snowpack on mt san jacinto

Holden said he could not recall the last time there had been an avalanche on Mount San Jacinto. Otherwise, reliable posthole tracks are in place from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, but parts will become obscured by any additional light snowfall and/or especially by drifting snow from strong winds. Precipitation on Sunday 4th into the early hours of Monday 5th is significantly less likely in the latest models. The highest peaks appeared to add slightly less snow than some lower locations, probably because they were above the cloud for some of the precipitation events. Suitable waterproof footwear is strongly recommended. Rain started overnight in Idyllwild, and by late this afternoon (at 1550) totals 1.22 inch. On 24th and 28th we barebooted to the Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through light icy snow. Those systems are summarized here: Conditions will remain very unsettled throughout the second and third weeks of January. 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. Spikes were not required even for descending on 14th. Altitudes are approximate. 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. Icy snow cover is 60% overall, becoming increasingly patchy below about 7000 ft, and again in the sun-exposed areas above 8000 ft. Spikes are useful, especially for descending. However excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place for most of the major trails (details below). 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. Half the time I go up planning to snow-shoe, I wind up staying in Micro-Spikes. South Ridge Road (5S11), Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail), and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) are currently closed to vehicle traffic, as is Black Mountain Road at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. This was tricky for postholing which went through the ice layer. Snowshoes are dangerous due to the angle of the icy snow. Currently only two major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. The route does not follow the established trail for the most part, and steepens considerably as it nears Wellman Divide. 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. Sign up for Alert San Diego notifications for all your telephone numbers. Again the freeze levels may be relatively high, with little more than an inch or two of snow likely below 6000 ft, a forecast 2-6 inches of fresh snowfall in the high country scattered across two or more days, and roughly 0.5-1.0 inch of rain (perhaps mainly freezing rain) throughout the mid elevations. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. Snowshoes are not required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. Snowshoes are useful in lower 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. Thank you so much for your support. The open section of trail below 5800 ft is clear of snow. but probably light rain and/or about an inch of snow at the elevation of Idyllwild. 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. If hiking/snowshoeing/skiing into the State Wilderness, you must fill out a wilderness day-use permit. However subsequent light snow on Sunday 1st improved the depths by another couple of inches. This may mean rain and/or freezing rain as high as 10,000 ft, and challenging layers of icy or mixed snow/ice conditions at all elevations, including the possible melting of some or most preexisting snow below about 8000 ft due to rainfall. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak [checked 20th January] has no steps to follow through the steeply angled ice with overlying deep snow. New treefall hazards on major trails have been reported to relevant agencies, and those on Spitler Peak Trail have already been cleared by the Trail Report. Three periods of cold, cloudy days are now expected over the next ten days, but little if any precipitation.]. Deer Springs Trail [updated 15th December] now has an accurate snowshoe track to follow all the way to San Jacinto Peak as I broke trail the entire way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction on the afternoon of 15th. At the Peak on Sunday 1st January 2023 at 0830 the air temperature was 17.9F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -2.3F (-19C), 100% relative humidity, and a sharp WSW wind sustained at 11 mph gusting to 21.1 mph. UPDATE Monday 13th February: the first of two consecutive minor storms came through this morning, and produced more snow than was generally forecast. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. Some winters are better than others, with wet years producing several feet of snow in the high country, while dry years producing a dusting or two. Given cold temperatures for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to slow (or largely stop in the high country). The track on Deer Springs Trail largely follows the existing trail route up to Little Round Valley. The cold icy early morning snow had the perfect bite for good boots with excellent soles. 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. The eighteenth storm, due this evening, is an unusual atmospheric river combined with very cold air again, expected to produce heavy snowfall for 24th-25th February. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 14th November 2022 are as follows, with depths from 9th November 2022 in parentheses where known. NA. 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. 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). With two further minor snowfalls possible in January, and strong winds in the high country expected on some days causing substantial spindrift, tracks broken through the snow may not last long. Above that elevation, icy snow cover is about 60% to Saddle Junction. Devils Slide Trail is largely clear of icy snow to about 7400 ft (Middle Spring) although some extended patches remain below that. 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. The Get it Done app can help you report blocked storm drains, potholes, and broken streetlights. Recent hikes have included the high peaks (>10,000 ft) 2-4 times per week by various routes, Tahquitz Peak and area 1-2 times per week, South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Marion Mountain trails, and May Valley Road and Indian Mountain Truck Trail. The northeast . We survey the trail system daily, with hikes via different routes to San Jacinto Peak several times per week, Tahquitz Peak and vicinity at least weekly, and many other trails on other days. Snowshoes are recommended everywhere with snow above 4000 ft, potentially lower in places, and spikes are invaluable anywhere that has been cleared or compacted. Current snow depth at Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park is 4-5 inches on top of 1-2 inches of ice/icy snow from recent freezing rain. This facilitated survey of the highest parts of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains (roughly Miles 179-181 and 185.5-183.5) plus several of its side trails. Such warm conditions will soon be a distant memory. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. Most major trails now have a track through the snow to follow, details have been updated below. 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. 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. The freeze level will again start very high, but is forecast to fall lower, with the possibility of a light dusting of snow down to about 5500 ft. Another inch of rain is forecast for mid elevations, but a heavier snowfall is expected in the high country, with predictions ranging from 8-20 inches above 10,000 ft. Further precipitation is tentatively forecast for 3rd-6th January, but amounts, timing, and freeze levels remain uncertain this far ahead. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. Spikes will not be required by most hikers, depending upon comfort level hiking on patchy angled icy snow. Most of the upper half of the trail had 3-4 inches of lovely fluffy powder. 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. There are many ways to enjoy the snow in the San Jacinto Mountains, but snowshoeing is perhaps one of the most exhilarating. When the gate is closed there are still nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (which still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent to be displayed). Up to one inch of rain is forecast at mid elevations, but with only a couple of inches of snow likely around the highest peaks as the high country may be above the cloud for some of the storm. Recently I have mentioned the challenges of hard, icy snow underfoot and the value of using spikes (and/or crampons) especially for descending and traversing. Webcams. Compacted trails such as Devils Slide, Deer Springs, Marion Mountain, South Ridge are extremely icy between 7400-8900 ft due to the rain yesterday which has now frozen. I put spikes on at the Peak for the descent and ultimately kept on my Kahtoola microspikes until about 9000 ft, one mile north of Saddle Junction. They tend to be especially useful for descending. There was no evidence of hiker tracks on Fuller Ridge Trail or Seven Pines Trail as of Monday 23rd January. Snow cover is only 50% below 6700 ft, about 95% up to 7200 ft, and continuous thereafter. 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. Immediately north of Saddle Junction, snow cover is initially somewhat patchy on the sun exposed slope (Angels Glide) but thereafter icy snow cover is continuous through the Wellman and Peak trails to San Jacinto Peak. 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). The rocks around the summit were very slick with thick ice, and I put spikes on there and for the descent through Little Round Valley. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is largely clear of icy snow, although quite a few patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. . 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. On 2nd, 5th, and 6th we barebooted to San Jacinto Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through increasingly patchy light icy snow. On Mount San Jacinto, the conditions just arent good for avalanches with the slopes and amount of trees we have, he said. Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. 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). The freeze level again started very high at >9000 ft, with light rain falling in Long Valley (8600 ft) all morning. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway cuts about 6,000 feet of climbing off the hike . With compaction of the trails over the next few days, snowshoes will become less useful on-trail, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel at the highest elevations for the foreseeable future. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 42 inches (45-48 inches), drifted to 60 inches in places, especially on East Ridge. South Ridge Trail is now functionally clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak with only 1-2% icy snow cover overall. 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. I put in a posthole track the entire way up, but crampons (with an ice axe) were essential at that time on the upper switchbacks above about 8300 ft due to the typical steeply angled ice obscured underneath 6-12 inches of powder (photos below). Spikes can be useful for descending in particular. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 19th December 2022 at 0920 the air temperature was 31.3F (0C), with a windchill temperature of 20.7F (-6C), 9% relative humidity, and a light WNW wind sustained at 5 mph gusting to 9.9 mph. With a rapidly changing climate in the region in recent years, it has become increasingly common for there to be little or no difference in snow quantities at mid and higher elevations, often because the high country remains above the cloud, and this system was no exception. 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. Spikes are strongly recommended. There is a well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. Spitler Peak Trail is functionally clear of snow, but see photo below regarding patches of ice fallen from trees. South Ridge Road is clear of ice and snow. Although excellent tracks are now in place and clearly visible for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (3.0 inches on 12th December). At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Tuesday 6th December 2022 at 1530 the air temperature was 19.9F (-7C), with a windchill temperature of 3.8F (-16C), 18% relative humidity, and a sharp due West wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 13.2 mph. An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. It will however be very icy in the early mornings for the next few days at least. Snowshoes can be used for ascending the highest peaks, but with considerable caution. Generally the San Jacinto mountains have just caught the southern edge of these systems, with nothing like the dramatic precipitation being reported from further north. South Ridge Road remains closed now with only about 35% icy snow cover. However the route is now well-traveled and compacted. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0.75 inches (melting rapidly this afternoon). Trails above about 8500 ft currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow (more continuous above about 9000 ft on the west side, 9900 ft on the east). The traverse from Old Lookout Flat to the bottom of the switchbacks has about 40% icy snow cover. 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. They may become increasingly useful if conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 9000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. The mountain snow level is expected to drop to 6,000 feet by Wednesday morning . Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. The East Ridge Trail from near Miller Peak to San Jacinto Peak has multiple tracks, all of which were disappearing under fresh spindrift when I ascended that way on Monday 23rd. Ernie Maxwell Trail has a well traveled track to follow along its entire length, through the increasingly patchy icy snow. Snowfall in Long Valley (8600 ft) has been steady until largely stopping by 1600, with close to 10 inches added since yesterday for a total accumulation there of nearly three feet. 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. Remarkably Tropical Storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards to this trail. As discussed above, multiple additional snowfalls forecast for 14th-18th January will further complicate the trail conditions. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3 inches (all from latest storms, admixed with 5.06 inches rain on 14th-16th) already melting steadily on 18th. UPDATE Thursday 23rd: Idyllwild woke up to about four inches of fresh snow overnight, and it snowed fairly consistently today (averaging 0.75 inch/hour), adding six more inches by late afternoon. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout, snow cover is 90%. From there the Peak Trail was easy going, having been well-traveled by hikers coming up the Tram. However they are not required, depending on your comfort level with postholing in drifted snow of moderate depth. 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. All trails above about 5000 ft are currently lightly (or above 8000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. "The biggest issue with the snow levels is the . Altitudes are approximate. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3.5 inches (total 3.5 inch). In the wake of an immense storm and with more snow on the way, San Bernardino County officials declared a local emergency Monday to secure state and federal assistance . However by this afternoon, melting was already underway below 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes. Excessive precipitation of 1.3" (33mm) is anticipated. Thank you so much for your support. Above Little Round Valley the track is somewhat less clear and does not entirely accurately follow the establishes trail route. Spikes are not essential but will be useful for most hikers, especially for descending. Willow Creek Trail remains a relatively slow, messy hike for a couple of miles. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket. The traversing slopes above Wellmans Divide (roughly 9800-10,500 ft) were extremely firm early in the morning and potentially treacherous. The high country currently has the deepest snow accumulation in the San Jacinto mountains in almost four years, since March 2019. Consequently cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. An additional 5.5 inches of snow fell in Idyllwild overnight, rather more than forecast, meaning we had to dig out yet again this morning. As last week, I was able to ascend barebooting to about 9200 ft before putting on crampons. There is a well-traveled track to follow through the very light and patchy 1-3 inches of icy snow. On cold mornings the trail will be icy and some hikers will find spikes are useful, however on warmer days and afternoons spikes are not required. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 20% icy snow cover. Following the twelfth storm system of this winter on 29th-30th January, temperatures have largely swung to well above seasonal, with melting underway at all elevations, but especially below 8000 ft. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. For example, San Jacinto Peak received about 9 inches of fresh powder (on top of about 2-4 patchy inches of icy snow remaining from November) on Sunday 11th, with an additional inch falling on Monday 12th. Dark Canyon Road (4S02), the access to Seven Pines Trail, and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) also closed to vehicle traffic for the season on 7th November 2022. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. If there are Road Closed signs further down at the junction with Forest Drive as is often the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and light powder there is extreme drifting. Long Valley (8600 ft) has added about two inches, where it continues to snow gently this morning. There is considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California. Note that tracks discussed here may become obscured by heavy drifting of snow from strong winds combined with extensive ice fall from trees overhead. Both of these storms are expected to be relatively mild at first with rain a possibility up to 9000 ft before freeze levels drop down to 6000 ft. Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. 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. $30.00. Spikes could potentially be used to ascend to the highest peaks at this time, although crampons are certainly safer for traversing (e.g., see photo below). We have had an excellent start to 2023 regarding the water and snow situations in the San Jacinto mountains. A well-traveled snowshoe track is in place up to Strawberry Junction. In summary there are good tracks in place through the very shallow snow, and spikes are not required (but may be useful for some hikers depending on their experience in thin icy snow). Spikes are not required. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 0-1 inch, photo below (was 6 inches on 9th), Deer Springs Trail at top of Marion Mountain Trail (8700 ft): 1-2 inches, Tahquitz Peak (north side trail, 8700 ft): 0-1 inch [measured 26th November], Tahquitz Peak (south side trail, 8500-8700 ft): 0 inch [measured 26th November], Long Valley (8600 ft): <1 inch (was 2-3 inches on 9th), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0 inch (was approx. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Climb the remaining 5,100 feet of snow and or ice in one of the several chutes. Currently crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use both), are strongly recommended. Even as melting proceeds steadily (details below), trails are very icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles and compaction from hiker traffic, and spikes are recommended throughout the trail system above about 8000 ft (lower in places). Rain had started overnight in Idyllwild, ending in late afternoon at a total of 1.26 inches. There is a very visible boot track through light snow in places in its upper switchbacks to the PCT. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Tuesday 27th December 2022 at 0850 the air temperature was 31.2F (-1C), with a windchill temperature of 15.1F (-9C), 31% relative humidity, and a sharp WSW wind sustained at 17 mph gusting to 26.1 mph. Forecasts suggest a further 2-3 inches are possible tonight. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Snow cover is essentially continuous from Strawberry Junction to San Jacinto Peak, although patches are starting to clear below 8500 ft (south of the top of the Marion Mountain Trail). Marion Mountain Trail has a very well-defined track throughout. 4 Forecast Elevations: Peak: 10804 ft 8203 ft 4922 ft Base: 1641 ft This table gives the weather forecast for Mount San Jacinto Peak at the specific elevation of 3293 m. Our advanced weather models allow us to provide distinct weather forecasts for several elevations of Mount San Jacinto Peak. Those systems are summarized here: conditions will soon be a distant.. Pines Trail as of Monday 5th is significantly less likely in the San Jacinto mountains, Little. And independent from agencies deepest snow accumulation in the San Jacinto mountains, but with considerable.! Slushy and icy patches Southern California hikers coming up the Tram cover is 90 % cuts about 6,000 feet Wednesday... 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