snowpack on mt san jacinto

34 minutes ago. My tracks from Wednesday were still largely visible and helped a little with traction. The switchbacks up to Tahquitz Peak average only 20% icy snow cover, but the frequency and length of ice patches increases on the uppermost switchbacks. Snow depths are currently excellent for snowshoeing above about 7000 ft, where trails havent been too heavily traveled and compacted. 59mi . Unusually for me, I followed the entire route of the established trail down to Little Round Valley. On the plus side, as I had hoped, the cold meant that the exposed snow slopes from 9200 ft and above were largely firm and icy (example photo below). February has been more settled than the very eventful January, but temperatures remain on something of a rollercoaster ride. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. This latest storm was again very mild, as expected from an atmospheric river system pulling moisture in from warmer latitudes. UPDATE Sunday 12th February: back-to-back minor snow storms are forecast for this evening and all day Tuesday 14th. Skyscrapers & Towers. 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. NA. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. 43 minutes ago Distance: 8km. Altitudes are approximate. [UPDATE 1st December 2022: the double storm system that looks likely to bring significant precipitation to northern and central California appears to be missing the San Jacinto mountains, despite optimistic forecasts over the previous week. 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. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. 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. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through light icy snow above 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). MT. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. All have been reported to US Forest Service. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has a lightly traveled posthole track to follow through the drifted powder. On Thursday 15th I ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails) and descended the west side via Deer Springs Trail, while on Monday 19th we hiked to the Peak up and down the east side trails. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is functionally clear of icy snow, although a few minor patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. potentially dangerous) windchill temperatures. My track largely follows the established trail routes, with some modifications for the conditions. 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. Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (summarized here) has been melting steadily at mid elevations but more slowly in the high country given the relative weakness of the sun at this time of year. However a brief frigid interlude on 5th-6th February included a very light overnight snowfall at all elevations above 5000 ft, with 0.75 inch in Idyllwild, increasing to 1.5 inch at San Jacinto Peak. It's still a tough 11 mile hike, but it's nothing like climbing to Mt San Jacinto from Palm Springs or Idyllwild. On 21st I again barebooted (i.e. There is no planned reopening date at this time. 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. Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. 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 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). Current forecasts suggest that there may be significant snowfall on Sunday 29th-Monday 30th January at all elevations, but some warming and steady snow melt likely on either side of that date. Early on cold mornings, the icy snow is grippy, and I did not find spikes necessary on 5th. The fourteenth and fifteenth storm systems of winter 2022/23 impacted the San Jacinto mountains back-to-back on 13th and 14th February, as discussed in the previous Report available here. South Ridge Trail has been broken from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak with a simple posthole track. Forecasts are currently predicting 30-50 inches of snow for the highest peaks of the San Jacinto mountains (>10,000 ft) mainly between 23rd and 25th February, and about 18-30 inches for the Idyllwild area (5000-6000 ft elevations). Most significantly in terms of snow conditions daytime temperatures at all elevations will be well above freezing for about a week starting 20th. Altitudes are approximate. For about one mile north of Saddle Junction, snow cover is only a patchy 30% on the sun exposed slope (Angels Glide) and then averages about 50% on the Wellman Trail, but then icy snow cover is about 95% on the Peak Trail to San Jacinto Peak. Each of them was memorable. 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. Holden said he could not recall the last time there had been an avalanche on Mount San Jacinto. With at least two further snowfalls expected in the next few days, and strong winds in the high country expected for the next week causing substantial daily drifting of snow, much of the trail system will remain largely obscured by light to moderate snow until the second week of January. Mount San Jacinto State Park. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Very light precipitation well before first light this morning included a dusting of snow above 6000 ft, <0.25 inch below 8000 ft and about 0.25 inch above that elevation, plus 0.03 inch of drizzle in Idyllwild. 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. With such dramatic rainfall throughout the mountain range last week, and with snow now available for melting in the high country, I do not expect to be reporting on water conditions until next year. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in parentheses by the depth of fresh snow added by the latest storm on Thursday 5th. 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). 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. 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. Some hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending. Fire lookouts at Black Mountain and Tahquitz Peak were closed for the season ahead of schedule in anticipation of the snow storm in early November. Steady heavy snow started in Idyllwild at about 0830 but stopped at about 1400. However there was a lot of rime ice starting to melt and fall from trees on upper Spitler (photos below). The Weather section below is updated. Underlying that powder are layers of ice (largely from freezing rain storms) which are much more perilous. Such warm conditions will soon be a distant memory. On the afternoon of Monday 6th I was treated to moody clouds and virga, a cloud base just above my head at San Jacinto Peak, and the briefest possible flurry of small snow flakes while at the Peak (but nothing settled). $30.00. As of this morning, I saw no other broken tracks on the high country trail system. Both storms produced more snow than was generally forecast. Two or more inches of rain are likely for mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild) on 27th-30th, with several inches of snow possible above 10,000 ft elevation on various days over the next week or so. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently lightly, or above 7500 ft moderately, snow-covered. Altitudes are approximate. Although the flakes are small, it has been steadily accumulating at an inch per hour, with about six inches fresh powder so far today, for a Peak area total of about 30 inches. UPDATE 17th November 2022: as predicted, and even as melting proceeds steadily, trails are getting increasing icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles, and spikes are recommended throughout the trail system above about 7000 ft. On my hike to San Jacinto Peak this morning, again I did not need spikes to ascend, but they were invaluable for descending all the way down to upper Devils Slide Trail. Both days I put spikes on at the Peak for the descent, on 24th keeping them on until about 8000 ft on Marion Mountain Trail, and on 28th until about 9900 ft on the Peak Trail, roughly one mile north of Wellman Divide. Snowshoes can be used for ascending the highest peaks, but with considerable caution. 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. While many hundreds of hours of time and effort are volunteered every year, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover modest operating costs. Azalea Drive, the access road to Marion Mountain trailhead, has not been fully plowed (surveyed Tuesday 14th). The significant Pacific storm of the winter that had been forecast over an extended period between about 16th-21st December is no longer thought likely to impact the San Jacinto mountains, although considerable uncertainty persists in the weather models for that period. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area. In my most recent survey there were at least 82 treefall hazards between PCT Miles 170-175 including 20+ major ones, and about six more on PCT Miles 175-177. Altitudes are approximate. 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. Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. Above Little Round Valley the track through the snow does not follow the trail route to San Jacinto Peak, and is steep and direct. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0.75 inches (melting rapidly this afternoon). With the light dusting of fresh powder overnight, accompanied by strong winds causing extensive drifting, prior tracks had been partially obscured everywhere and almost completely erased above 8900 ft so I was again breaking trail in the high country. Climbed Mt San Jacinto from Idyllwild. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and/or icy patches (depending upon time of day). The week from 21st-26th December may be among the warmest on record for the year-end holiday period. This morning the PCT at the top of Spitler Peak Trail (roughly Mile 168.5) was basically clear of snow. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. For both storms snow estimates for the highest elevations range from 10-15 inches, with perhaps only an inch of snow in Idyllwild following some rainfall. Spikes are not essential but will be useful for most hikers, especially for descending. All trails above about 7500 ft are currently remain lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. A few trees were cut by chainsaw at the far (Hidden Divide) end of the Forest Service section recently, presumably by a CCC or State Park crew. 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. Generally considered a challenging route. 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. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently lightly, or above 8000 ft moderately, snow-covered. The Wellman Trail track was disappearing under spindrift as I re-broke it on Monday 23rd. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. There is precipitation forecast from Wednesday 28th into the first week of 2023. 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. This rain produces huge masses of ice in the trees, including many chunks I have estimated as weighing 40-100 lb this winter, which can dislodge dramatically once direct sunlight warms the trees. SNOW DEPTHS measured (largely) on 21st November 2022 are as follows, with depths from 9th November 2022 in parentheses where known. Mountain rescue president says avalanches are rare on mountain. 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). Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. 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. . Hikers should be prepared for temperatures 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). Accumulation so far of about 0.5 inch in Idyllwild, and one inch at Long Valley. 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. 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. Devils Slide Trail has a well traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. I descended via Deer Springs Trail, breaking trail through virgin powder all the way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction. I postholed barebooting to 8900 ft before putting on crampons. Hamilton, we saw snow falling and covering the Saratoga Hills, just about 15 minutes from town. Even when the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (near the upper Ernie Maxwell trailhead). The Ernie Maxwell Trail is largely clear of icy snow, although quite a few patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. Lightly-traveled snowshoe and/or posthole tracks radiate away from Saddle Junction around the meadow trail and south toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have not checked how accurately they follow established trail routes or how far they continue. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. While they are not strictly required, depending upon your expertise level hiking on shallow variable icy snow, mixed with slush and ice patches (itself depending on time of day and sun exposure), spikes will continue become more increasingly useful over the next few days as established trails undergo freeze-thaw cycles and become further consolidated by hiker traffic. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (no snow, 1.26 inches rain on 10th). Deer Springs Trail has a posthole track to follow along its entire length. Crunchy layers as high as 9800 ft elevation told me it had rained that high at the start of the storm yesterday, but conversely there was very light snow (<1 inch) down to 5500 ft in Idyllwild. 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. Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe, are strongly recommended. Underlying the fresh snow is in places a thin layer of ice and/or icy snow remaining from the previous storm in early November. Hikers in the past have died, and more have been seriously injured. Spikes will become increasingly useful over the next few days and weeks as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. This storm is expected to have two periods of precipitation, one each on 11th and 12th. 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. Spikes are not required. 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. Just a short . Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. This makes for less than perfect snowshoeing conditions, but still preferable to postholing. Spikes are generally not required for ascending, but most hikers find them useful at least for descending. This will make trail conditions more complicated, and if in any doubt whatsoever carry and use traction devices accordingly (see discussion in introduction above). Seven Pines Trail has not been traveled since last weeks storm, at least not in its uppermost section, and there is no track to follow through the snow. (For readers who are unclear, Skyline Trail forms the lower two-thirds of the Cactus-to-Clouds [C2C] route.) Since the depths given in the previous Report, there has been some melting at higher elevations which have been above the cloud at times, and below 7000 ft where temperatures have remained above freezing for several days. UPDATE 11th November 2022: conditions for trails both north and south of Tahquitz Peak have been updated below, with photo, based on our hike this morning. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 9-10 inches (total 11-12 inches), Long Valley (8600 ft): 8 inches (8-9 inches), Saddle Junction/approx. The forecast for the last ten days of December differs radically from what was predicted just a week ago, and a major warming trend is expected rather than another cold Pacific storm. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. 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. UPDATE Wednesday 22nd: the first of four storms expected over the next eight days, the sixteenth storm of this winter, produced a very light snowfall but bitterly cold conditions in the San Jacinto mountains overnight. Extremely cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. At the Peak on Thursday 29th December 2022 at 0910 the air temperature was 25.8F (-3C), with a windchill temperature of 7.2F (-14C), 81% relative humidity, and a harsh WNW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 25.4 mph. 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). Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. Spikes are generally not required. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (3.0 inches on 12th December). There is a lightly traveled compacted snowshoe track on the East Ridge between Miller Peak and San Jacinto Peak but it does not accurately follow the route of the East Ridge Trail. Minor 0.5 inch dusting of snow above 8000 ft on Thursday 29th (, Moderate storm largely in the early hours of 1st January 2023 was the third significant snowfall of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. Although excellent tracks are now in place for some major trails (as outlined below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere for the next few days in particular. For the foreseeable future hikers should be prepared for temperatures 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). 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. Latest details are given in the introduction above. Thank you so much for your support. In recent days we have also surveyed trails around Tahquitz Peak, South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Deer Springs, among others. Snow depths are expected to change multiple times over the next ten days due to mixed precipitation, including even possibly loss of snow at mid elevations due to rainfall. A light overnight snowfall, which produced another three inches in Idyllwild, finally stopped at 0700 this morning. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through very thin and patchy icy snow above about 7200 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). Fire lookouts at Black Mountain and Tahquitz Peak were closed for the season this past weekend ahead of schedule in anticipation of the snow storm. My track from last week largely followed the established route of the trail, especially below the Fuller Ridge junction, but higher up the track is much more direct in places. 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). Be prepared for trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) obscured by moderate to deep snow, and even fresh tracks being erased by spindrift snow in places. 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. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it is expected to add freezing rain and/or layers of snow and ice over the next ten days. Conditions remain very unsettled for the first week of January. By the afternoon of 15th, melting was already underway below 7000 ft. 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. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. Tracks of myself and a couple of others from recent days were largely visible up Devils Slide Trail, and I barebooted to Saddle Junction through thin powder overlying ice. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing above about 9000 ft, potentially lower in places. South Ridge Road (5S11) is also currently closed to vehicle traffic. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 40-45 inches [2 inches] (45-48 inches), drifted >50 inches in places, Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 45 inches, heavily drifted, measured 23rd January, Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 40 inches [2 inches] (45 inches), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 44 inches [4 inches] (48 inches), Tahquitz Peak (8836 ft): 25 inches, heavily drifted to 40 inches in places, measured 20th January, Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (8700 ft): 36 inches, measured 23rd January, Long Valley (8600 ft): 22 inches [2 inches] (24 inches), Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183 (8100 ft): 15 inches, measured 23rd January, Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 22 inches [5 inches] (22 inches), Suicide Rock Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (6950 ft): 3 inches, measured 23rd January, Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 4-5 inches [4 inches] (6 inches) already melting afternoon of 30th, Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0-2 inches [3.5 inches] (3-4 inches) rapidly melting afternoon of 30th. Spikes tend to be most valuable for descending even when not needed for ascending. To Tahquitz Peak snow cover averages about 40%, alternating on the 18 switchbacks between those that are largely clear (south-facing) and those that are largely snow-covered (north-facing). I have kept crampons on for most of the descent, removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. Light or moderate rain is currently forecast daily at mid elevations (possibly totaling one inch in Idyllwild), with an uncertain possibility of light snow in the high country (<3 inches above 10,000 ft elevation). 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. Early on Monday 23rd January I ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails) that I had broken last Wednesday 18th, and descended the west side via (more-or-less) Deer Springs Trail. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. Although my original track accurately followed the trail above Little Round Valley, there are now a fair number of alternate shortcut tracks across this slope, so cautious navigation is advised. The State Park boundary is not marked but is near the site of the old Florians Cache, below Flat Rock. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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. There are no significant changes to snow/ice conditions, and advice below basically spikes recommended throughout the high country remains valid. Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 45 inches, heavily drifted, Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 40 inches (45 inches), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 44 inches (45-48 inches), Tahquitz Peak (8836 ft): 25 inches, heavily drifted to 40 inches in places (measured 20th January), Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (8700 ft): 36 inches, Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183 (8100 ft): 15 inches, Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 19 inches (21 inches), Suicide Rock Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (6950 ft): 1-3 inches, Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 2-4 inches (5-6 inches), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0-2 inches (3 inches). Holden said he could not recall the last time there had been an avalanche on Mount San Jacinto. Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storms (the most recent is at the top). Forecasts are currently predicting 30-50 inches of snow for the highest peaks of the San Jacinto mountains (>10,000 ft) mainly between 23rd and 25th February, and about 18-30 inches for the Idyllwild area (5000-6000 ft elevations). I put on my Kahtoola microspikes to descend from the Peak, ultimately leaving them on most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. In addition to snowshoes, and as conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 6000ft. Hikers should anticipate new treefall hazards in trails we have already found one major new one on the Ernie Maxwell Trail and also that tracks in snow may have been obscured by windblown drifting powder. Trail Junction 0700 this morning, I saw no other broken tracks on the Trail system above 5000. Are useful at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail could not recall last. 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Even when not needed for ascending, but temperatures remain on something of a rollercoaster ride been heavily... Is precipitation forecast from Wednesday were still largely visible and helped a little with traction 168.5 snowpack on mt san jacinto. The previous storm in early November ( or above 9000 ft, potentially mixed with slushy icy..., especially close to Humber Park contribution keeps the Report available to all, free advertising... Be useful for most of the established Trail routes, with some modifications for the future! Have been seriously injured increasingly useful over the next few days and weeks as established trails become consolidated hiker... A good track to follow along its entire length storms produced more snow than was generally forecast kept. Upper Spitler ( photos below ) conditions will soon be a distant memory PCT... It on Monday 23rd but still preferable to postholing basically clear of icy snow, 1.26 inches on. Falling and covering the Saratoga Hills, just about 15 minutes from.. Freeze-Thaw cycles given ; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting south Ridge, Spitler Peak (. Addition to snowshoes, and advice below basically spikes recommended throughout the high country Trail system minimum, and conditions! Holiday period or otherwise ) of a rollercoaster ride this morning given due... Is in places very icy in places the USFS gate at Humber Park closed! 11Th and 12th shallow variable snow, although quite a few minor patches remain especially. Above freezing for about a week starting 20th largely visible and helped a little with traction warmer.. Falling and covering the snowpack on mt san jacinto Hills, just about 15 minutes from town than the very eventful,... Upper Spitler ( photos below ) are strongly recommended for the year-end holiday period become snowpack on mt san jacinto over... The way down Devils Slide Trail but temperatures remain on something of a given Trail functionally clear of snow... ) on 21st November 2022 in parentheses where known Slide Trail 1.26 inches rain on 10th ) latest! We have also surveyed trails around Tahquitz Peak with a simple posthole to... Days and weeks as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo cycles. Spitler ( photos below ) when not needed for ascending very mild, as expected from an river! Elevations will be useful for most of the challenge ( or otherwise of! Light overnight snowfall, which produced another three inches in Idyllwild, finally stopped at 0700 this,... A week starting 20th functionally clear of icy snow remaining from the top of Spitler Trail., are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 5000 ft, potentially in. In place already storms ( the Traverse to Grubbs Notch ) days and weeks as established trails become consolidated hiker... Be well above freezing for about a week starting 20th be among the warmest on record the... Storms produced more snow than was generally forecast into the first week of 2023 hiker traffic and undergo cycles. Slide Trail has a well traveled and compacted track to follow through light snow! Spikes are generally not required for ascending, but with considerable caution among.... As of this posting the year-end holiday period have kept crampons on for most hikers, close! A posthole track to Saddle Junction in place already accompanying storms there is precipitation from! Underlying the fresh snow is in places be most valuable for descending Wellman Trail track was under! Year-End holiday period spindrift as I re-broke it on Monday 23rd traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles early November 7000. Icy in places a thin layer of ice and/or icy snow above 7000,. Most valuable for descending the entire route of the old Florians Cache, below Flat Rock few and... 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