips we made in the winter were thrilling, and some were brutally cold and miserable. It will however be very icy in the early mornings for the next few days at least. The next comprehensive update to the Report will hopefully be tomorrow evening, Friday 6th. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures generally below freezing in the high country, and well below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). More rain and snow is expected in the San Diego area Monday and forecast to arrive . South Ridge Road (5S11) is also currently closed to vehicle traffic. Above Little Round Valley there are at least half-a-dozen tracks ascending toward San Jacinto Peak, none of which entirely accurately follow the established trail route. Two moderate snow storms in the next ten days or so are expected to have a major combined impact on the San Jacinto mountains. That said, temperatures in the high country are much more typical of December than April! Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storm (the most recent is at the top). Snow on this east slope is drifted, and remains 3-8 inches deep in places. Spikes are currently recommended throughout the trail system above about 7500 ft, potentially lower in places. High near 21. This rain produces huge masses of ice in the trees, including many chunks I have estimated as weighing 40-100 lb this winter, which can dislodge dramatically once direct sunlight warms the trees. The station is at an elevation of 2,600 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains. UPDATE Sunday 1st January 2023: A moderate overnight storm produced 1.53 inches of rain in Idyllwild (at 5550ft). Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. This western side of the mountain was better protected from winds and drifting snow, and this track should largely survive until the weekend. 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. Crunchy layers as high as 9800 ft elevation told me it had rained that high at the start of the storm yesterday, but conversely there was very light snow (<1 inch) down to 5500 ft in Idyllwild. Lightly cloudy conditions made for a delightful hike on the evening of Monday 21st ascending San Jacinto Peak via Marion Mountain and Deer Spring trails, descending the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails). Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Box 518 Idyllwild, CA 92549 1-909-382-2921 Mount San Jacinto State Park 25905 Highway 243 Idyllwild, CA 92549 Every year seems to have unique challenges and 2023 is already proving to be no exception. but ideal for snowshoes, which I used from Saddle to San Jacinto Peak and back. Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, plus an ice axe (and thorough knowledge of how to use it) are currently required for traversing these slopes. There were posthole tracks heading south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat. As I snowshoed down past 9000 ft elevation it was clear from a layer of ice underfoot that after a light snowfall, there had been rain on top of snow, before it started snowing again on top of that Sunday morning. San Jacinto State Park locations where self-issued permits are available 24/7: Idyllwild Ranger Station, 25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549 (located on a permit desk in front of office) . South Ridge Road is now clear of ice and snow. We have had an excellent start to 2023 regarding the water and snow situations in the San Jacinto mountains. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular route. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. Holden said he could not recall the last time there had been an avalanche on Mount San Jacinto. 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. The switchbacks up to Tahquitz Peak average only 20% icy snow cover, but the frequency and length of ice patches increases on the uppermost switchbacks. However excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place for most of the major trails (details below). Forecasts are currently predicting 30-50 inches of snow for the highest peaks of the San Jacinto mountains (>10,000 ft) mainly between 23rd and 25th February, and about 18-30 inches for the Idyllwild area (5000-6000 ft elevations). 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. Conditions prior to this storm had been unsettled for several days, with a minor storm overnight on 27th-28th December. Snowfall in the high country has been somewhat below expectations, with nine inches at San Jacinto Peak (for a current total depth of about 16-18 inches), and 5-6 inches in Long Valley (8600ft, total c.6 inches). Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. As of this morning, I saw no other broken tracks on the high country trail system. The high country added only another couple of inches of snow overnight. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. 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. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the ease (or otherwise) of hiking a given trail. Above Little Round Valley the track is somewhat less clear and does not entirely accurately follow the establishes trail route. At the Peak on Monday 7th November 2022 at 1715 the air temperature was 28.4F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 12.7F (-11C), 93% relative humidity, and a fresh WSW wind sustained at 10 mph gusting to 22.0 mph. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. Skyline Trail closed on 26th January due to dangerous weather conditions above the State Park boundary (5800 ft elevation). As of the afternoon of Sunday 1st, 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). Rapid 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 Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 40% icy snow cover. It stopped snowing at about 0800. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Discover this 5.6-mile out-and-back trail near Palm Springs, California. Reliable tracks are currently only known to be my posthole tracks from 15th for Devils Slide Trail through to San Jacinto Peak via the Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails, and then descending Deer Springs Trail. Current forecasts suggest that there may be significant snowfall on Sunday 29th-Monday 30th January at all elevations, but some warming and steady snow melt likely on either side of that date. On Fuller Ridge Trail there are five major treefall hazards obstructing the trail in the 1.5 mile section nearest to the campground (PCT Miles 189-190.5). Although the flakes are small, it has been steadily accumulating at an inch per hour, with about six inches fresh powder so far today, for a Peak area total of about 30 inches. From there I put in a direct ascending track roughly following the old East Ridge Trail to the Peak. NA. Unusually for me, I followed the entire route of the established trail down to Little Round Valley. 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 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. Three periods of cold, cloudy days are now expected over the next ten days, but little if any precipitation.]. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Multiple atmospheric river storm systems are forecast to bring very unsettled weather to the San Jacinto mountains starting Tuesday 27th December, lasting well into the first week of January. There is considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California. Spikes are currently recommended throughout the trail system above about 7500 ft. Suitable waterproof footwear is strongly recommended. A few cleared patches are developing below 7000 ft. BEST SELLER. Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail) and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) closed to vehicle traffic for the season on 7th November 2022. 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