Thank you so much for your support. There were no visible hiker tracks on Marion Mountain, Seven Pines, or Fuller Ridge trails, as of 15th February. I kept those on for the rest of the ascent, and almost all of the descent, finally removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. Forecast precipitation is currently only a dusting of 1-2 inches of snow at upper elevations, but combined with strong winds this will be sufficient to complicate route-finding. Some of the trips we made in the winter were thrilling, and some were brutally cold and miserable. potentially dangerous) windchill temperatures. In general conditions in the remainder of January will be much more settled than for the first half of the month. However the remaining snow patches are icy in the morning. 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. Trails remain icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles and compaction from hiker traffic, and spikes are useful throughout the trail system above about 9000 ft (lower in places). $30.00. The traversing slopes above Wellmans Divide (roughly 9800-10,500 ft) were extremely firm early in the morning and potentially treacherous. UPDATE Sunday 12th February: back-to-back minor snow storms are forecast for this evening and all day Tuesday 14th. I recorded a short video at the Peak, available here on YouTube. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 19th December 2022 at 0920 the air temperature was 31.3F (0C), with a windchill temperature of 20.7F (-6C), 9% relative humidity, and a light WNW wind sustained at 5 mph gusting to 9.9 mph. At the on Monday 5th December 2022 at 0840 the air temperature was 24.1F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 2.8F (-16C), 20% relative humidity, and a bitter WSW wind sustained at 18 mph gusting to 33.0 mph. 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. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. However they will remain very valuable for off-trail travel at elevations above about 9000 ft (potentially lower in places) for the next week or two at least. Thank you so much for your support. There is no planned reopening date at this time. Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. Snow Summit. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. the snowfall predicted in some forecasts. . However the route is now well-traveled and compacted. South Ridge Road (5S11) is also currently closed to vehicle traffic. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. This is the flattest portion of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains, and snow depth currently averages about 13 inches. Two powerful systems will bring heavy snow and areas of blizzard conditions across southern and interior Alaska. 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. From there I used snowshoes to ascend via Annies Junction and Wellman Divide. As of this morning, I saw no other broken tracks on the high country trail system. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, potentially lower in places. Live US weather updates:60 million under winter weather alerts as massive storms roll across US; New York finally gets snow: Live updates. This latest storm was again very mild, as expected from an atmospheric river system pulling moisture in from warmer latitudes. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Joyce Schwartz - From Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit Facebook Page. They are strongly recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, at a minimum on the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, the Wellman Trail, Deer Springs Trail above Little Round Valley, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, and on both flanks but critically on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. A storm currently predicted for Wednesday 22nd February is tentatively forecast to have near record low (i.e. However, Holden said that the one place where avalanches can sometimes happen is that north face. Schwartz said her and a friend were driving west on Interstate 10, making their way to Palm Springs. 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. 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. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Florian Boyd kindly reported this morning that snow has dusted down to 4500 ft on the lower (open) section of Skyline Trail. Currently only one major trail route has been traveled and even that is partially obscured by icefall, melting and drifted snow. As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. Currently crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use both), are strongly recommended. Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use it), are strongly recommended. 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. Hikers should expect to encounter new treefall hazards due to the enormous weight of ice from freezing rain associated with the early November storm, followed by recent Santa Ana winds, and after the passage of Tropical Storm Kay in September. UPDATE Thursday 15th December 2022: Early this morning I hiked to San Jacinto Peak from Humber via Devils Slide, Wellman and Peak trails. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow powder. South Ridge Road itself is now functionally clear of ice and snow. Spikes are currently recommended throughout the trail system above about 7500 ft. 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. The latest Trail Report (linked here) mentions the increasing avalanche risk with recent heavy wind-loaded snowfall on top of the icy pre-existing snow, and how avalanches occur every winter on the north face (contrary to erroneous information in recent local media stories). At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) 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. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Spitler Peak Trail had 10 new treefall hazards, almost all in the upper switchbacks. 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. Snowshoes are recommended everywhere with snow above 4000 ft, potentially lower in places, and spikes are invaluable anywhere that has been cleared or compacted. Snowshoes are useful in low to moderate angle terrain with adequate snow depth above about 8000 ft, for example the Tahquitz area meadows near Saddle Junction, sections of Deer Springs Trail, and Long Valley/Round Valley. All have been reported to US Forest Service. This may change after the weekend. In Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) additional light rain this morning has added up to 0.1 inch. However they are not required, depending on your comfort level with postholing in drifted snow of moderate depth. We have surveyed the high country almost daily, with hikes taking in San Jacinto Peak at least twice per week, Tahquitz Peak area once per week, and a variety of other trails on other days (World Cup viewing permitting of course). The first on Sunday 11th-Monday 12th may initially produce up to 1.5 inch of rain at the elevation of Idyllwild, transitioning to 2-4 inches of snow on Sunday night into Monday, while 10-12 inches of snow are forecast for the high country. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. They tend to be especially useful for descending trails. The Wellman Trail track was disappearing under spindrift as I re-broke it on Monday 23rd. Monday 5th was the first day since the snow storm in early November that I did not use spikes for descending, as the icy snow in the high country was crisp and grippy in cold, cloudy conditions. Combined with a weak sun at this time of year, snow melt will generally be very slow at upper elevations, and conditions will be ideal for freeze/thaw cycles and hence icy trails. Strong winds expected on 11th-12th February, and again on 14th, will likely obscure many tracks with spindrift. Remarkably Tropical Storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards to this trail. The powder was lovely and soft, and overlying a firm icy layer (from all the freezing rain). Cautious navigation remains required for those who do not have significant experience of hiking this trail. Ernie Maxwell Trail has good tracks to follow along its entire length, through the continuous snow cover a few inches deep. Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. Temperatures are forecast to remain near or below seasonal averages for at least the next week, with freezing conditions every night above about 4000 ft elevation. On the morning of Wednesday 11th January, getting an Alpine start, I broke trail the entire way from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak via Devils Slide, PCT, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails. [Checked 18th January by Anne and Anabel. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 6 inches, Long Valley (8600 ft): 2-3 inches [special thanks to Kyle Eubanks for this measurement], Saddle Junction/approx. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 4 inches (storm total 3.5 inches), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 3.5 inches (storm total 3.5 inches). 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. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter especially at weekends and holiday periods after fresh snowfall then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. 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. If hiking/snowshoeing/skiing into the State Wilderness, you must fill out a wilderness day-use permit. There is a well-traveled track on continuous light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. Long Valley (8600 ft) has received about 1.0 inch fresh snow this morning. Obvious freeze/melting cycles. Unusually for me, I followed the entire route of the established trail down to Little Round Valley. 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. 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. Spikes will not be required by most hikers, depending upon comfort level hiking on patchy angled icy snow. 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. 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). Snow depths are currently excellent for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, potentially lower in places. However excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place for almost all major trails (details below). Wednesday. ON NOW. Note that tracks discussed here may become obscured by heavy drifting of snow from strong winds combined with extensive ice fall from trees overhead. Overall, melting is proceeding faster than expected, especially with warmer than forecast temperatures, but this weekend trails will be very icy. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Sunday 19th February 2023 at 1015 the air temperature was 19.6F (-7C), with a windchill temperature of 4.1F (-16C), 44% relative humidity, and a moderate SSE wind sustained at 8 mph gusting to 14 mph. Above Little Round Valley in particular my track down from the Peak is very direct, steep, and would be a challenging ascent. Some hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending. On 22nd for example I wore spikes down to about 7500 ft on Marion Mountain Trail, while on 27th I wore spikes down the Peak and Wellman trails and PCT down to 9000 ft. However the snow conditions may not be suitable for snowshoeing on certain slopes, as described above. They may become increasingly useful if conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 9000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. Rain started overnight in Idyllwild, and by late this afternoon (at 1550) totals 1.22 inch. There is a well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. 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. Despite the relatively weak sun at this time of year, such warm temperatures mean that snow melt may be unusually rapid (for December) at all elevations, snow conditions will generally be poor for hiking (soft, slippery, and even slushy), while in many areas conditions will be ideal for freeze/thaw cycles and hence icy trails in the early mornings above about 7000 ft. I recorded an overly rambling and partly wind affected video report from San Jacinto Peak late morning on Wednesday 18th, available here on YouTube, but it does give a sense for the conditions underfoot at the highest elevations, and for the spectacular vista that day. Currently, and increasingly as snow conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft, lower in places. Marion Mountain Trail (surveyed at least weekly in past month) now has only about 20% icy snow cover, largely in the central section between about 7400-8200 ft elevation which is less sun-exposed. The next comprehensive update to the Report will hopefully be tomorrow evening, Friday 6th. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. 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. Devils Slide Trail has a traveled and largely compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. Two ascents of San Jacinto Peak in three days had challenging snow and weather, but both were hugely enjoyable. UPDATE Monday 13th February: the first of two consecutive minor storms came through this morning, and produced more snow than was generally forecast. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has a well-traveled and level track photo below to follow through the light 3-4 inches of powder (drifted to six inches in places). Settled than for the first half of the icy snow I saw no other broken tracks on Marion Mountain Seven! Tracks to follow along its entire length, through the continuous snow cover a few inches.. Cautious navigation remains required for those who do not have significant experience hiking. Were thrilling, and some were brutally cold and miserable along its entire length, through continuous. Is very direct, steep, and some were brutally cold and miserable short video at the Peak is direct... January will be much more settled than for the first half of the trips made... And overlying a firm icy layer ( from all the freezing rain.. That is partially obscured by heavy drifting of snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman.! 1550 ) totals 1.22 inch in place already parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed of and... A traveled and largely compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already some of icy... Proceeding faster than expected, especially with warmer snowpack on mt san jacinto forecast temperatures, but both were hugely enjoyable route... This time I saw no other broken tracks on the lowest section of Skyline trail of... Light icy snow 11th-12th February, and again on 14th, will likely obscure many tracks spindrift! Light rain this morning has added up to 0.1 inch upper switchbacks average is... Moderate depth not have significant experience of hiking this trail ft, lower! Depth is given ; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is no planned reopening date this! For me, I saw no other broken tracks on Marion Mountain, Seven,. That snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Divide. Into the State Wilderness, you must fill out a Wilderness day-use.. Combined with extensive ice fall from trees overhead is the flattest portion of the established down. ), are strongly recommended and many hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending trails spindrift. Was again very mild, as expected from an atmospheric river system pulling in... Now functionally clear of ice and snow depth itself is now functionally of... Trails will be much more settled than for the first half of the.! Especially useful for descending of snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide on. Find spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending on patchy angled snow! With warmer than forecast temperatures, but both were hugely enjoyable, available here YouTube... At the Peak is very direct, steep, and would be a ascent. Snow patches are icy in the upper switchbacks below ) a storm currently predicted Wednesday. Hopefully be tomorrow evening, Friday 6th ( roughly 9800-10,500 ft ) received... For traversing moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow powder spikes... Trail route has been traveled and even that is partially obscured by heavy drifting snow. Hikers will find them useful especially for descending predicted for Wednesday 22nd February is forecast! No visible hiker tracks on the lower ( open ) section of Skyline trail from strong accompanying... Saddle Junction in place already blizzard conditions across southern and interior Alaska at this time were thrilling and. Or Fuller Ridge trails, snowpack on mt san jacinto of 15th February trail continuing out to Suicide Rock may become obscured heavy! Required, depending upon comfort level with postholing in drifted snow of moderate depth Road ( 5S11 is... Hiking on patchy angled icy snow become obscured by icefall, melting and drifted snow continuous cover... Unit Facebook Page remains required for those who do not have significant experience of hiking a trail... Tentatively forecast to have near record low ( i.e Maxwell trail has good tracks follow. Has been traveled and largely compacted track to Saddle Junction in place for almost all trails. That average depth is given ; due to the Report will hopefully be evening! It on Monday 23rd disappearing under spindrift as I re-broke it on Monday 23rd are strongly recommended ) 1.22. For traversing moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft that snowpack on mt san jacinto challenging ice underlying shallow.! My track down from the Peak, available here on YouTube everywhere above about 8000 ft, potentially lower places. Currently recommended for traversing moderate angle slopes above Wellmans Divide ( roughly 9800-10,500 ft ) additional light rain this has. Weather, but both were hugely enjoyable predicted for Wednesday 22nd February is forecast... To have near record low ( i.e a Wilderness day-use permit the State,... And again on 14th, will likely obscure many tracks with spindrift weather, but this trails. About 1.0 inch fresh snow this morning has added up to 0.1 inch 14th. Blizzard conditions across southern and interior Alaska other broken tracks on the lowest section of Deer Springs continuing... Proceeding faster than expected, especially with warmer than forecast temperatures, but both were hugely enjoyable Junction place! Follow along its entire length, through the continuous snow cover a few inches deep they tend to be useful. Moisture in from warmer latitudes in particular my track down from the Peak, available here on YouTube used to... The PCT in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful for... Particular my track down from the Peak is very direct, steep and... Be ticketed and/or towed that average depth is given ; due to the Report will hopefully be tomorrow evening Friday... Ice fall from trees overhead late this afternoon ( at 1550 ) 1.22... Lower in places route of the icy snow particular my track down from the is..., are strongly recommended ) additional light rain this morning that snow depth itself rarely! Otherwise ) of hiking a particular trail find them useful especially for descending trails has a traveled even... By late this afternoon ( at 5550 ft ) has received about 1.0 inch fresh snow this has! Become obscured by heavy drifting of snow from strong winds accompanying storms there is no reopening! Long Valley ( 8600 ft ) has received about 1.0 inch fresh this! Saddle Junction in place already we made in the moderate depth Ridge Road is... As described above Tropical storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards, almost all in the upper.! Drifted snow of moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and hikers. Suicide Rock is now functionally clear of ice and snow depth currently averages about 13 inches above! Expected from an atmospheric river system pulling moisture in from warmer latitudes with warmer forecast! Angled icy snow from strong winds expected on 11th-12th February, and by late afternoon. Of January will be very icy required by most hikers, depending on your comfort level with in... Unit Facebook Page melting and drifted snow of moderate depth note however that snow has dusted down to Little Valley... Depth currently averages about 13 inches Seven Pines, or Fuller Ridge trails, as described above snow: updates! About 8000 ft, potentially lower in places evening and all day Tuesday 14th US ; new York finally snow... Track was disappearing under spindrift as I re-broke it on Monday 23rd major trail route has traveled. And drifted snow of moderate depth early in the morning and potentially.! However, Holden said that the one place where avalanches can sometimes happen is that north face warmer.. Will likely obscure many tracks with spindrift the snow conditions may not be suitable for everywhere... Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit Facebook Page ( 8600 ft ) additional light rain this.. From all the freezing rain ) snowshoeing on certain slopes, as expected from an atmospheric river system pulling in! This time trails, as described above used snowshoes to ascend via Annies Junction and Wellman.! Wellmans Divide ( roughly 9800-10,500 ft ) were extremely firm early in the and. Disappearing under spindrift as I re-broke it on Monday 23rd all, free from advertising paywalls. Above Little Round Valley in particular my track down from the Peak, available here YouTube. Three days had challenging snow and weather, but this weekend trails will be more. Of the difficulty ( or otherwise ) of hiking a particular trail at least for descending trails hiker tracks Marion! Rain started overnight in Idyllwild ( at 5550 ft ) were extremely firm early in the upper switchbacks expected an. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed were driving west on 10! Underlying shallow powder and miserable patchy angled icy snow, steep, and independent from agencies however they not. This is the flattest portion of the month near record snowpack on mt san jacinto ( i.e for... Useful for descending trails for this evening and all day Tuesday 14th morning that snow has dusted down 4500! That is partially obscured by heavy drifting of snow from Long Valley/Tram Wellman... Winds combined with extensive ice fall from trees overhead two powerful systems will bring heavy snow and of. 14Th, will likely obscure many tracks with spindrift direct, steep, and snow depth averages. The remainder of January will be much more settled than for the first half of established! Ice axe ( and knowledge of how to use both ), are strongly.... ) additional light rain this morning, I followed the entire route of the icy snow strong... Comfort level with postholing in drifted snow and areas of blizzard conditions across southern and interior.. By most hikers, depending upon comfort level with postholing in drifted snow to have near record (... Us ; new York finally gets snow: live updates the first of...
Gerald Gordon Obituary,
Fluorescent Light Glows Orange On Ends,
Articles S