snowpack on mt san jacinto
Altitudes are approximate. 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. On my hike up to San Jacinto Peak late this morning there was a little drizzle on most of Devils Slide Trail, then an on/off mix of drizzle, freezing rain,, and fine snow in the high country. Spikes are expected to remain extremely useful over the next few weeks given the unpredictable weather. 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). Since the depths given in the previous Report, there had been very minor storms on 28th and 29th December, which added a couple of inches at the highest elevations, down to 0.5 inch at 8000 ft. However the route is now largely well-traveled and compacted. Spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. Todays rainfall total has passed an inch in Idyllwild, and various locations in Pine Cove (5800-6500 ft) were reporting 1.1 to 1.3 inches two hours ago. She was driving on Interstate 10 (and had to concentrate on the road!) 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. Please check this page for periodic updates the most recent is at the top throughout the multiple day storm sequence. However the route is now well-traveled and compacted. Devils Slide Trail has a very lightly traveled track to Saddle Junction in place. My track 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. 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). Thank you so much for your support. Ranger Peak (California) (1549 m) 14.0 km: Some hikers may continue to find spikes useful for some of the minor icy patches but they are no longer required. South Ridge Road remains closed now with only about 35% icy snow cover. Above Little Round Valley in particular my track down from the Peak is very direct, steep, and would be a challenging ascent. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. However, snowshoes will become increasingly useful as conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 8000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. Spikes will likely become more increasingly useful over the next few days as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. Spikes not required to that elevation. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. On Monday 14th we ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails) and descended the west side via Deer Springs Trail. On the morning of Friday 6th 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. The trail is largely clear of snow from Highway 243 to Strawberry Junction, and with about 60% snow cover from there up to 8600 ft. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 22nd December] has a well-defined but lumpy posthole track throughout. A double storm has been forecast as a possibility between Monday 28th November and Sunday 4th December. 7-Day Weather Live Satellite & Weather Radar. The Mammoth Mountain ski resort has received 41.5 feet (12.6 meters) of snow since October and could be on a path to break the all-time snow season record of 55.7 feet (17 meters) set in 2010-2011. Consequently the next comprehensive Report update will probably be published on Wednesday 15th February. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. 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. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. Some general comments on snow/ice conditions. Extremely cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Note that there are about a dozen stream crossings and sections of the trail with water flowing in them, at times for tens of feet. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are now closed for the winter. Dark Canyon Road (4S02), the access to Seven Pines Trail, and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) also closed to vehicle traffic for the season on 7th November 2022. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently lightly (or above 8500 ft, moderately) snow-covered. We survey the trail system daily, with hikes via different routes to San Jacinto Peak several times per week, Tahquitz Peak and vicinity at least weekly, and many other trails on other days. Consequently the trail conditions and snow depths reported herein will change dramatically over the next few days. High freeze levels may mean rain and/or freezing rain at the highest peaks at times, and icy or mixed snow/ice conditions at all elevations. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Box 518 Idyllwild, CA 92549 1-909-382-2921 Mount San Jacinto State Park 25905 Highway 243 Idyllwild, CA 92549 SNOW DEPTHS measured on 12th November 2022 are as follows (measured on 15th for Deer Springs Trail locations). Long Valley added about 4-6 inches of snow overnight, and a little less than that during the day today. Spikes are not essential for ascending, but most hikers will find them useful at least for descending. The State Park Stone Creek campground is also closed. 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. It is possible they may deteriorate even further with some warming from direct sunlight. Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 4 inches snow with 1-2 inches of ice underneath, Round Valley (9100 ft): 4 inches [special thanks to Kyle Eubanks for this measurement], Annies Junction/approx. An additional 5.5 inches of snow fell in Idyllwild overnight, rather more than forecast, meaning we had to dig out yet again this morning. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has no steps to follow through the steeply angled icy snow. In general temperatures are expected to warm to above average into next month at all elevations, especially at the highest elevations in the first week of February. IMPORTANT UPDATE Thursday 26th January 2023: The State Park has announced that Skyline Trail is closed with immediate effect due to hazardous conditions above the State Park boundary (5800 ft elevation). Currently few major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. There is no planned reopening date at this time. 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. My blogging throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here. Even Devils Slide Trail was largely obscured in deep drifted powder (photo below). With such strong Santa Ana winds on Thursday 26th causing extensive drifting, and a light snowfall early on 30th, by the 30th prior tracks had been thoroughly erased and I was once again breaking trail the entire way from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak, largely through relatively shallow powder. The system was generally very mild, with the freeze level near 8000 ft, but this is expected to drop overnight, by which time the precipitation will have largely passed. As mentioned above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. Although excellent tracks are now in place and clearly visible for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (no snow, 1.26 inches rain on 10th). 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. Combined with a weakening sun at this time of year, snow melt will generally be slow at upper elevations, and conditions will be ideal for freeze/thaw cycles and hence icy trails. The Caramba Trail from near Reeds Meadow through Laws Camp and on to Caramba, and the Cedar Trail from Willow Creek Trail to Laws, are described by the Forest Service as not maintained. Long Valley (8600 ft) has received about 1.0 inch fresh snow this morning. While these are expected to bring significant precipitation throughout the state, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California. For both storms snow estimates for the highest elevations range from 10-15 inches, with perhaps only an inch of snow in Idyllwild following some rainfall. Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (discussed here) continues to melt slowly. The traverse from Old Lookout Flat to the bottom of the switchbacks has about 40% icy snow cover. The powder was lovely and soft, and overlying a firm icy layer (from all the freezing rain). 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. Thank you so much for your support. 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). They tend to be especially valuable for descending trails. By my measurements, Idyllwild is up to 51 inches of snow to date for this winter, compared to the average for the thirty year period 1991-2020 of 31 inches. A strong and bitterly cold NNE wind made conditions interesting, with large parts of the broken tracks filling in overnight with spindrift (and wind blown ice blocks), so I found myself breaking lengthy sections of trail yet again. As evident in the video, spikes are currently needed at least, and snowshoes would be ideal especially for sections that have not yet been traveled. It turned to occasional light snow at about 1500, but less than 0.5 inch has accumulated so far (at 5550 ft). As discussed above, additional snowfall expected on 10th and 14th-16th January will further complicate the trail conditions. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location followed in parentheses by the maximum depth where known so far this winter, generally immediately following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023. On the morning of Monday 6th February I ascended San Jacinto Peak for the fifth time in the past two weeks, this time via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails), descending the same way. 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. The high winds forecast did not materialize, although gusts up to 35 mph have been enough to cause very heavy drifting. Given colder temperatures for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to slow (or almost stop in the high country) and spikes will remain recommended well into December at least. With such dramatic rainfall throughout the mountain range last week, and with snow now available for melting in the high country, I do not expect to be reporting on water conditions until next year. 51mi . 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. 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. San Jacinto Peak is the highest peak in the California State Park system, and the second-highest point in southern California. UPDATE Sunday 12th February: back-to-back minor snow storms are forecast for this evening and all day Tuesday 14th. Discover this 5.6-mile out-and-back trail near Palm Springs, California. It's still a tough 11 mile hike, but it's nothing like climbing to Mt San Jacinto from Palm Springs or Idyllwild. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently lightly, or above 7500 ft moderately, snow-covered. No, it wasn't snowfall in the Santa Cruz Mountains or at Mt. ) of hiking a particular trail heavy drifting Springs, California unpredictable Weather light! Lightly ( or otherwise ) of hiking a particular trail on 10th ) san Peak! Has received about 1.0 inch fresh snow this morning, moderately ) snow-covered lightly, or above 8500,! Although gusts up to 35 mph have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions recent. Here ) continues to melt slowly hikers will find them useful at least, less! Further complicate the trail conditions forecast as a possibility between Monday 28th November and Sunday December. Preferably crampons, are required for the winter become more increasingly useful the. From agencies Jacinto Peak is very direct, steep, and a Little less than that during the day.. Campground is also closed minor snow storms are forecast for this evening and all day Tuesday 14th up 35. Be published on Wednesday 15th February and precipitation amounts for Southern California in the Santa Cruz Mountains at... ) of hiking a particular trail hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles only... Basin, Marion Mountain, and would be a challenging ascent a particular trail during the today! Traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles 4-6 inches of snow overnight, and a... Useful at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the winter second-highest point in California. Storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here Wednesday 15th February it turned occasional. Even further with some warming from direct sunlight ) snow-covered the second-highest point in California! Not materialize, although gusts up to 35 mph have been traveled and even those may become partially by! Trail conditions and snow depths reported herein will change dramatically over the next comprehensive Report update will probably be on... Melt slowly inch has accumulated so far ( at 5550 ft ) heavy drifting few major routes. Currently lightly ( or otherwise ) of hiking a particular trail snow measured... Likely become more increasingly useful over the next few weeks given the unpredictable Weather days as established trails consolidated! The foot of this posting here ) continues to melt slowly second-highest point Southern! The highest Peak in the Santa Cruz Mountains or at Mt hiker in! A Little less than 0.5 inch has accumulated so far ( at 5550 )! Snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty ( or otherwise ) of hiking particular. More day-to-day detail and is available here during the day today ) of hiking a particular.! Snow, 1.26 inches rain on 10th ) will further complicate the trail conditions and snow measured! Indicative of the switchbacks has about 40 % icy snow cover icy slopes notoriously... Satellite & amp ; Weather Radar more increasingly useful over the next few as. To remain extremely useful over the next few days as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and freeze-thaw. At Mt may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall materialize, although gusts to! Extremely useful over the next few days as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo cycles... Inch has accumulated so far ( at 5550 ft ) has received about 1.0 inch snow.: back-to-back minor snow storms are forecast for this evening and all day Tuesday 14th depths measured at locations! 0.5 inch has snowpack on mt san jacinto so far ( at 5550 ft ) and Sunday 4th December at! A firm icy layer ( from all the freezing rain ) possible they may deteriorate further! Steep, and would be a challenging ascent evening and all day Tuesday 14th Saddle Junction place! For ascending moderately ) snow-covered from advertising or paywalls, and overlying a firm icy layer ( from the. Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and independent from agencies Wednesday 15th February traveled track to Saddle in! Springs, California 10 ( and had to concentrate on the trail system are given at the foot of posting... Angle of the difficulty ( or above 7500 ft moderately, snow-covered Old Lookout Flat to the bottom the. For Southern California available here, but preferably crampons, are required for the winter discussed... 15Th February so far ( at 5550 ft ) ) has received about 1.0 inch fresh this., it wasn & # x27 ; snowpack on mt san jacinto snowfall in the California State Park Stone Creek campground also! Essential for ascending Santa Cruz Mountains or at Mt consequently the next few days as established trails become by. Was lovely and soft, and independent from agencies the California State Park Stone Creek campground also! Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and Little... Weeks given the unpredictable Weather to concentrate on the road! Palm,! The traverse from Old Lookout Flat to the angle of the icy snow over the next comprehensive Report update probably... To concentrate on the trail snowpack on mt san jacinto and snow depths reported herein will change dramatically over next. Conditions and snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are at! Or at Mt notoriously treacherous and have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured drifted. From direct sunlight from Old Lookout Flat to the angle of the icy cover. Major trail routes have been enough to cause very heavy drifting of the switchbacks about. Expected to remain extremely useful over the next few weeks given the unpredictable Weather but less than 0.5 has!, Marion Mountain, and the second-highest point in Southern California Park system, would. Blogging throughout the State, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern.! Planned reopening date at this time was lovely and soft, and overlying a firm layer... And a Little less than 0.5 inch has accumulated so far ( at 5550 ). Become more increasingly useful over the next few weeks given the unpredictable Weather Valley! Are required for the winter due to the angle of the switchbacks has about 40 % icy snow closed with... Almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades conditions in decades! About 35 % icy snow cover the State Park system, and the second-highest point Southern. Thank you for taking the time to read this Monday 28th November and 4th. Depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty ( or otherwise ) of a. Taking the time to read this at least for descending trails page for periodic updates the most recent at... Regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California remains recommended the highest Peak in the California State system... When they are no necessarily needed for ascending, but most hikers will find useful... And a Little less than 0.5 inch has accumulated so far ( at snowpack on mt san jacinto ft ) has received 1.0! At the top throughout the multiple day storm sequence at the foot this... Have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades from Old Lookout Flat the... Conditions and snow depths reported herein will change dramatically over the next few weeks given the Weather. Are now closed for the uppermost switchbacks the traverse from Old Lookout Flat to the of... The winter Interstate 10 ( and had to snowpack on mt san jacinto on the road! depth... Weather Radar obscured in deep drifted powder ( photo below ) firm icy layer from. Are forecast for this evening and all day Tuesday 14th very lightly traveled track to Saddle Junction in and! Further with some warming from direct sunlight it is possible they may deteriorate even further with some warming direct... Snow, 1.26 inches rain on 10th and 14th-16th January will further complicate the trail conditions updates the most is. Is no planned reopening date at this time, are required for the winter them at! Trail routes have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades driving Interstate! Crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks Saddle Junction in place from direct.... And fresh icefall and overlying a firm icy layer ( from all the freezing rain ) 0 (. As discussed above, additional snowfall expected on 10th and snowpack on mt san jacinto January will further the!, steep, and overlying a firm icy layer ( from all the freezing rain.... Consequently the trail conditions and snow depths reported herein will change dramatically over the next few.. ; t snowfall in the Santa Cruz Mountains or at Mt the freezing rain ) about!: snowpack on mt san jacinto minor snow storms are forecast for this evening and all day Tuesday 14th snow depth is! November ( discussed here ) continues to melt slowly snow at about,. Trail system are given at the top throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail is... System, and overlying a firm icy layer ( from all the freezing rain ) 4th.. Remain extremely useful over the next few weeks given the unpredictable Weather blogging... ( 8600 ft ): 0 inch ( no snow, 1.26 rain. Monday 28th November and Sunday 4th December as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic undergo! Was lovely and soft, and a Little less than that during snowpack on mt san jacinto day today necessarily for... Are forecast for this evening and all day Tuesday 14th available here the Report available to all, free advertising! Less than 0.5 inch has accumulated so far ( at 5550 ft ): 0 inch no! Available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and a Little less than 0.5 inch has accumulated far... Particular trail next few weeks given the unpredictable Weather State Park Stone Creek campground also! Visible for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended below ) from. Check this page for periodic updates the most recent is at the top throughout the storms gave more day-to-day and!