The freeze level is currently at about 7500 ft and it has been periodically snowing gently above that elevation, with Long Valley (8600 ft) having added a few inches overnight, for a current total depth of about 24 inches. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 3 inches, Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 2.5 inches (melting already underway this afternoon). Sign up for Alert San Diego notifications for all your telephone numbers. The freeze level will again start very high, but is forecast to fall lower, with the possibility of a light dusting of snow down to about 5500 ft. Another inch of rain is forecast for mid elevations, but a heavier snowfall is expected in the high country, with predictions ranging from 8-20 inches above 10,000 ft. Further precipitation is tentatively forecast for 3rd-6th January, but amounts, timing, and freeze levels remain uncertain this far ahead. 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. Currently there is about 1.5 inches of fresh snow at San Jacinto Peak, on top of the very patchy and icy 2-4 inches remaining from early November. Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. Report flooding to the . Jean Peak (3252 m) 1.9 km: 2. The high country was above the weather most of the night, and added an inch of fresh snow at most, however there were 2.25 inches in Idyllwild, and also roughly the same fresh snow depth at Humber Park and Saddle Junction. Top Stories. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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 unavailable for legal parking. At the Peak on Thursday 22nd December 2022 at 0910 the air temperature was 39.9F (4C), with a windchill temperature of 30.4F (-1C), 13% relative humidity, and a light WNW wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 13.8 mph. 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. Alternatively snowshoes could have been used, depending on personal preference and time of day. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Sadly this phenomenon has become much more of a factor in recent years with freezing rainfall (rather than snow) occurring at higher elevations at higher frequency with much warmer weather systems. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th January 2023 are as follows. On my ascent I put crampons on at Wellmans Cienega (9300 ft) and they were more-or-less essential for traversing the icy slopes of the Peak Trail. There is no planned reopening date at this time. Tracks are in place around Skunk Cabbage Meadow, and south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat. 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). SNOW DEPTHS measured on or around 28th November 2022 are as follows, with depths after the last significant storm (on 9th November) for comparison in parentheses where known. The first couple of days early next week (20th-21st) may warm slightly above seasonal, before promptly dropping well below average again, accompanying another unsettled period of multiple consecutive storm systems on 22nd-28th. The northeast . 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. Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks (see photo below). 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. Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. All trails above about 7500 ft remain lightly snow-covered. Further light snow is expected starting this evening, followed by much heavier snow overnight on 28th February-1st March. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. Between November 2021 and May 2022, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared. I put on my Kahtoola microspikes to descend from the Peak, ultimately leaving them on most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. There is a well-traveled track on continuous light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin, and the State Park campground at Stone Creek, are closed for the season. This morning I broke South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. This may change after the weekend. I postholed barebooting to 8900 ft before putting on crampons. It continued to rain heavily overnight at mid elevations everywhere below about 7000 ft. Idyllwild at 5550 ft elevation recorded an impressive 4.01 inches of rain in the 24 hour period up to 0700 this morning. For those that are unclear, the Skyline Trail is the first segment of the C2C (cactus to clouds) from Palm Springs up to Grubbs Notch, the access point to Long Valley. 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). The open section of trail below 5800 ft is clear of snow. Forecasts suggest a further 2-3 inches are possible tonight. Snowshoes are recommended everywhere with snow above 4000 ft, potentially lower in places, and spikes are invaluable anywhere that has been cleared or compacted. WEATHER MOUNT DIABLO SAN FRANCISCO SNOW SKIING RAIN TRAFFIC. The freeze level will initially be above 10,000 ft, ultimately only falling to about 9000 ft, so many of the main access trails to the high country may get no new snowfall. Forecasts are inconsistent regarding the amount of snowfall in this next storm, but those that I trust suggest 12+ inches in Idyllwild over the next 24 hours, with 1-2 feet in the high country. Many thanks to Florian Boyd for bringing this to my attention. By using snowshoes, crampons, or even just microspikes, we were able to hike Mount San Jacinto's summit every month of the year. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. In my recent experience off-trail snow is now also largely too shallow and/or patchy for snowshoes. Conditions prior to this storm had been unsettled for several days, with a minor storm overnight on 27th-28th December. Spikes are recommended at least for descending, and will become increasingly important with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. On the afternoon of 18th I saw posthole tracks that head down the start of the Caramba Trail, and following the PCT southbound toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have no further details at this time. Altitudes are approximate. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. 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). At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 28th November 2022 at 0855 the air temperature was 26.2F (-3C), with a windchill temperature of 8.8F (-13C), 11% relative humidity, and a sharp due West wind sustained at 17 mph gusting to 24.6 mph. Forecasts range widely from 6-22 inches of snow for the highest elevations across multiple days, with a mix of rain and several inches of snow at mid elevations. However it is thinning rapidly everywhere, and will look radically different in a week or so. UPDATE Tuesday 10th January: Another minor and relatively warm storm is passing through our mountains today. The high winds forecast did not materialize, although gusts up to 35 mph have been enough to cause very heavy drifting. When plowed Humber will remain very icy for the next few days at least. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. Unusually for me, I followed the entire route of the established trail down to Little Round Valley. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. 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. I descended via Deer Springs Trail, breaking trail through virgin powder all the way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction. The atmospheric river of moisture from lower latitudes was weaker than the storm in early November, although snowfall was ultimately slightly greater in this storm than in November, perhaps in part due to the colder temperatures. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. Note that South Ridge Road (5S11) is closed to vehicle traffic. 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. 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. There is a very well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. Precipitation has been steady at mid and upper elevations for the past few hours. Only five of these require cutting, and I was able to remove three by hand last week. Deer Springs Trail has a broken track to follow all the way to San Jacinto Peak. It does not accurately follow the established trail route in significant sections but is navigable. Thereafter a cooling trend will take temperatures well below seasonal again including the possibility of minor precipitation on 11th-15th February. But in 2020, two people had to be rescued when they were caught in an avalanche while hiking in Snow Creek Canyon on the north face. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Fresh snowfall in Long Valley is now at about four inches. New treefall hazards on several major trails have been reported, and those on Spitler Peak Trail have already been cleared by the Trail Report. However the precipitation amounts and probabilities for both storm systems have varied greatly in recent forecasts, and the models seem to be especially uncertain about details of the second storm (approx. Currently crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use both), are strongly recommended. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 18th January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. South Ridge Trail from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak has a relatively well-traveled track to follow through the very light and patchy 1-3 inches of icy snow. 10 inches on 9th), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-1 inch (was 4 inches on 9th), Annies Junction/approx. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 1-2 inches (was 6 inches on 9th), Deer Springs Trail at top of Marion Mountain Trail (8700 ft): 1-3 inches, Tahquitz Peak (north side trail, 8700 ft): 1-2 inches [measured 19th November], Tahquitz Peak (south side trail, 8500-8700 ft): 0-1 inch [measured 19th November], Long Valley (8600 ft): 0-1 inch (was 2-3 inches on 9th), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0-1 inch (was approx. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storms (the most recent is at the top). 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. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Long Valley (8600 ft) has received about 1.0 inch fresh snow this morning. These conditions are expected to change significantly over the next ten days due to the highly unsettled weather forecast into early January. Even when the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces below the locked gate (which still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent to be displayed). Some general comments on snow/ice conditions. Hundreds of SoCal students snowed in at mountain camps for days. Although not required, many hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending. no traction device) to 9000 ft on a lightly traveled and lumpy posthole track through thin icy snow. Spikes are recommended but not strictly essential depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow. I descended Deer Springs Trail, again breaking trail the entire way, but again through light snow sitting on top of a very solid, icy snow layer. I recorded a short video at the Peak, available here on YouTube. Devils Slide Trail is almost clear of icy snow to about 7700 ft although some extended dirty icy patches remain below that. On the morning of Monday 12th a further 2.5 inches of snow settled in Idyllwild. Given the importance of this trail for the safety of northbound PCT hikers in particular, it is one of several trails adopted by the Trail Report. 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). Spitler Peak Trail had 10 new treefall hazards, almost all in the upper switchbacks. On 23rd January I saw posthole tracks from Saddle Junction that head down the start of the Caramba Trail, the start of Willow Creek Trail, and following the PCT southbound toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have no further details at this time. 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. 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. However they are not required, depending on your comfort level with postholing in drifted snow of moderate depth. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. No fresh snow fell overnight, with storm totals of about nine inches at San Jacinto Peak and 0.5 inch in Idyllwild unchanged. Currently the snow is relatively powdery; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. Conditions are currently excellent for avalanches on specific terrain in the San Jacinto high country, as proven below. Snow Summit. Hikers in the past have died, and more have been seriously injured. 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. These impacts are especially striking in Southern California mountains, where the sun is relatively potent even in midwinter and where even on the coldest days temperatures at mid elevations may fluctuate either side of freezing. 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. This will change later this week. And knowledge of how to use both ), are required for the season not required, on. Lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock Trail Junction, please consider using this link the... 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