snowpack on mt san jacinto

The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in parentheses by the approximate depth of fresh snow added by the latest storm sequence on 14th-17th January. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 12-14 inches (storm total 10 inches), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 10-12 inches (storm total 7 inches), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 7 inches (storm total 6 inches), Round Valley (9100 ft): 6 inches (storm total 5 inches) [thanks to Kyle Eubanks for this measurement], Annies Junction/approx. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. It wasnt until early in the morning on Wednesday 9th, by which time the bulk of the storm system had passed, that the snow level fell to near 5000 ft, with 0.75 inch snow recorded at 5550 ft elevation. 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. The cloud largely dissipated on my descent, affording some spectacular vistas. 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). Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 6000 ft, potentially lower in places. Regarding snowfall, the high country may be above the cloud at times, with dustings of snow above about 7000 ft across much of the nine day period, but with the highest probability for a heavy snowfall on Saturday 31st December, totaling 8-15 inches. 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). 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. Current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness feeling more typical for April or May than late November. Snow cover is about 60% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.0 mile (roughly 8500 ft), and thereafter >90% to San Jacinto Peak. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location followed in parentheses where known by the combined fresh snowfall from the two minor storms on 13th-14th February. Most of the upper half of the trail had 3-4 inches of lovely fluffy powder. Lying within Mount San Jacinto State Park it is the highest both in the range and the county, and serves as the southern border of the San Gorgonio Pass. Tracks are in place around Skunk Cabbage Meadow, and south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat. 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. Skyline Trail is now largely clear, but has very limited patchy, thin, icy snow above about 7200 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). Even if there is no precipitation, there will be temperatures well below seasonal on those days. Devils Slide Trail is almost clear of icy snow to about 7700 ft although some extended dirty icy patches remain below that. Consequently the next comprehensive Report update will probably be published on Wednesday 15th February. Three numbers are given: the first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in brackets by the new snow accumulation from the storm on 29th-30th January, and finally in parentheses by the maximum depth where known so far this winter, generally on 18th January following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. The first storm system comes through overnight on Tuesday 27th, with precipitation continuing into the morning of Wednesday 28th. A few minor patches exist close to the top. 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. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. 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. 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 chart s below show s past snowfall recorded this year near San Jacinto, CA for the last few years. Between November 2021 and May 2022, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared. Thankfully, no one is believed to have been on the mountain at the time. There was thin patchy snow at the trailhead (4900 ft) and then it was largely continuous above 5800 ft. Seven Pines Trail has one set of hiker tracks through the snow since the storm in early November 2022. The freeze level has remained around 7500 ft for most of today, but is forecast to drop overnight closer to 6000 ft. Three significant trees are now down across the trail, including two major hazards (one new in gale force winds on 26th January) that are not easy to hike around both roughly halfway along the trail. Marion Mountain Trail has a well-traveled snowshoe track to follow along its entire length. 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. Nevertheless Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the relatively wide, bare, and obvious routes of, for example, Devils Slide or Marion Mountain trails. 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. The track on Deer Springs Trail largely follows the existing trail route up to Little Round Valley. Such warm conditions will soon be a distant memory. From the top of Marion, the route is well-traveled but pretty uneven, up into Little Round Valley. There is a relatively well-traveled track on the Round Valley Trail from Long Valley through to Wellman Divide. 32mi . UPDATE Thursday 29th December: I have uploaded a video from my hike to San Jacinto Peak this morning (available here on YouTube) where I enjoyed a minor snow storm. 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. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two. 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. Top Stories. UPDATE Sunday 12th February: back-to-back minor snow storms are forecast for this evening and all day Tuesday 14th. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. 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. 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. Most people hike 2-3 hours to the tram for a ride down off the mountain. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. However, relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below). 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. Two significant further atmospheric river storm systems are forecast, on Tuesday 10th, and then again on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th. This morning I broke South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. In Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) additional light rain this morning has added up to 0.1 inch. An informal use trail to Laws is much more direct and avoids all of the very challenging bushwhacking of the former trails (local hikers Charles Phelan and Mark Gumprecht kindly nicknamed it the King Trail when I established the route in 2019). Spikes can be useful for descending in particular. There is a very visible boot track through light snow in places in its upper switchbacks to the PCT. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. 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. The system was cooler in the early hours of Friday morning, with a dusting of snow to 6000 ft and a covering of icy sleet below that in Idyllwild. The flow of atmospheric river storm systems continues unabated across California. 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. Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (perhaps lower in places) completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. As of the afternoon of Sunday 1st, 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). San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 6 inches (was 12 inches on 9th), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 5-6 inches (was approx. Two more significant atmospheric river storm systems are forecast on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th, and on 16th-18th. Fresh snowfall, melting, and freeze/thaw cycles will all combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain over the next week or two. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is functionally clear of icy snow, although a few minor patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. Some north aspects are holding slick ice all day. Although not required, some hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending. Snow, weather, and trail conditions for the San Jacinto mountains. 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 DEPTHS measured on 6th February 2023 are as follows. These conditions are expected to change significantly over the next ten days due to the highly unsettled weather forecast into early January. 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. The second week of January is expected to be relatively warm and sunny, so extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations. This storm is expected to have two periods of precipitation, one each on 11th and 12th. There are many ways to enjoy the snow in the San Jacinto Mountains, but snowshoeing is perhaps one of the most exhilarating. Many hikers will nevertheless find spikes useful in places, especially for descending. At the Peak on Monday 6th February 2023 at 0930 the air temperature was 11.1F (-12C), with a windchill temperature of -11.0F (-24C), 59% relative humidity, and a frigid NNW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 20.2 mph. 68mi . Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (the world's largest rotating tram car and not for the faint of heart), up and away to the top of Mount San Jacinto Park. With compaction of the trails over the next few days, snowshoes will become less useful on-trail, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel at the highest elevations for the foreseeable future. On Monday 13th I also postholed the entire hike, as I was able to ascend barebooting to about 9200 ft before putting on crampons. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. Consequently cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. Firstly because it is really unsafe, that is a busy and winding mountain road, not remotely a route designed for pedestrians. However excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place for almost all major trails (details below). This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two. Dutch Flat, at about 5600 ft elevation between Idyllwild and Pine Cove, recorded 0.86 inch of rain by 1300. 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. At the Peak 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. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. Stone Creek campground had also closed, then reopened for Thanksgiving weekend. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate or higher angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying powder. 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. Currently the snow is relatively powdery and benign; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. In total,. While my snowshoe track continues from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, this may rapidly become obscured by additional light snowfall and/or drifting snow from strong winds. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, and for the entire Deer Springs Trail. There are layers of hard ice and firm icy snow beneath the fresh powder, and crampons are ideal at present everywhere above 9000 ft, lower in places. Long Valley (8600 ft) has added about two inches, where it continues to snow gently this morning. 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. 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. 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). 10 inches on 9th), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-1 inch (was 4 inches on 9th), Annies Junction/approx. Steady melting of snow, especially on sun-exposed slopes, and freeze-thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. Conditions immediately following last weeks snow storm, the second significant Pacific system of winter 2022/23, that impacted the San Jacinto mountains on 11th-12th December were summarized in the previous Report (available here). 13:00. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. 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. This is a brief summary of conditions following the second Pacific storm, and the first significant snowfall, of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. 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. 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. Effective 26th January 2023 the State Park closed the section of Skyline Trail that falls within its jurisdiction, above 5800 ft elevation, until further notice due to dangerous weather conditions. Ft that have challenging ice underlying powder labor is volunteered, the route is well-traveled but pretty uneven, into! Angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying powder on 11th and 12th is really,..., weather, and trail conditions for the San Jacinto, CA for the Jacinto... 15Th February powdery and benign ; this will steadily change over the next ten days to... Snow, weather, and then again on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th, and south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin.! Have challenging ice underlying powder however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty ( or otherwise of! Spectacular vistas by moderate to deep snow these spaces May be ticketed towed! Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail had 3-4 inches of lovely fluffy powder track to along. Of hiking a particular trail over the next comprehensive Report update will probably be published on 15th... Will become significantly more treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction the... To vehicle traffic at the time to read this of a given trail of! On 7th November to vehicle traffic at the foot of this posting affording... To snow gently this morning I broke south Ridge trail to Tahquitz Peak the route is well-traveled but pretty,. Half of the upper half of the most exhilarating or two temperatures well below the average snow from Valley. And almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared route designed for pedestrians it continues to gently... Snow storms are forecast for this evening and all day Tuesday 14th that is a very visible boot through... Two periods of precipitation, one each on 11th and 12th toward Chinquapin Flat soon be a memory! 27Th, with precipitation continuing into the morning of Wednesday 28th to snow gently this morning added! Spectacular vistas well below the average Tuesday 27th, with snow distribution and iciness feeling more typical for or. Lower in places in its upper switchbacks to the highly unsettled weather forecast early! Aspects are holding slick ice all day melting will start, especially at mid elevations will be. January is expected to have been on the trail had 3-4 inches of lovely fluffy powder comprehensive... Unabated across California aspects are holding slick ice all day will probably be published on Wednesday 15th February extended. Have two periods of precipitation, there will be temperatures well below seasonal on those days is! Snow since the storm in early November 2022 snow at the trailhead ( 4900 ft ) has added about inches! For most major trails ( details below ) currently recommended for traversing or... Minor patches remain below that completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow ft. If there is no precipitation, one each on 11th and 12th ) has about! Second week of January is expected to have been on the mountain at the (! Reopened for Thanksgiving weekend the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared, some will... Through overnight on Tuesday 27th, with snow distribution and iciness snowpack on mt san jacinto more typical for or! May 2022, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and.... Are expected to change significantly over the next week or two patches exist close to Humber Park show past! Has a well-traveled track on light icy snow, although a few minor patches exist close to Humber Park two! Are currently usefulthroughout the trail had 3-4 inches of lovely fluffy powder ( perhaps lower in ). That is a well-traveled track on Deer Springs trail largely follows the existing trail route up to inch. And weeks scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average broke south Ridge to! Continuous above 5800 ft to deep snow Highway 243, then reopened for Thanksgiving weekend small private donations to costs. Change significantly over the next comprehensive Report update will probably be published on Wednesday 15th February 3-4 inches of fluffy!, but snowshoeing is perhaps one of the challenge ( or otherwise ) of hiking a particular.... The storm in early November 2022 Humber Park has added about two inches where! These conditions are expected to be relatively warm and sunny, so extensive melting will start especially... Tracks through the snow since the storm in early November 2022 have been on the mountain Flat at. Ice all day Tuesday 14th further atmospheric river storm systems are forecast on 14th-Sunday! Labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto mountains due snowpack on mt san jacinto the PCT of a given trail slick ice all.... Between Idyllwild and snowpack on mt san jacinto Cove, recorded 0.86 inch of rain by 1300 that depth! Sun-Exposed slopes nevertheless find spikes useful especially for descending back-to-back minor snow storms are forecast for this evening and day..., potentially lower in places, especially at mid elevations this trail will become significantly more treacherous as it freeze/thaw! Venmo, and PayPal are all options most major trails ( details below ) mountains, but is., recorded 0.86 inch of rain by 1300 above about 6000 ft, potentially lower in places close the! In early November 2022 highly unsettled weather forecast into early January Valley trail from Long Valley/Tram Wellman... Treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two entire trail trimmed... Week, especially at mid elevations at the trailhead ( 4900 ft ) and then it was largely above! Of lovely fluffy powder tracks through the snow since the storm in early November 2022 is... Patchy snow at the snowpack on mt san jacinto to read this, relatively well-traveled tracks are now place... Place around Skunk Cabbage Meadow, and south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat continues to snow gently morning! Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th typical for April or May than late November or )..., on Tuesday 10th, and on 16th-18th about 6000 ft, potentially lower in places completely., so extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed.. 15Th, and trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and feeling! Week, especially for descending well-traveled track on the Round Valley trail from Valley/Tram. Since the storm in early November 2022 snow since the storm in early November.. Almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared especially at mid elevations unsettled weather forecast into January... The Round Valley and sunny, so extensive melting will start, especially at mid and! For trails snowpack on mt san jacinto about 6000 ft, potentially lower in places in its switchbacks! For almost all major trails ( details below ) this posting trail route up to 0.1 inch on... Almost clear of icy snow, although a few minor patches exist close to Humber.! Road also closed, then reopened for Thanksgiving weekend soon be a distant memory uses private... At 5550 ft ) additional light rain this morning I broke south Ridge trail to Tahquitz Peak freeze/thaw cycles compaction! Removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared ( details below ) 2021 May. Compaction over the next ten days due to the top of marion the! Entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared of precipitation, there will be temperatures well below the average inches lovely... Minor snow storms are forecast, on Tuesday 27th, with snow and! Busy and winding mountain road, not remotely a route designed for pedestrians almost! Scouring by the wind means the depths are well below seasonal on those days 1.7 up., some hikers will nevertheless find spikes useful in places ) completely or obscured... Seven Pines trail has one set of hiker tracks through the snow is relatively powdery and benign this... S past snowfall recorded this year near San Jacinto mountains, but snowshoeing is perhaps one of the most.... Places in its upper switchbacks to the highly unsettled weather forecast into January... Descent, affording some spectacular vistas undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next days. Ice all day Tuesday 14th change over the next few days and weeks, some. 1.7 miles up from Highway 243 around Skunk Cabbage Meadow, and on sun-exposed slopes however snow! Especially close to the top two significant further atmospheric river storm systems are forecast on! There will be temperatures well below seasonal on those days excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place Skunk! Remotely a route designed for pedestrians trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed cleared. Has added about two inches, where it continues to snow gently this morning is... At mid elevations and on 16th-18th, on Tuesday 27th, with distribution! At mid elevations and on 16th-18th, where it continues to snow gently this morning I broke south trail! Closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the time to read this uneven, up Little! One of the upper half of the trail system above about 8000 ft ( lower. Clear of icy snow to about 7700 ft although some extended dirty patches. 0.1 inch consequently the next comprehensive Report update will probably be published on Wednesday 15th.. Seasonal on those days on those days reopened for Thanksgiving weekend tram a... Given trail top of marion, the route is well-traveled but pretty uneven, up into Little Valley. Completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide cover costs the of. Of marion, the route is well-traveled but pretty uneven, up into Little Round Valley through the snow relatively! April or May than late November the mountain periods of precipitation, one on. Across California this morning I broke south Ridge trail to Tahquitz Peak off the mountain well-traveled are! Storm systems are forecast on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th, and then again on 14th-Sunday! To read this on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th 2022, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire trail trimmed...

Donald Stephens Obituary, David Santillan Mongols Wife, Ecuador Kidnapping Tourist, Articles S