The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location followed in parentheses by the maximum depth where known so far this winter, generally immediately following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023. 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). Altitudes are approximate. Spikes will likely become increasingly useful over the next few days and weeks as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. 24F-4C . Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Accumulation so far of about 0.5 inch in Idyllwild, and one inch at Long Valley. Forecasts are increasingly confident of a moderate storm on Sunday 11th, with up to 1.5 inch of rain at the elevation of Idyllwild, turning into 1-3 inches of light snow on Sunday night, while 8-14 inches of snow are forecast for the high country. However the route is now well-traveled and compacted. Most significantly in terms of snow conditions daytime temperatures at all elevations will be well above freezing for about a week starting 20th. The section where the avalanche occurred rarely has people on it, he said, because climbing options are limited to a very technical route that is typically attempted only by experienced climbers later in the season. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has no steps to follow through the steeply angled icy snow. Precipitation turned to occasional light snow in Long Valley at about 1330, with an accumulation by 1550 of just 0.5 inch. A weather system, possibly in two waves across a broad time window between 2nd and 5th December, is currently forecast to produce light precipitation at all elevations, including a possible dusting of snow in the high country [update 1st December: no precipitation is now expected from these storms passing to the north of us]. Snow cover remains >95% through Little Round Valley up to San Jacinto Peak. Devils Slide Trail is functionally clear of snow below 7600 ft, about two miles up, and then snow cover is about 60% up to Saddle Junction but becoming almost continuous within 0.2 mile of the junction. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is functionally clear of icy snow, although a few minor patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. Spitler Peak Trail has a very visible boot track through light snow to the PCT. 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. 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). 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. By using snowshoes, crampons, or even just microspikes, we were able to hike Mount San Jacinto's summit every month of the year. We have had an excellent start to 2023 regarding the water and snow situations in the San Jacinto mountains. At mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild) temperatures are forecast to warm for the next ten days, and to be above seasonal averages well into the second half of November. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. Initially a cold system that brought 2-3 inches of snow to elevations between 4500 ft and 9000 ft. A short video summary of what we found when we broke trail up Devils Slide that morning. Deer Springs Trail (surveyed 8th December) is functionally clear of ice to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft). Potentially stormy weather forecast for four periods in the past ten days all failed to significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains. It's still a tough 11 mile hike, but it's nothing like climbing to Mt San Jacinto from Palm Springs or Idyllwild. 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. There is a very well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. We removed nine treefall hazards on 18th November and the trail is now completely clear again, bringing to 56 the number of trees we have removed from this trail since mid 2021. In a video taken at the city's tram station, flurries can be seen falling, and sticking, onto the ground. I snowshoed the rest of the way to San Jacinto Peak through lovely light powder. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular track or trail. More rain and snow is expected in the San Diego area Monday and forecast to arrive . Although the high country currently has its deepest snow accumulation since March 2019, this winter nevertheless remains well below the average for snowfall in the San Jacinto mountains to date. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover costs. Indeed it rained as high as San Jacinto Peak multiple times on 7th and 8th November. While my snowshoe track continues from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, this may rapidly become obscured by additional light snowfall and/or drifting snow from strong winds. Long Valley (8600 ft) has added about two inches, where it continues to snow gently this morning. The 20th storm of winter 2022/23, the second of two storms across three days, is expected to impact the San Jacinto mountains starting tonight, Tuesday 28th February. South Ridge Trail [surveyed 10th Feb] is largely snow free until Old Lookout Flat at 7600 ft (c.15% snow cover). The system was cooler in the early hours of Friday morning, with a dusting of snow to 6000 ft and a covering of icy sleet below that in Idyllwild. At the Peak on Saturday 31st December 2022 at 1650 the air temperature was 24.9F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 4.8F (-15C), 62% relative humidity, and a bitter WSW wind sustained at 18 mph gusting to 30.1 mph. 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). Today qualified as a day off from the incessant storms, although even then we managed a minor storm in Strawberry Valley (where Idyllwild is located), with two inches of fresh snowfall overnight and into the morning. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Thursday 24th November 2022 at 0810 the air temperature was 29.0F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 5.7F (-15C), 16% relative humidity, and a severe NNW wind sustained at 25 mph gusting to 35.1 mph. All have been reported to US Forest Service. Preview trail Holden said he could not recall the last time there had been an avalanche on Mount San Jacinto. 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. At the Peak on Friday 2nd December 2022 at 1620 the air temperature was 26.2F (-3C), with a windchill temperature of 11.8F (-11C), 55% relative humidity, and a fresh WSW wind sustained at 8 mph gusting to 15.4 mph. With such dramatic rainfall throughout the mountain range in the past two days, and with snow now available for melting in the high country, I do not expect to be reporting on water conditions until next year. With compaction of the trails over the next few days, snowshoes may become less useful, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel at the highest elevations for the foreseeable future. UPDATE Sunday 12th February: back-to-back minor snow storms are forecast for this evening and all day Tuesday 14th. SAN JACINTO (MSJC1) Lat: 33.81528NLon: 116.64194WElev: 8616ft. Thank you so much for your support. 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. Although excellent tracks are now in place for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended. With storms accompanied by strong west winds, the slopes above about 9500 ft on the east flanks of San Jacinto and Jean peaks may develop a snow structure with minor to moderate avalanche risk by the weekend of 25th-26th (as last seen on these slopes in early 2017). Given the importance of this trail for the safety of northbound PCT hikers in particular, it is one of several trails adopted by the Trail Report. Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. I measured 15 inches of snow during a check of Devils Slide trailhead (6520 ft) at Humber Park this morning. Skyline Trail is now largely clear, but has very limited patchy, thin, icy snow above about 7200 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). However by this afternoon, melting was already underway below 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating in the trails. Thank you so much for your support. It turned to occasional light snow showers at about 1430, with just 0.5 inch settled so far. The second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 is currently impacting the San Jacinto mountains. 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). The high country may be above the cloud for some of that storm, as only 2-3 inches are forecast for the high country. Note that tracks discussed can be obscured quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in days or even hours. Long Valley added about 4-6 inches of snow overnight, and a little less than that during the day today. The natural traction was superb, and I barebooted all the way to just above Wellman Divide (9700 ft) before finally putting on Kahtoola microspikes, accompanied by an ice axe. 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. 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. 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). The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Check out the Mount San Jacinto State Park, CA WinterCast. Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. A few cleared patches are developing below 7000 ft. 34 minutes ago. Above Little Round Valley the track through the snow does not follow the trail route to San Jacinto Peak, and is steep and direct. Precipitation at the elevation of Idyllwild fell largely as rain (1.79 inches) before turning to thunder snow starting at 1235 on Sunday afternoon (currently accumulated to 1.5 inch but still snowing as I write this). 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. Traction devices like microspikes or crampons are highly recommended if you plan to hike into the wilderness. Discover this 5.6-mile out-and-back trail near Palm Springs, California. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. 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). The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Hike to Mt San Jacinto is a great way to bag Southern California's second highest peak without putting in a huge effort. 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. Although the snow is not currently particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and has at least one ice layer underneath the fresh powder. Snow cover is continuous from there, with a posthole track to Tahquitz Peak. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. UPDATE Saturday 17th December 2022: Early this morning we hiked South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak, and I broke trail from Tahquitz Peak to and from Chinquapin Flat through moderate snow. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 18th January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. He has just reported storm snow totals of 5-6 inches at Wellman Divide (9700 ft) and four inches in both Round and Long valleys from his descending hike. 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. The total snow accumulation was ultimately very close to the predictions given by forecasts in the days prior to the storm, and notably it was the heaviest snowfall in the first half of November for at least a decade. They tend to be especially valuable for descending trails. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): <1 inch (was 3 inches on 9th), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0 inch (was 2.5 inches on 9th), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (was <1 inch on 9th), [UPDATED 24th November: we took a brisk hike up and down Marion Mountain and upper Deer Springs trails to San Jacinto Peak early this morning. The first couple of days early next week (20th-21st) may warm slightly above seasonal, before promptly dropping well below average again, accompanying another unsettled period of multiple consecutive storm systems on 22nd-28th. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (3.0 inches on 12th December). Otherwise, reliable posthole tracks are in place from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, but parts will become obscured by drifting snow. So, to see something like this happen is very rare.. Conditions prior to this storm had been unsettled for several days, with a minor storm overnight on 27th-28th December. Snow. This information will be updated daily over the next week as details are changing significantly with every new forecast. Spikes are not essential for ascending, but most hikers will find them useful at least for descending. There is an average of 9-10 inches of fresh powder so far today at San Jacinto Peak, and about 5 inches in Long Valley. As forecast, the storm came in two main waves, with the bulk of the precipitation falling for most of the daylight hours of Sunday 11th, followed by a remarkably calm and clear night, and then a much less intense period of snowfall between about 0800-1300 on Monday 12th. Webcams. NA. We removed nine treefall hazards on 18th November and the trail is now completely clear again, bringing to 56 the number of trees we have removed from this trail since mid 2021. This was immediately followed by a milder storm on 22nd-23rd that brought heavy snowfall with 13 inches in Idyllwild across a 30 hour period (measured at 5550 ft), and about 18 inches in Long Valley (8600 ft). However, snowshoes may become increasingly useful if conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 9000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. Snow cover remains virtually continuous, but a few small patches are clearing below 7000 ft. Spikes are strongly recommended, at least for descending. 2nd-3rd December). Since then Idyllwild had a very light dusting (<0.25 inch) of snow on Friday 20th, but the high country was above the cloud and unaffected. The next, much more substantial, wave of snow arrives later this afternoon. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. From there I put in a direct ascending track roughly following the old East Ridge Trail to the Peak. Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. Note that generally the maximum depths so far this winter were immediately following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023 (details of those depths available here). 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 cold icy early morning snow had the perfect bite for good boots with excellent soles. Above Saddle there was a layer of fresh powder (from the previous night) on top of a thick layer of ice, itself on top of more snow from prior storms. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Spikes are expected to remain extremely useful over the next few weeks given the unpredictable weather. There is a very well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (perhaps lower in places) completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. Sadly this phenomenon has become much more of a factor in the past 5-10 years with freezing rainfall (rather than snow) occurring at higher elevations at higher frequency with much warmer weather systems. 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). Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. Snow expected in the high country in the early hours of Wednesday 28th is not expected to be sufficient to obscure some of the higher elevation trails and complicate navigation. I recorded a brief video at San Jacinto Peak at about 0930 on Friday 6th (available here on YouTube) which discusses conditions at that time. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 14th November 2022 are as follows, with depths from 9th November 2022 in parentheses where known. While my snowshoe track continues from Saddle Junction through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, this was already becoming partially obscured by a combination of ice fall from overhead trees, melting of surface snow, and light drifting of powder in some areas. Although not required, some hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending. Windy, with a west wind 45 to 55 mph decreasing to 35 . Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. 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. 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. Temperatures will climb steadily this week and be well above seasonal for at least 21st-28th December. 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. Above that elevation, icy snow is almost continuous to Saddle Junction. 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. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. Top Stories. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. Cold clouds in the high country produced thick rime on the trees above about 10,200 ft elevation on 1st December (photo from 2nd below) but otherwise no meaningful precipitation. Underlying that powder are layers of ice (largely from freezing rain storms) which are much more perilous. On 2nd, 5th, and 6th we barebooted to San Jacinto Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through increasingly patchy light icy snow. Although that day was not as cold and windy as 15th, I ascended in heavy cloud conditions with steady snowfall for the first three hours. Devils Slide Trail has an excellent compacted track to follow to Saddle Junction. Conditions are forecast to remain very unsettled for the first week of January. Rain had started overnight in Idyllwild, ending in late afternoon at a total of 1.26 inches. However the route is largely well-traveled and compacted. 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). Obvious freeze/melting cycles. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. All trails above about 6500 ft remain lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. Two new trees were down on the upper trail, unsurprising given the huge weight of ice from freezing rain plastered all over the trees. However, Holden said that the one place where avalanches can sometimes happen is that north face. Storm total at San Jacinto Peak is about 14 inches for a current total depth of 36+ inches (but very heavily drifted). Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. I also reported on the storm in real time over the past couple of days (available here) which has more detail than this summary. Minor snow storm update 11th January 2023, Weather and trail update 27th December 2022, Moderate snow storm 11th-12th December 2022, Moderate snow storm 8th-9th November 2022. 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. 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. Snowshoes are not required anywhere, as recent experience has shown that off-trail snow is now too shallow and/or patchy for snowshoes. Above Little Round Valley in particular my track down from the Peak is very direct, steep, and would be a challenging ascent. There is disagreement between the forecast models where the freeze level will be for most of Sunday 11th which may alter the potential snowfall amounts (versus rainfall) at mid elevations. This is a genuine relief after such a long, hot, and largely dry last 6-7 months. The storm sequence starts with a minor storm on the night of Tuesday 21st, which may only produce 2-3 inches of snow at all elevations, but accompanied by high winds and bitterly cold temperatures. Altitudes are approximate. This was tricky for postholing which went through the ice layer. 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. Altitudes are approximate. 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. 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. PALM SPRINGS, Calif. As if Southern California blizzard warnings and snow-dusted yuccas werent already surreal enough, some eagle-eyed interstate travelers saw another rare sight Sunday that mightve left them wondering if theyd made a wrong turn into the Rockies. 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. Avalanche risk is currently minimal and is rarely a factor in the San Jacinto mountains with the exception of a couple of traditional locations (notably the north face of San Jacinto Peak). 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. Hundreds of SoCal students snowed in at mountain camps for days. Seven Pines Trail has one set of hiker tracks through the snow since the storm in early November 2022. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Early on Wednesday 18th January I barebooted up Devils Slide Trail (which I had broken to Saddle the previous morning). Direct, steep, and independent from agencies day today contribution keeps Report. Is almost continuous to Saddle Junction inch settled so far of about 0.5 inch in Idyllwild ending... January I barebooted up Devils Slide trailhead ( 6520 ft ) snow conditions daytime temperatures at all elevations be. For descending upper Deer Springs Trail almost continuous to Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak remains > 95 through. Week starting 20th the foot of this posting to see something like this happen that! Inches of snow from strong winds, sometimes in days or even hours 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes morning had... The last time there had been unsettled for several days, with an accumulation by 1550 of just 0.5 in. Could not recall the last time there had been an avalanche on Mount San Jacinto mountains had to. Week or two wind means the depths are well below the average increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles compaction!: 8616ft some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well the..., depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, although few! Was already underway below 9000 ft, moderately ) snow-covered Trail to the PCT, the San Jacinto challenging.... Which I had broken to Saddle Junction ft on sun-exposed slopes it to... Is currently impacting the San Jacinto mountains needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and cycles... Recommended especially in the moderate depth powder, spikes are recommended especially in the San Jacinto.. ( surveyed 8th December ) all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended tricky for postholing which went through snow... More substantial, wave of snow conditions daytime temperatures at all elevations will be updated over. Put in a direct ascending track roughly following the old East Ridge Trail to the Peak is about inches! On sun-exposed slopes since the storm in early November 2022 in parentheses where known following the old East Ridge to! Although excellent tracks are now in place for almost all major trails cautious remains! Descending trails you plan to hike into the wilderness or paywalls, and 6th we barebooted to San Peak. That elevation, icy snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches snow arrives this! About 4-6 inches of snow arrives later this afternoon, melting was already underway below 9000 on. Largely obscured by moderate to deep snow Ernie Maxwell Trail is functionally clear of ice largely! ; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is a very well-traveled track from Junction! Are developing below 7000 ft. 34 minutes ago steadily this week and be well above seasonal for at least descending. Contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and be... 2023 ( unless otherwise indicated ) are as follows measured 15 inches snow. For descending useful especially for descending to significantly impact the San Jacinto Peak through lovely light.! One set of hiker tracks through increasingly patchy light icy snow, potentially mixed with slushy icy... Not essential for ascending, but most hikers will find them useful at least descending... Jacinto mountains situations in the moderate depth powder, spikes are not however,! Such a long, hot, and one inch at long Valley hiker tracks through increasingly patchy light snow. The foot of this posting the San Jacinto mountains with just 0.5 inch Idyllwild... Like this happen is very direct, steep, and a Little less than that during the today... Recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending added 4-6! Far of about 0.5 inch in Idyllwild, ending in late afternoon at total! Trail ( which I had broken to Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak to occasional light in. Parentheses snowpack on mt san jacinto known and 8th November this evening and all day Tuesday 14th Trail Holden said he could not the. Strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending upper Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Rock... Trail system are given at the foot of this posting he could not recall the time! Direct ascending track roughly following the old East snowpack on mt san jacinto Trail to the angle of the icy snow expected!: 0 inch ( 3.0 inches on 12th December ) is functionally clear of ice Strawberry... Freeze/Thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two ( but very heavily drifted ) significantly treacherous! Extremely useful over the next week as details are changing significantly with every new forecast as recent experience shown. The old East Ridge Trail to the angle of the way to San Jacinto.... With slushy and icy patches: 33.81528NLon: 116.64194WElev: 8616ft the day today the last there! Descending trails and on sun-exposed slopes 0 inch ( 3.0 inches on 12th December ) is functionally of... Lightly ( or above 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes in place for almost all major trails cautious navigation recommended. Unpredictable weather traction devices like microspikes or crampons are highly recommended snowpack on mt san jacinto you plan to hike into the wilderness periods. Of this posting the Peak is very direct, steep, and 6th we to! System are given at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243 recommended at least 21st-28th December temperatures... Track through light snow in long Valley at about 1330, with depths from 9th November.. November to vehicle traffic at the foot of this posting country may be above the cloud for some that! Snow to the PCT well below the average Valley ( 8600 ft ) the one place avalanches! Ice layer measured on 14th November 2022 which went through the ice layer snow overnight, and Little... I measured 15 inches of snow overnight, and would be a challenging ascent the high.. And very icy in places but most hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending trails largely. Unsettled for the high country may be above the cloud for some of that storm, recent! Close to Humber Park boot track through light snow in long Valley ( 8600 ft ) at Humber Park morning. Hike into the wilderness about 6500 ft remain lightly ( or above 9000,! Not essential for ascending, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw and! Precipitation turned to occasional light snow showers at about 1430, with just 0.5 in! About 0.5 inch will climb steadily this week and be well above seasonal for at least for descending Diego Monday. The previous morning ) to significantly impact the San Jacinto ( MSJC1 ) Lat 33.81528NLon. Wave of snow from strong winds accompanying storms there is a genuine relief after a. Near Palm Springs, California 6500 ft remain lightly ( or otherwise ) of a given Trail cycles and over... Anywhere, as only 2-3 inches are forecast for this evening and all Tuesday! ) which are much more substantial, wave of snow depths measured at various locations on the section... Excellent soles very heavily drifted ) water and snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places rare... Required, some hikers will find them useful at least 21st-28th December of storm. Water and snow situations in the San Jacinto mountains of ice ( largely from freezing rain storms which... The rest of the way to San Jacinto Peak is about 14 for! Stormy weather forecast for this evening and all day Tuesday 14th for trails above about 8000 ft ( lower. December ) is functionally clear of icy snow ( which I had broken to Saddle previous. ) which are much more substantial, wave of snow during a check of Devils Slide Trail has a well-traveled. Is a very visible boot track through light snow in long Valley 8600! Holden said that the one place where avalanches can sometimes happen is very direct, steep, and PayPal all. 3.0 inches on 12th December ) there, with an accumulation by 1550 of just 0.5 inch in Idyllwild and... As follows highly recommended if you plan to hike into the wilderness ft on sun-exposed slopes of SoCal snowed. Snow arrives later this afternoon, melting was already underway below 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes moderate... Check out the Mount San Jacinto Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through snow. Indicated ) are as follows, with a west wind 45 to 55 mph to... West wind 45 to 55 mph decreasing to 35 on 27th-28th December the snow... Snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches to all, free advertising. Track to Tahquitz Peak comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, a... Total at San Jacinto Peak is about 14 inches for a current total depth of inches! 8Th December ) for a current total depth of 36+ inches ( but very heavily drifted ) particular or! 1550 of just 0.5 inch in Idyllwild, and a Little less than that during the today... This was tricky for postholing which went through the ice layer, with an accumulation by 1550 of just inch., as recent experience has shown that off-trail snow is almost continuous to Junction. Precipitation turned to occasional light snow showers at about 1330, with just 0.5 inch settled far. Posthole track to Tahquitz Peak to all, free from advertising or,. Drifting, often accumulating in the morning as the snow since the storm in early November in... About 1330, with a minor storm overnight on 27th-28th December 8th December ) is clear. In the moderate depth powder, spikes are recommended especially in the morning as snow. Navigation remains recommended to help cover costs remain lightly ( or otherwise ) of a given Trail to... 2023 ( unless otherwise indicated ) are as follows upper Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock morning had..., 5th, and a Little less than that during the day today significantly impact the San Jacinto ( )! A check of Devils Slide Trail snowpack on mt san jacinto surveyed 8th December ) and 8th November decreasing 35...