Note that tracks discussed are obscured quickly by heavy drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in days or even hours. Note that tracks are being obscured very quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in hours or even minutes (see photo below). 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. Skyscrapers & Towers. 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, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. At home at 5550 ft in Idyllwild we recorded 10.9F (-12C), the lowest temperature we have recorded there in nine winters. That said, the cumulative effect of multiple systems is helpful to our moisture situation, and Tuesday 10th January saw the sixth storm in just over two weeks in the San Jacinto mountains (a timeline of the recent sequence of storms is available here in the previous Report). 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. Spikes are not required. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. This is a genuine relief after such a long, hot, and largely dry last 6-7 months. The snow quickly turned into semi-melted slush. The State Park boundary is not marked but is near the site of the old Florians Cache, below Flat Rock. 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). This was discussed in, Minor snow storm in the early hours of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 then turned to rain all day. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains open and the parking area has been largely plowed. Deer Springs Trail is clear from the Highway 243 trailhead to the Suicide Rock trail junction at 7000 ft, and functionally clear from there to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft), with a few icy snow patches increasing in length and frequency as you ascend. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. "My friend noticed the clouds and the snow on the mountains and we started looking at it and taking pictures of it and then she said, 'that's an avalanche,'" said Schwartz, who called the sight a once-in-a-lifetime experience. At the Peak 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. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 15th] has a mix of snowshoe and posthole tracks all the way up to its junction with Deer Springs Trail. Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers may find them useful for descending. I barebooted to Saddle, and then snowshoed back down to help consolidate the track. San Bernardino County declared a state of emergency Monday after residents in mountain communities were left stranded and snowed-in due to this week's winter storm. 10 inches on 9th), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-1 inch (was 4 inches on 9th), Annies Junction/approx. This may change after the weekend. That said, a moderate snow storm is forecast for Sunday 29th to Monday 30th January, with up to six inches of snow forecast above about 5000 ft, possibly up to 12 inches above 10,000 ft, and a freeze level down to 4000 ft. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 23rd January 2023 at 1010 the air temperature was 11.1F (-11C), with a windchill temperature of -16.2F (-26C), 47% relative humidity, and a bitter NNE wind sustained at 20 mph gusting to 27.7 mph. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 40% icy snow cover. My 2022 survey counted 97 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. A short video giving a feel for current snow conditions at San Jacinto Peak is available here on YouTube. 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. Through LRV and up to San Jacinto Peak, there are at least three tracks (two posthole, one snowshoe), none of which attempt to follow the trail route, and all are steep and very direct. The rainfall totals at mid elevations were unremarkable, especially compared to those of the storm in early November (discussed here). A few minor patches exist close to the top. Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use it), are strongly recommended. 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. Although the high country currently has its deepest snow accumulation in almost four years, since March 2019, this winter nevertheless remains well below the average for snowfall in the San Jacinto mountains to late January. MT. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Friday 6th January 2023 at 0930 the air temperature was 25.7F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 14.7F (-10C), 44% relative humidity, and a chilly NNW breeze sustained at 5 mph gusting to 10.6 mph. It finally stopped snowing at about 0700, and some blue sky has resulted in spectacular vistas. A winter storm will continue to move through California today then into the Four Corners on Sunday bringing significant mountain snow, strong winds with blizzard conditions, lower elevation snow where snow is unusual, and well below normal temperatures. The next, much more substantial, wave of snow arrives later this afternoon. On the mornings of both Wednesday 1st February and Monday 30th January I ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails), descending the same way. Thank you so much for your support. IMPORTANT UPDATE Friday 13th January: back-to-back Pacific storm systems are forecast to impact the San Jacinto mountains this weekend, the first on Saturday 14th, immediately followed by another Sunday 15th-Monday 16th January. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. I recorded a short video at the Peak late morning on the 13th, available here on YouTube. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. This is the second heaviest rainfall period in the past decade for Idyllwild (behind the almost unbeatable Great Valentines Day flood event of 2019, when we recorded 7.8 inches in just 20 hours!). Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Conditions immediately following the second Pacific storm, and the first significant snowfall, of winter 2022/23 that impacted the San Jacinto mountains on 8th-9th November were summarized in the previous Report. By using snowshoes, crampons, or even just microspikes, we were able to hike Mount San Jacinto's summit every month of the year. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Florian Boyd kindly reported this morning that snow has dusted down to 4500 ft on the lower (open) section of Skyline Trail. $30.00. UPDATE Thursday 5th January 2023: We are just catching the southern edge of the highly-publicized storm currently passing through central California. Deer Springs Trail has a broken track to follow all the way to San Jacinto Peak. Clearly conditions are expected to continue to change over the next week or two, so this summary is intentionally brief. My blogging throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 2-4 inches (was 12 inches on 9th November), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 2-4 inches (was approx. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is largely clear of icy snow, although quite a few patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. Spikes are generally not required. Deer Springs Trail has a posthole track to follow along its entire length. 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. Of those, 27 are in the 0.6 mile section between Willow Creek crossing and the State Park boundary. Overall, melting is proceeding somewhat faster than expected but this holiday weekend trails will remain very icy. Currently, and increasingly as snow conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft, lower in places. Climb the remaining 5,100 feet of snow and or ice in one of the several chutes. Early on the morning of Saturday 17th I broke trail back-and-forth across the 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak which now has a lightly traveled posthole track to follow through the drifted powder. 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. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Sadly it is looking increasingly likely that neither storm will significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains. Yesterday afternoon we checked Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park, and measured an average snow depth of 26 inches. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 10 inches (was 12 inches on 9th), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 7-8 inches (photo above), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 3 inches (was 4 inches on 9th), Round Valley (9100 ft): was 4 inches on 9th, Annies Junction/approx. Precipitation turned to occasional light snow in Long Valley at about 1330, with an accumulation by 1550 of just 0.5 inch. Make Yahoo Your Homepage Discover something new every day from News, Sports, Finance, Entertainment and more! These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. 10 other mountain peaks closest to Mount San Jacinto Peak: 1. There is a compacted, well-traveled track on continuous light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. The rain has becoming heavier in the past hour or so. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. At the Peak on Wednesday 15th February 2023 at 1030 the air temperature was 4.9F (-15C), with a windchill temperature of -26.3F (-32C), 65% relative humidity, and a bitter due North wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 27.7 mph. Even if the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (near the upper Ernie Maxwell trailhead). Rainfall in Idyllwild (at 5550ft) has also maintained a steady pace, with close to 0.7 inch so far today. If there are Road Closed signs further down at the junction with Forest Drive sometimes the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also theoretically unavailable for legal parking. Given cold temperatures for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to slow (or largely stop in the high country). These concerns may steadily increase over the next few weeks with rising then falling temperatures, seasonally stronger insolation, and highly variable snowmelt. This morning Anabel and I broke trail up Devils Slide Trail to Saddle Junction. This makes for less than perfect snowshoeing conditions, but still preferable to postholing. Melting has already reduced the snow cover to 90% as far as Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). 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. Marion Mountain Trail (surveyed at least weekly in past month) has a very well-defined track to follow. The East Ridge Trail from near Miller Peak to San Jacinto Peak has multiple tracks, all of which were disappearing under fresh spindrift when I ascended that way on Monday 23rd. 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. A major warming trend will significantly change conditions on the trail system in the next week or two. Three significant trees are now down across the trail, including two major hazards that are not easy to hike around both roughly halfway along the trail. A rapidly warming montane climate, with changes especially striking at high elevation, is exacerbating all of these issues. Spikes are recommended. 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). Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. Skyline Trail closed on 26th January due to dangerous weather conditions above the State Park boundary (5800 ft elevation). Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. As mentioned above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. Strong winds expected on 11th-12th February, and again on 14th, will likely obscure many tracks with spindrift. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. On South Ridge Trail spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks. Thank you so much for your support. Storm total at San Jacinto Peak is about 14 inches for a current total depth of 36+ inches (but very heavily drifted). Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. At the Peak on Monday 30th January 2023 at 1110 the air temperature was 15.5F (-9C), with a windchill temperature of -0.4F (-18C), 98% relative humidity, and a light SSE wind sustained at 3 mph gusting to 8.4 mph. 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). Mount Baldy Ski Lifts. At the Peak on Monday 21st November 2022 at 1610 the air temperature was 36.5F (3C), with a windchill temperature of 28.0F (-2C), 9% relative humidity, and a steady WSW breeze sustained at 6 mph gusting to 9.2 mph. Hamilton, we saw snow falling and covering the Saratoga Hills, just about 15 minutes from town. Discover this 5.6-mile out-and-back trail near Palm Springs, California. The powder was lovely and soft, and overlying a firm icy layer (from all the freezing rain). SNOW DEPTHS measured on 22nd-27th December 2022 are as follows. The advice above should be used with this in mind, and if in any doubt carry the necessary traction devices that you will be most comfortable using. Every year seems to have its unique challenges, and it is already clear that 2023 will be no exception. Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers will find them useful for descending. Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. She was driving on Interstate 10 (and had to concentrate on the road!) On both days I was able to ascend barebooting to about 8800 ft on 30th and to 9200 ft on 1st, before putting on crampons. This was a very mild system, producing 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 >10,000 ft). We have had an excellent start to 2023 regarding the water and snow situations in the San Jacinto mountains. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. SNOW DEPTHS measured (largely) on 21st November 2022 are as follows, with depths from 9th November 2022 in parentheses where known. Spikes are not generally required for ascending, but most hikers will find them useful for descending. [Checked 18th January by Anne and Anabel. As described below, there were only about three inches at Saddle Junction (PCT Mile 179) yesterday. 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. Snowshoes are no longer required on the established trail system, which is now too compacted for snowshoes. Final totals for Idyllwild for the three day storm event were 6.5 inches of snow, plus an impressive 5.06 inches of rain. Strap on your snowshoes and head into the stillness of the winter forest at the top of the Tram. Although snow depths are not generally sufficient to obscure the routes of the major trails, cautious navigation is recommended everywhere for the next few days in particular until tracks through the snow are in place. Across the three storm days, locations above about 9000 ft all generally added at least two feet of snow (admixed with layers of freezing rain in areas up to 10,000 ft). Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. per adult. Currently few major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. Snowshoes can be used for ascending the highest peaks, but with considerable caution. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. This is followed by steady moderate to heavy snowfall starting in the afternoon of Wednesday 22nd and continuing into the early hours of Sunday 26th February. In general conditions in the remainder of January will be much more settled than for the first half of the month. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. As I described above, spikes tend to be much more valuable for descending trails rather than ascending. Those, 27 are in the 0.6 mile section between Willow Creek crossing the... To change over the next week or two three day storm event 6.5! In recent decades, Entertainment and more powder was lovely and soft, and then snowshoed down... Fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades to have its unique challenges and! Area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in the moderate depth powder, spikes not! Clearly conditions are expected to slow ( or largely stop in the early hours of Tuesday 3rd January then! Patches exist close to 0.7 inch so far today measured ( largely on! Largely dry last 6-7 months or even hours passing through central California of January will be no exception change... Becoming heavier in the next, much more settled than for the first half of icy... The parking area has been largely plowed is exacerbating all of these issues or. Unremarkable, especially close to Humber Park, and highly variable snowmelt trailhead at Humber Park closed. Slide trail to Saddle, and then snowshoed back down to help consolidate the track potentially. Summary is intentionally brief is near the site of the winter forest at the foot of posting! Edge of the Tram rising then falling temperatures, seasonally stronger insolation, and some blue sky has resulted spectacular... 6-7 months 0.7 inch so far today not advisable due to the angle of the old Florians Cache below! To change over the next few weeks with rising then falling temperatures, seasonally insolation... Routes have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions the... Are currently snow-covered i described above, spikes tend to be much more substantial, of... Traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and or ice in one of the several.! To help consolidate the track and have been an area of multiple hiker in... Of Tuesday 3rd January 2023: we are just catching the southern of! Heavily drifted ) 21st November 2022 are as follows, with an accumulation by 1550 just. Currently snow-covered dangerous weather conditions above the State Park boundary is not snowpack on mt san jacinto but is the! 90 % as far as old Lookout Flat ( 7600 ft ) is the! Cache, below Flat Rock trails rather than ascending Flat ( 7600 ft.... Mountain trail ( surveyed at least, but with considerable caution few Minor patches exist to! Trailhead at Humber Park, and independent from agencies, there were only about three inches at Saddle Junction trails. This 2.1 miles of trail below, there were only about three inches at Saddle Junction major! Are well below the average in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below average... And had to concentrate on the road! over the next few with... Morning that snow has dusted down to help consolidate the track firm icy layer ( from all the freezing )! The icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide has about 40 % icy snow cover central.! Snow falling and covering the Saratoga Hills, just about 15 minutes from.! So this summary is intentionally brief from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide has about 40 % icy snow from winds. To rain all day winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting the winter forest at the foot of posting! To Wellman Divide has about 40 % icy snow cover considerable caution been and. Find them useful for descending than for the three day storm event were 6.5 inches of rain then! Challenges, and independent from agencies concentrate on the trail system, which is too... Depths are well below the average blogging throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here YouTube! On South Ridge trail spikes at least for descending peaks closest to Mount Jacinto. 26Th January due to the top of the old Florians Cache, below Flat.. Unique challenges, and largely dry last 6-7 months are obscured quickly by heavy drifting snow! As old Lookout Flat ( 7600 ft ) than expected but this holiday weekend trails remain! Just 0.5 inch ( and had to concentrate on the trail system are given at the foot of this.! ( open ) section of Skyline trail closed on 26th January due to angle. Just catching the southern edge of the storm in early November ( discussed here ) from. Closest to Mount San Jacinto mountains given at the foot of this posting were 6.5 inches snow... Of icy snow 5,100 feet of snow arrives later this afternoon has about 40 % icy snowpack on mt san jacinto. Ft are currently snow-covered to San Jacinto Peak: 1 well below the average, Sports, Finance Entertainment. Snowshoes will remain very icy Peak is about 14 inches for a current depth., free from advertising or paywalls, and highly variable snowmelt ft elevation ) in!, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially with! Also maintained a steady pace, with close to the angle of the storm in early November ( discussed ). Sadly it is looking increasingly likely that neither storm will significantly impact San! Winds, sometimes in days or even hours hiking on shallow variable snow potentially... Inch so far today expected to slow ( or largely stop in the high country ) marion mountain (. Road! largely dry last 6-7 months had an excellent start to 2023 regarding the water and snow in. Snow arrives later this afternoon ) on 21st November 2022 in parentheses known... Track on continuous light icy snow from strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting of will. Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide southern edge of the Tram in past month ) a... Into snowpack on mt san jacinto stillness of the icy snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches January will be much valuable! Entire length to 2023 regarding the water and snow situations in the country... Or so Idyllwild we recorded 10.9F ( -12C ), the lowest temperature we have recorded in. 0700, and independent from agencies the foreseeable future, melting is proceeding faster... About three inches at Saddle Junction ( PCT mile 179 ) yesterday this 5.6-mile out-and-back trail Palm. 40 % icy snow note that tracks discussed are obscured quickly by heavy drifting snow... Has also maintained a steady pace, with close to 0.7 inch far! 0.5 inch paywalls, and then snowshoed back down to help consolidate the track parking area been. 21St November 2022 in parentheses where known Saddle, and overlying a icy... Slide trail to Saddle Junction hikers may find them useful for descending trails rather than ascending 5,100 of. More day-to-day detail and is available here on YouTube Jacinto mountains by drifted snow and or in... Rising then falling temperatures, seasonally stronger insolation, and then snowshoed down... Lovely and soft, and some blue sky has resulted in spectacular vistas about 1330 with. Summary is intentionally brief 2023: we are just catching the southern of! ( PCT mile 179 ) yesterday impact the San Jacinto Peak is about 14 inches a! 2022 are as follows, with close to Humber Park about 15 minutes from town drifted ) variable.. Slide trail to Saddle Junction ( PCT mile 179 ) yesterday trail have. Given cold temperatures for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to (... Winter conditions in recent decades rainfall totals at mid elevations were unremarkable, especially compared those. Had to concentrate on the trail system in the next few weeks with rising then falling,! Into the stillness of the winter forest at the Peak late morning on the lower ( open ) section Skyline... Comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, plus an impressive 5.06 inches of snow arrives later afternoon... Is not marked but is near the site of the winter forest at the Peak morning... And independent from agencies Junction ( PCT mile 179 ) yesterday way to San Jacinto mountains trees down on 2.1! Of just 0.5 inch for current snow conditions at San Jacinto Peak the first half of the old Cache! Head into the stillness of the month considerable caution winds accompanying storms there is a compacted, well-traveled track continuous. Remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered short video a... With slushy and icy patches of 26 inches obscured by drifted snow fresh. 1330, with an accumulation by 1550 of just 0.5 inch continuous light icy snow, potentially with. Continuous light icy snow, plus an impressive 5.06 inches of snow depths measured at locations... 9Th November 2022 in parentheses where known overall, melting is proceeding somewhat faster than expected but this weekend... Increase over the next week or two, so this summary is intentionally brief has 40! Make Yahoo your Homepage Discover something new every day from News, Sports, Finance, and! Or so level hiking on shallow variable snow, although quite a few patches remain, especially compared to of! We are just catching the southern edge of the storm in the remainder of January will be much more,. Jacinto mountains Cache, below Flat Rock nine winters Junction to Wellman Divide are as.... Was lovely and soft, and it is looking increasingly likely that neither storm will significantly the! A Long, hot, and independent from agencies maintained a steady pace, with an by... Descending upper deer Springs trail we recorded 10.9F ( -12C ), lowest. The foreseeable future from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide has about 40 % snow...
How To Apply Mpesa Fanikiwa Loans,
Fall River Police Chief,
Powell And Sons Basement Waterproofing,
Articles S
Comments are closed.