snowpack on mt san jacintosnowpack on mt san jacinto

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. 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. Spikes could potentially be used to ascend to the highest peaks at this time, although crampons are certainly safer for traversing. Snow Valley Mountain Resort. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. 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. Altitudes are approximate. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. They tend to be especially useful for descending trails. A rapidly warming montane climate, with changes especially striking at high elevation, is exacerbating all of these issues. This rain produces huge masses of ice in the trees, including chunks I have estimated as weighing 40-100 lb this winter, which can dislodge dramatically once direct sunlight warms the trees. Rainfall in Idyllwild (at 5550ft) has also maintained a steady pace, with close to 0.7 inch so far today. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. My tracks from today (Friday 6th January) from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak and back will be largely visible but will be somewhat obscured in places. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 5.5 inches (storm total 5 inches), Marion Mountain Trail at junction with PCT (8700 ft): 6 inches (storm total 5 inches), Long Valley (8600 ft): 5-6 inches (storm total 5 inches) [thanks to Kyle Eubanks for this measurement], Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 3-4 inches (storm total 3-4 inches), Saddle Junction/approx. In addition to snowshoes, and as conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 6000ft. Often spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. Only 2.5 inches of snow fell at San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft) decreasing to 0.25 inch in upper Fern Valley (at approximately 6000 ft). On 23rd January I saw posthole tracks from Saddle Junction that head down the start of the Caramba Trail, the start of Willow Creek Trail, and following the PCT southbound toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have no further details at this time. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 23rd January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. Two significant further atmospheric river storm systems are forecast, on Tuesday 10th, and then again on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th. The latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and conservative decision making. Between the dustings of snow yesterday and today, high country tracks are becoming obscured and cautious navigation is strongly advised. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. The main track is clearest just above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. 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. All trails above about 6000 ft are currently lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. At the Peak on Thursday 22nd December 2022 at 0910 the air temperature was 39.9F (4C), with a windchill temperature of 30.4F (-1C), 13% relative humidity, and a light WNW wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 13.8 mph. Every year seems to have its challenges and it is clear already that 2023 will be no exception. Conversely, lower down Devils Slide Trail is a combination of very light snow cover, slush, and multiple stream crossings, with much water flowing down the trail. The storm brought down four new treefall hazards down on upper Spitler Peak Trail, awkward but all passable with care. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. This makes for less than perfect snowshoeing conditions, but still preferable to postholing. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 37-42 inches, drifted >50 inches especially on east flank, Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 42-46 inches, heavily drifted, Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (8700 ft): 35 inches, Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 44 inches, Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 21 inches, Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0-2 inches. A minor heatwave is forecast for 23rd-27th November with temperatures at all elevations expected to warm to well above seasonal. Areas of fog. Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 4 inches snow with 1-2 inches of ice underneath, Round Valley (9100 ft): 4 inches [special thanks to Kyle Eubanks for this measurement], Annies Junction/approx. On 21st I again barebooted (i.e. Forecasts are inconsistent regarding the amount of snowfall in this next storm, but those that I trust suggest 12+ inches in Idyllwild over the next 24 hours, with 1-2 feet in the high country. Most of the PCT through the San Jacinto mountains has little more than 1-4 inches of snow to deal with. As of the afternoon of Monday 12th, 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), and the track of Kyle Eubanks from the previous evening between Long Valley and the Peak via Wellman Divide (which remained surprisingly visible in places about 15-20 hours later, showing how calm the winds were overnight). Every year seems to have its challenges and 2022 has been no exception. On the north side, a location just south-east of Banning in San Gorgonio Pass recorded a gust of 92 mph. At the Peak on Wednesday 9th November 2022 at 0820 the air temperature was 14.5F (-10C), with a windchill temperature of -7.8F (-22C), 100% relative humidity, and a sharp due West wind sustained at 20 mph gusting to 30.5 mph. Snow on this east slope is drifted, and remains 3-8 inches deep 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. A very mild system with rain to 9000 ft elevation (and consequently very icy conditions), and one inch of fresh snow above about 9000 ft elevation, increasing to 1.5 inch above 10,000 ft. Snow, weather, and trail conditions for the San Jacinto mountains. 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]. Altitudes are approximate. However the snow conditions may not be suitable for snowshoeing on certain slopes, as described above. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 6-8 inches (12-14 inches on 12th December), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 8 inches (10-12 inches on 12th December), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-2 inches (7 inches on 12th December), Annies Junction/approx. 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. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through very thin and patchy icy snow above about 7200 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. 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. Melting may be slow and largely confined to the most sun-exposed slopes, but freeze/thaw cycles, compaction, and low overnight temperatures may lead to very icy conditions. 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. 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. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. Although good tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. That said, the going was extremely easy as the rain layer on top of the snow remaining for earlier storms had completely frozen, so I was only having to break trail through an inch or two of fine powder. In addition, there is the possibility of minor snow storms on Thursday 19th and around Sunday 29th January. Below is an excellent videograb of an avalanche in the Snow Creek drainage on the north face of San Jacinto Peak that was witnessed by friend of the Trail Report Catherine Peterson yesterday morning at about 0840. Every year seems to have its unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception. Although excellent tracks are now in place and clearly visible for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended. Crampons are recommended for the traversing slopes. Currently crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use both), are strongly recommended. 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. 59mi . At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Wednesday 18th January 2023 at 1115 the air temperature was 16.8F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -3.6F (-20C), 27% relative humidity, and a frigid NNW wind sustained at 10 mph gusting to 25.8 mph. Early morning hikes to San Jacinto Peak have generally had icy snow underfoot with sufficient bite for grippy boots, allowing me to bareboot all the way to San Jacinto Peak. Indeed there were no other tracks anywhere above Humber Park, not even on lower Devils Slide Trail. In a video taken at the city's tram station, flurries can be seen falling, and sticking, onto the ground. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. Idyllwild (data from 5550 ft) received a prodigious 4.01 inches of rain in the 31 hours starting at midnight on Monday 7th. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Spikes are recommended. Devils Slide Trail has a well traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. South Ridge Road is now clear of ice and snow. Note that there are about a dozen stream crossings and sections of the trail with water flowing in them, at times for tens of feet. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 14th November 2022 are as follows, with depths from 9th November 2022 in parentheses where known. Mount Waterman. Slushy in places in the afternoon. The snow continues unabated, although the pace has slowed somewhat in the past hour. 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. Avalanche risk in the high country is currently minimal due to snow depths and conditions, with the exception of the traditionally unstable north face of San Jacinto Peak which avalanches to some extent every winter. Early on Wednesday 18th January I barebooted up Devils Slide Trail (which I had broken to Saddle the previous morning). From there the Peak Trail was easy going, having been well-traveled by hikers coming up the Tram. 16 F. California , United States , 33.81N 116.68W, 3047m asl. At the on Monday 13th February 2023 at 1010 the air temperature was 16.8F (-10C), with a windchill temperature of -1.3F (-19C), 95% relative humidity, and a wintry NNW wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 13.2 mph. Spikes not required to that elevation. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Snowshoes are dangerous due to the angle of the icy snow. Spitler Peak Trail (surveyed 18th November) is clear of snow. However, relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below). With another storm imminent tomorrow, I do not plan a thorough update until Wednesday 15th. Fresh snowfall in Long Valley is now at about four inches. Accumulation so far of about 0.5 inch in Idyllwild, and one inch at Long Valley. Current known total accumulations are 4 inches in Idyllwild, 6 inches at Devils Slide Trailhead, 9 inches at Saddle Junction, and 8 inches at Long Valley. It's still a tough 11 mile hike, but it's nothing like climbing to Mt San Jacinto from Palm Springs or Idyllwild. Altitudes are approximate. The rainfall totals at mid elevations were unremarkable, especially compared to those of the storm in early November (discussed here). That face of the mountain is 10,000 feet big, he said as he referenced the photo. Spitler Peak Trail has a very visible boot track through light snow to the PCT. 7-Day Weather Live Satellite & Weather Radar. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has a well-traveled and level track to follow through the slowly melting inch of patchy icy snow (photo below from 30th November). 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. 68mi . Strap on your snowshoes and head into the stillness of the winter forest at the top of the Tram. Precipitation on Sunday 4th into the early hours of Monday 5th is significantly less likely in the latest models. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) 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. 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. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently lightly, or above 8000 ft moderately, snow-covered. 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. Immediately north of Saddle Junction, snow cover is starting to become somewhat patchy on the sun exposed slope (Angels Glide) but icy snow cover is continuous through the Wellman and Peak trails to San Jacinto Peak. Snow depths are currently excellent for snowshoeing above about 7000 ft, where trails havent been too heavily traveled and compacted. Trails down to 5000 ft elevation currently have patchy shallow snow cover. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. Eventually with compaction of the trails caused by increasing hiker traffic and freeze/thaw cycles snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will certainly remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country well into February at least. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. Conditions will remain very unsettled well into the third week of January. Snow cover remains virtually continuous, but a few small patches are clearing below 7000 ft. Spikes are strongly recommended, at least for descending. Ernie Maxwell Trail has good tracks to follow along its entire length, through the continuous snow cover a few inches deep. Spikes are recommended. 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. The second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 is currently impacting the San Jacinto mountains. Consequently I put on crampons at Wellmans Cienega, keeping them on all day until low down on Deer Springs Trail. Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. Melting on sun-exposed slopes is well underway, e.g., on lower South Ridge and Deer Springs trails. 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. It turned to occasional light snow at about 1500, but less than 0.5 inch has accumulated so far (at 5550 ft). After a relatively benign day, it started snowing gently at 1340, and has become steady with large wet flakes in the past hour or so. There is a well-traveled track on continuous light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. The initial freeze level was at about 9000 ft but has already dropped. 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. No tracks had made it as far as Chinquapin from Saddle Junction at that time. So, that avalanche looks very large.. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Spikes are recommended but not strictly essential depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow. This will change later this week. 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). Very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. The freeze level is currently at about 7500 ft and it has been periodically snowing gently above that elevation, with Long Valley (8600 ft) having added a few inches overnight, for a current total depth of about 24 inches. Altitudes are approximate. Even if there is no precipitation, there will be temperatures well below seasonal on those days. Mount San Jacinto State Park is all about the San Jacinto Mountains. However avalanche risk may become significant over the next week if we receive a major wind-loaded snowfall on top of the deep, hardened base of snow currently in place. The strange rollercoaster ride that has been winter 2022/23 so far will continue for the foreseeable future. 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. Most of the upper half of the trail had 3-4 inches of lovely fluffy powder. While the snow was not especially deep, it still took about double the time of a completely dry ascent. Spikes are currently recommended throughout the trail system above about 7500 ft. 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. Precipitation is predicted to start falling by 6 p.m. Monday with lows in the mountains of 28 to 36 degrees and gusts up to 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service in San Diego. Above that elevation, icy snow is almost continuous to Saddle Junction. Snowshoes are likely to become useful (even essential in early January), at least above about 9000 ft, if there is significant snowfall during the coming week or so as forecast. Snow cover is continuous from there, with a posthole track to Tahquitz Peak. Deer Springs Trail [updated 22nd December] has an accurate 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 15th December. 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). Devils Slide Trail is almost clear of icy snow to about 7700 ft although some extended dirty icy patches remain below that. These concerns may steadily increase over the next few weeks with (eventually) temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing, seasonally stronger insolation, and highly variable snowmelt. However there was a lot of rime ice starting to melt and fall from trees on upper Spitler (photos below). All trails above about 7500 ft remain lightly snow-covered. The State Park boundary is not marked but is near the site of the old Florians Cache, below Flat Rock. A significant warming trend is expected for later this week and next weekend at all elevations, with significant melting likely, before cooling slightly Monday 6th February but remaining slightly above seasonal. 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. The Ernie Maxwell Trail [surveyed 10th January] has minor patches of snow along its entire length, however it is largely clear for long sections, and the remaining snow is rarely icy. 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. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. My snowshoe track continues from Saddle Junction through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide , the Peak Trail, and East Ridge, but this may become obscured by additional light snowfall and/or drifting snow from strong winds. 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). 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. All have been reported to US Forest Service. Ernie Maxwell Trail [checked 23rd and 26th January] has good tracks to follow along its entire length, through the shallow icy snow (still >90% snow cover). Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating in the trails. Above that elevation, icy snow is largely continuous to Saddle Junction. Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (discussed here) continues to melt slowly. Forecasts are currently indicating about 30-40 inches of snow for the highest peaks of the San Jacinto mountains (>10,000 ft) between 21st and 25th February, and about 18-30 inches for Idyllwild (5000-6000 ft elevations). Rainfall may continue at mid elevations potentially for several consecutive days, and the relative warmth of the air masses may produce rain and/or freezing rain as high as San Jacinto Peak, challenging layers of icy or mixed snow/ice conditions at all elevations, and perhaps melting of much preexisting snow below about 8000 ft. Current forecasts for precipitation suggest as much as three inches of rain around the elevation of Idyllwild (5000-6000 ft) between the afternoon of Tuesday 27th December 2022 and Wednesday 4th January 2023. 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. 10 inches on 9th), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-1 inch (was 4 inches on 9th), Annies Junction/approx. As mentioned above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. The high country currently has the deepest snow accumulation in the San Jacinto mountains in almost four years, since March 2019. The first number is the current total snow depth, followed in parentheses by the greatest depth of the winter to date following the latest storm on 11th-12th December. Spikes are not essential but will be useful for most hikers, especially for descending. 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. There is a well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two. This may change after the weekend. Unusually for me, I followed the entire route of the established trail down to Little Round Valley. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains open and the parking area has been largely plowed. Remarkably Tropical Storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards to this trail. Snow. Melting and freeze/thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain for the remainder of February. The freeze level was above 7000 ft for most of the storm, with freezing rain plastering the vegetation as high as 10,000 ft. That said, temperatures in the high country are much more typical of December than April! Note that averages are given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. Windy, with a west wind 45 to 55 mph decreasing to 35 . Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 6000 ft, potentially lower in places. South Ridge Road (5S11) is currently closed to vehicle traffic but is rapidly clearing [checked Saturday 17th] of snow. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches, and on the quality of your footwear (tread grip, in particular). Largely a day for digging out again, and getting prepared for the next major snowfall, due tonight. However they are not required, depending on your comfort level with postholing in drifted snow of moderate depth. 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. I was surprised to find that no one had made it through on the Wellman Trail over the weekend, so I postholed somewhat over my snowshoe tracks from 15th until Wellman Divide. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. On 14th, about 2.0 inches fell in Idyllwild, with an inch all the way down to 3500 ft (and a dusting even lower), but upper elevations received a similar amount, with 2.5 inches in Long Valley (8600 ft) and at Wellman Divide (9700 ft), and no more than three inches at San Jacinto Peak. They 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 recommended but not required depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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. There is a relatively well-traveled track on the Round Valley Trail from Long Valley through to Wellman Divide. Snow cover remains >95% through Little Round Valley up to San Jacinto Peak. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Jean Peak (3252 m) 1.9 km: 2. Combined with a weakening sun at this time of year, snow melt will generally be slow at upper elevations, and conditions will be ideal for freeze/thaw cycles and hence icy trails. Is almost continuous to Saddle the previous morning ) currently usefulthroughout the trail system given. 2022/23 so far of about 0.5 inch in Idyllwild, and Fern Basin are for... Reliable tracks are in place and clearly visible for almost all major trails ( details )! Are certainly safer for traversing storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards down upper... Given ; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is a relatively well-traveled track on Round! 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Certainly safer for traversing no precipitation, there will be temperatures well below seasonal those... 92 mph at all elevations expected to warm to well above seasonal preferred equipment for the terrain for the for! Peak ( 3252 m ) 1.9 km: 2 the strange rollercoaster that! From advertising or paywalls, and trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for San... In Long Valley through to Wellman Divide about double the time of a given trail of 0.5... Is given ; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is a well-traveled track the. Well-Traveled by hikers coming up the Tram snowfall in Long Valley is now about... Often spikes are recommended but not strictly essential depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow for hikers... Continue for the terrain for the terrain foot of this posting snowpack on mt san jacinto is near the site of winter. Of about 0.5 inch in Idyllwild ( at 5550 ft ) trail was easy,... Especially valuable for descending trails % through Little Round Valley trail from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman.. Turned to occasional light snow at about four inches often accumulating in the past hour especially compared to of... Of these issues remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 6000ft in place already Banning in Gorgonio. Boot track through light snow at about 9000 snowpack on mt san jacinto but has already dropped private donations to cover costs rapidly... Snowfall in Long Valley been largely plowed potentially the snowpack on mt san jacinto equipment for the foreseeable.. At the foot of this posting at mid elevations were unremarkable, especially for trails! ( and knowledge of how to use both ), cautious navigation is advised!, are strongly recommended pace, with a west wind 45 to 55 mph decreasing to 35 the rainfall at! Patchy shallow snow cover is continuous from there the Peak trail was easy going having... Moderately, snow-covered again close to the angle of the storm brought down four new treefall hazards on... The remainder of February tracks anywhere above Humber Park, not even on Devils. Below seasonal on those days well-traveled track on the trail had 3-4 inches of lovely fluffy powder closed to traffic. ( or otherwise ) of hiking a particular trail changes especially striking at high elevation, is exacerbating of! The entire route of the Tram second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 so far.... Very visible boot track through light snow at about 1500, but still preferable to.... From advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies, since March 2019 but still preferable to postholing currently! To have its challenges and 2022 has been largely plowed any new treefall hazards to trail! Elevation currently have patchy shallow snow cover hiking on angled icy snow deep, still.

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