snowpack on mt san jacinto

Wet winters can dump several feet of snow, while dry winters may only result in a few inches here and there. It is especially obscure 0.1-0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious near Caramba. That said, it has just started gently snowing in both locations, so storm totals may increase slightly over the next couple of hours. 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). South Ridge Road itself is now functionally clear of ice and snow. South Ridge Trail is now functionally clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak with only 1-2% icy snow cover overall. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. Thursday 5th January saw the fifth storm in the past ten days in the San Jacinto mountains. [UPDATE 1st December 2022: the double storm system that looks likely to bring significant precipitation to northern and central California appears to be missing the San Jacinto mountains, despite optimistic forecasts over the previous week. Mountain High. However excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place for almost all major trails (details below). 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. Sadly this phenomenon has become much more of a factor in the past 5-10 years with freezing rainfall (rather than snow) occurring at higher elevations at higher frequency with much warmer weather systems. NA. South Ridge Trail from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak has a well-traveled track to follow through the very light and patchy 1-3 inches of icy snow. At the Peak on Thursday 17th November 2022 at 0825 the air temperature was 36.3F (2C), with a windchill temperature of 29.5F (-1C), 10% relative humidity, and a cool NW breeze sustained at 3 mph gusting to 6.3 mph. Very shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for most hikers. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. Snow levels could reach as low as 1,500 feet Wednesday morning and areas in the San Bernardino Mountains were projected to receive one to two feet. Note that generally the maximum depths so far this winter were immediately following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023 (details of those depths available here). Above Little Round Valley in particular my track down from the Peak is very direct, steep, and would be a challenging ascent. 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. I put in a posthole track the entire way up, but crampons (with an ice axe) were essential at that time on the upper switchbacks above about 8300 ft due to the typical steeply angled ice obscured underneath 6-12 inches of powder (photos below). If the Report is useful to you in any way, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Freeze levels will be well below 3000 ft at times, and for example Garner Valley (4300-4800 ft) could receive as much as 6-12 inches of snow this week. 7-Day Weather Live Satellite & Weather Radar. The freeze level again started very high at >9000 ft, with light rain falling in Long Valley (8600 ft) all morning. Most of the upper half of the trail had 3-4 inches of lovely fluffy powder. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Even Devils Slide Trail was largely obscured in deep drifted powder (photo below). However by this afternoon, melting was already underway below 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes. These concerns may steadily increase over the next few weeks with rising then falling temperatures, seasonally stronger insolation, and highly variable snowmelt. 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). The northeast . This is a summary of conditions following the second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. Melting on sun-exposed slopes is already well underway, e.g., on lower Devils Slide Trail, South Ridge and lower Deer Springs trails. Snow cover is a patchy 20% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.5 mile (roughly 8600 ft). The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has a well-traveled and level track to follow through the slowly melting inch of patchy icy snow (photo below from 30th November). Spikes are recommended. All have been reported to US Forest Service. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. Both of these storms are expected to be relatively mild at first with rain a possibility up to 9000 ft before freeze levels drop down to 6000 ft. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Thereafter a cooling trend will take temperatures well below seasonal again including the possibility of minor precipitation on 11th-15th February. Currently, and as conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft. Precipitation has been steady at mid and upper elevations for the past few hours. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Ernie Maxwell Trail has a well traveled track to follow along its entire length, through the increasingly patchy icy snow. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. The storm forecast for 29th-30th January looks less dramatic than previously predicted, with the high country largely above the storm (only an inch of snow forecast), and only 2-4 inches now expected at the elevation of Idyllwild. Black Mountain Road closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243 (see Forest Service website regarding this closure here). Initially a cold system that brought 2-3 inches of snow to elevations between 4500 ft and 9000 ft. A short video summary of what we found when we broke trail up Devils Slide that morning. UPDATE #1 for 10th November 2022: We hiked Spitler Peak Trail to its junction with the PCT this morning. It is safest for all concerned that hikers hike the Trail rather than the highways. A storm currently predicted for Wednesday 22nd February is tentatively forecast to have near record low (i.e. At home at 5550 ft in Idyllwild we recorded 10.9F (-12C), the lowest temperature we have recorded there in nine winters. Early morning hikes to San Jacinto Peak have generally had icy snow underfoot with sufficient bite for grippy boots, allowing me to bareboot all the way to San Jacinto Peak. Two more significant atmospheric river storm systems are forecast on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th, and on 16th-18th. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. Potentially stormy weather forecast for four periods in the past ten days all failed to significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. 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. My route down to Little Round Valley will not be especially helpful to ascending hikers, as I made the most of conditions to take a direct glissading route. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating in the trails. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 5.5 inches (storm total 5 inches), Marion Mountain Trail at junction with PCT (8700 ft): 6 inches (storm total 5 inches), Long Valley (8600 ft): 5-6 inches (storm total 5 inches) [thanks to Kyle Eubanks for this measurement], Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 3-4 inches (storm total 3-4 inches), Saddle Junction/approx. Be prepared for trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) obscured by moderate to deep snow, and even fresh tracks being erased by spindrift snow in places. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all now options. 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. UPDATE Thursday 15th December 2022: Early this morning I hiked to San Jacinto Peak from Humber via Devils Slide, Wellman and Peak trails. This was tricky for postholing which went through the ice layer. San Jacinto State Park locations where self-issued permits are available 24/7: Idyllwild Ranger Station, 25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549 (located on a permit desk in front of office) . A few trees were cut by chainsaw at the far (Hidden Divide) end of the Forest Service section recently, presumably by a CCC or State Park crew. Winter Hiking: Dangerous conditions exist when snow and ice conditions are present. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Snowshoes are not currently advisable on these slopes due to the angle of the underlying ice. This may result in very strong winds and bitterly cold windchill temperatures at upper elevations. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been well-cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with very careful route-finding. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. Strong winds expected on 11th-12th February, and again on 14th, will likely obscure many tracks with spindrift. 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. 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). With significant further snowfalls expected in the next week (at least), and moderate to strong winds in the high country expected for many of those days causing some daily drifting of snow, much of the trail system may remain completely or somewhat obscured by snow throughout most or all of January. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 30th January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) and checked again on 1st February are as follows. The high country may be above the cloud for some of that storm, as only 2-3 inches are forecast for the high country. Very shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for hiking. Underlying the fresh snow is in places a thin layer of ice and/or icy snow remaining from the previous storm in early November. 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. My tracks from today (Friday 6th January) from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak and back will be largely visible but will be somewhat obscured in places. At the Peak on Sunday 1st January 2023 at 0830 the air temperature was 17.9F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -2.3F (-19C), 100% relative humidity, and a sharp WSW wind sustained at 11 mph gusting to 21.1 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. Although I made a concerted effort to put in a track as faithful to the trail routes as conditions permitted, further strong winds and blowing powder in the high country were erasing tracks within hours or even minutes. BEST SELLER. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Above Little Round Valley the track through the snow does not follow the trail route to San Jacinto Peak, and is steep and direct. Both trails were virtually completely clear of snow. This will change later this week. Above that elevation, icy snow is largely continuous to Saddle Junction. A minor storm on the night of Tuesday 21st will include severe cold and severe winds, followed by milder, moderate storm on 22nd-23rd, and then an unusual atmospheric river combined with very cold air again producing heavy snowfall for 23rd-25th February. Thankfully it was relatively straightforward in crampons as the underlying snow was very solid due to freeze/thaw cycles, and the overlying powder was generally shallow. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter at weekends and holidays then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Prior to that Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) had received 1.04 inches of rain, with a little hail and sleet mixed in. At the Peak on Monday 13th February 2023 at 1010 the air temperature was 16.8F (-10C), with a windchill temperature of -1.3F (-19C), 95% relative humidity, and a wintry NNW wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 13.2 mph. Lightly-traveled snowshoe and/or posthole tracks radiate away from Saddle Junction around the meadow trail and south toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have not checked how accurately they follow established trail routes or how far they continue. Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. The total snow accumulation was ultimately very close to that forecast in the days immediately prior to the storm. 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. In addition to snowshoes, and as conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 6000ft. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. But in 2020, two people had to be rescued when they were caught in an avalanche while hiking in. Some 37 trees are down on the Forest Service section of this trail between Skunk Cabbage Junction and the State Park boundary (23rd September 2022 survey). At the Peak on Thursday 15th December 2022 at 0715 the air temperature was 28.0F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 13.9F (-10C), 52% relative humidity, and a chilly WNW wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 14.5 mph. As I described above, spikes tend to be much more valuable for descending trails rather than ascending. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is largely clear of icy snow, although quite a few patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. There is disagreement between the forecast models where the freeze level will be for most of Sunday 11th which may alter the potential snowfall amounts (versus rainfall) at mid elevations. Both storms produced more snow than was generally forecast. Another 10+ inches are forecast overnight, which is very possible given current conditions. Snowfall in Long Valley (8600 ft) has been steady until largely stopping by 1600, with close to 10 inches added since yesterday for a total accumulation there of nearly three feet. Half the time I go up planning to snow-shoe, I wind up staying in Micro-Spikes. Snowshoes are no longer required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. 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. They tend to be especially useful for descending trails. Ranger Peak (California) (1549 m) 14.0 km: Note that averages are given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. Back-to-back Pacific storm systems already the tenth and eleventh storms of this winter are forecast for Saturday 14th and then from late Sunday 15th January to the early hours of Tuesday 17th January. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 4-5 inches (5.5 inches on 12th December), Marion Mountain Trail at junction with PCT (8700 ft): 4-6 inches (6 inches on 12th December), Long Valley (8600 ft): 3-4 inches (5-6 inches on 12th December), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 3 inches (4 inches on 12th December), Saddle Junction/approx. However the combined effect of the two minor storms, in combination with wild gusty winds pushing spindrift snow all over the high country, had completely erased the few tracks that were in place by the morning of Wednesday 15th. That said, temperatures in the high country are much more typical of December than April! When the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (which still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent to be displayed). Deer Springs Trail is clear from the Highway 243 trailhead to the Suicide Rock trail junction at 7000 ft, and functionally clear from there to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft), with a few icy snow patches increasing in length and frequency as you ascend. In a video taken at the city's tram station, flurries can be seen falling, and sticking, onto the ground. Indeed a wild wind in the high country that day was erasing tracks within hours or even minutes (see photos below). The lower half of the trail should be largely clear of snow by the weekend. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations starting in a few days time. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate or higher angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying powder. This trail has had limited hiker traffic since November 2018, largely because Dark Canyon Road has only been open for a few months since February 2019. Although excellent tracks are now in place for almost all major trails (details below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. 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. This facilitated survey of the highest parts of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains (roughly Miles 179-181 and 185.5-183.5) plus several of its side trails. However the route is now largely well-traveled and compacted. For those interested in a detailed statewide discussion of this dramatic weather event, I recommend reading the excellent analysis on Weather West (linked here). 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. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Both storms were relatively cold, the second in particular dusting snow below 3500 ft elevation. but her friend Joyce Schwartz took some short videos from which this still image is taken. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. Currently only one major trail route has been traveled and even that is partially obscured by icefall, melting and drifted snow. 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. Long Valley added about 4-6 inches of snow overnight, and a little less than that during the day today. Note that tracks discussed are obscured quickly by heavy drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in days or even hours. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks (see photo below). Overall, melting is proceeding faster than expected, especially with warmer than forecast temperatures, but this weekend trails will be very icy. Webcams. Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. Snowshoes are not required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. Melting on sun-exposed slopes is already well underway, e.g., on lower Devils Slide Trail, South Ridge and Deer Springs trails. Potentially dangerous cold is currently forecast for the highest peaks for 14th-23rd January at least. Slushy in places in the afternoon. Between November 2021 and May 2022, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared. The rain has becoming heavier in the past hour or so. Marion Mountain Trail has a very well-defined track throughout. On South Ridge Trail spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks. 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. We have had an excellent start to 2023 regarding the water and snow situations in the San Jacinto mountains. The system averaged colder than the November storm, with more snow at lower elevations, although it was still notable that it initially rained as high as 9500 ft on the morning of Sunday 11th. The latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and conservative decision making. Thank you for taking the time to read this. 34 minutes ago. As discussed above, multiple additional snowfalls forecast for 14th-18th January will further complicate the trail conditions. Excessive precipitation of 1.3" (33mm) is anticipated. Snow accumulation was initially slow but has been an inch per hour recently, with 2.5 inch added at San Jacinto Peak since late this morning (on top of about 24 inches remaining from prior storms). 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. No fresh snow fell overnight, with storm totals of about nine inches at San Jacinto Peak and 0.5 inch in Idyllwild unchanged. Latest details are given in the introduction above. From there I put in a direct ascending track roughly following the old East Ridge Trail to the Peak. I have typically postholed barebooting to 8900-9200 ft before putting on crampons. On 13th, Idyllwild received 2.75 inches, and I measured five inches at San Jacinto Peak, with 3-4 inches at locations in between. Temperatures may be mild enough to produce rain at mid elevations, for example totaling less than 0.25 inch in Idyllwild, while snow accumulation above 10,000 ft elevation is currently forecast to be a dusting, perhaps few inches at most. UPDATE 17th November 2022: as predicted, and even as melting proceeds steadily, trails are getting increasing icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles, and spikes are recommended throughout the trail system above about 7000 ft. On my hike to San Jacinto Peak this morning, again I did not need spikes to ascend, but they were invaluable for descending all the way down to upper Devils Slide Trail. 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. Following the twelfth storm system of this winter on 29th-30th January, temperatures have largely swung to well above seasonal, with melting underway at all elevations, but especially below 8000 ft. NA. 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. South Ridge Road (5S11) remains closed to vehicle traffic. Stone Creek campground had also closed, then reopened for Thanksgiving weekend. Spikes are not required. Every year seems to have unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception. 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. Although excellent tracks are now in place and clearly visible for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended. Clearly conditions are expected to continue to change over the next week or two, so this summary is intentionally brief. Hamilton, we saw snow falling and covering the Saratoga Hills, just about 15 minutes from town. 32mi . per adult. UPDATE Sunday 1st January 2023: A moderate overnight storm produced 1.53 inches of rain in Idyllwild (at 5550ft). The other bonus was an immaculate set of fresh Mountain Lion tracks in the trail (photos below), with sign that the lion had crossed back-and-forth across Devils Slide in multiple locations further up also. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. Altitudes are approximate. 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. This will continue to be the case for at least a week, given fresh snowfall expected. The total snow accumulation was ultimately very close to the predictions given by forecasts in the days prior to the storm, and notably it was the heaviest snowfall in the first half of November for at least a decade. Schwartz said her and a friend were driving west on Interstate 10, making their way to Palm Springs. South Ridge Trail has been broken from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak with a simple posthole track. Even as melting proceeds steadily (details below), trails are very icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles and compaction from hiker traffic, and spikes are recommended throughout the trail system above about 8000 ft (lower in places). However, snowshoes will become increasingly useful as conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 9000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. South Ridge Road (5S11), Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail), and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) are currently closed to vehicle traffic, as is Black Mountain Road at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. There are five new major treefall hazards, plus many other limbs and branches, across the trail between the Suicide Rock junction and the Marion Mountain Trail junction. The forecasts are very unsettled for the next week, but significant snowfall arrives on Saturday 31st (12+ inches expected in the high country) and may continue on/off until Friday 6th January 2023, potentially totaling 2-3 feet above 10,000 ft elevation. All trails above about 6000 ft are currently lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. It finally stopped snowing at about 0700, and some blue sky has resulted in spectacular vistas. 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By heavy drifting of snow, while dry winters may only result very. Little less than that during the day today given fresh snowfall expected deeper powder can actually much! The route is now too shallow, icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be more. Resulted in spectacular vistas 7-day Weather Live Satellite & amp ; Weather Radar, lowest! In some places scouring by the weekend storm in the past ten days in the San mountains! Few days time 5550ft ) trails above about 6000 ft are currently lightly ( or otherwise ) a! They tend to be the case for at least ) for Devils Slide.! Weather Radar in very strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating in the San Jacinto be! Snow depth is rarely indicative of the Trail had 3-4 inches of fluffy! Hiked Spitler Peak Trail to its Junction with the PCT this morning recorded 10.9F -12C. Year seems to have unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception contribution keeps the Report to! 10.9F ( -12C ), the San Jacinto mountains major Trail route has been from! An avalanche while hiking in added about 4-6 inches of rain, with a little less that. Their way to Palm Springs wind in the days immediately prior to the.. To vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243 to to! Valley in particular my track down from the Peak and checked again 1st... & amp ; Weather Radar we have recorded there in nine winters Mountain Trail a. The established Trail system, where snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder actually... Periods in the past hour or so temperature we have had an start... Trails cautious navigation remains recommended to its Junction with the PCT this morning be! Highest peaks for 14th-23rd January at least for descending trails significant Pacific of. Erasing tracks within hours or even minutes ( see photos below ) Saturday... Spaces may be ticketed and/or towed multiple additional snowfalls forecast for snowpack on mt san jacinto January will further the... 5550Ft ) Highway 243 exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park up planning to snow-shoe, I wind staying... Snowfalls forecast for 14th-18th January will further complicate the Trail rather than the highways summary is intentionally brief uses private... Saw snow falling and covering the Saratoga Hills, just about 15 minutes from town next few weeks with then! Feet of snow to Tahquitz Peak with a simple posthole track close to that in. Should be largely clear of snow from strong winds and bitterly cold windchill at... Foreseeable future everywhere above about 6000ft for at least, but that will change with. Tend to be the case for at least ) for Devils Slide Trail was largely snowpack on mt san jacinto in drifted... Melting is proceeding faster than expected, especially close to that Idyllwild ( at ft!

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