Altitudes are approximate. Lost Creek Trail via Dry Lake 12.9 miles, 5,182' gain
As discussed above, multiple additional snowfalls forecast for 14th-18th January will further complicate the trail conditions.
While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. The forecasts remain wildly inconsistent for the potential storms next week but it is looking increasingly likely that the systems will miss us to the north.]. San Bernardino Trail and Forsee Creek trails, along with the campsites near those trails, are still closed. The fourteenth and fifteenth storm systems of winter 2022/23 impacted the San Jacinto mountains back-to-back on 13th and 14th February, as discussed in the previous Report available here. 41900 Falls Rd. As described above, crampons (always in conjunction with an ice axe) are currently recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, at a minimum on the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. Consequently the trail conditions and snow depths reported herein will change dramatically over the next few days. The USGS benchmark on the summit reads 11,501.6 feet and is dated 1989. That is expected to change, with up to several inches of snow forecast both in the high country and at mid elevations tonight. Hard to believe being so close to the Los Angeles/Southern California area.Regarding San Gorgonio's elevation:In keeping with the standard (USGS) for determining US elevations, I have posted the height at 11,490 feet. Currently the snow is relatively powdery and benign; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. In Idyllwild at 5550 ft, rainfall storm total today is 1.14 inches. The number given is the current average total snow depth. 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. By 1st February there was a somewhat meandering snowshoe track from Round Valley (and presumably Long Valley) up to San Jacinto Peak, ultimately using the East Ridge route from near Miller Peak, that generally followed lower angle terrain and avoided the traversing slopes of the Peak Trail. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and considerable powder there is extreme drifting. There were no visible hiker tracks on Marion Mountain, Seven Pines, or Fuller Ridge trails, as of 15th February. 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. It is possible they may deteriorate even further with some warming from direct sunlight. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. Spikes are useful at least for descending. 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. On the mornings of both Wednesday 1st February and Monday 30th January I ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails), descending the same way. The Old fire, which started in San Bernardino, and the deadly flood that ravaged a campground in Devore were blamed for establishing the brittle ground that gave way when Jones fell to his death. 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. Every year seems to have its unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception. Note that South Ridge Road (5S11) is closed to vehicle traffic. 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). February 2011 recorded 45.5 inches, and there were 45.5 inches in March 2006. 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). The significant Pacific storm of the winter that had been forecast over an extended period between about 16th-21st December is no longer thought likely to impact the San Jacinto mountains, although considerable uncertainty persists in the weather models for that period. Conditions are forecast to remain very unsettled for the first week of January. no traction device) to the Peak on a generally well-traveled and compacted track through light icy snow. The second system, possible in a broad time window between 2nd and 4th December, may produce significant snow in the high country (forecasts have ranged widely from 0-30 inches above 10,000 ft!) South Ridge Road (5S11) is also currently closed to vehicle traffic. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. 2-3 inches on 9th November), Saddle Junction/approx. I think some of the switchbacks above High Creek Camp may have been lengthened in recent history to make the route longer. Although my original track accurately followed the trail above Little Round Valley, there are now a fair number of alternate shortcut tracks across this slope, so cautious navigation is advised. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. They are now invaluable on heavily traveled, compacted, icy tracks (before they clear of snow in the coming weeks) such as Devils Slide, Ernie Maxwell, and Deer Springs trails, at least, especially mornings when conditions tend to be most icy, and for descending. whitebark 300 Hiked May 4, 2008. Matthew L. Jones, 15, of San Bernardino tumbled about 400 feet to his death from a steep, burned slope near Devore on Jan. 11. The first storm overnight on Monday 28th may produce snow above 10,000 ft (forecasts have ranged from 0-16 inches), and very light snow near the elevation of Idyllwild preceded by a little rain. Current Trail Conditions. Sadly it is looking increasingly likely that neither storm will significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains. United States government. This will likely continue to be the case for several weeks, given fresh snowfall expected. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 15th] has a mix of snowshoe and posthole tracks all the way up to its junction with Deer Springs Trail. Camp on a durable surface at least 100 feet away from trails and water sources. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Between November 2021 and May 2022, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared. This rain produces huge masses of ice in the trees, including chunks as large as a small microwave weighing 40-80 lb, which then dislodge as soon as direct sunlight warms the trees. 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. 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. That said, the cumulative effect of multiple systems is helpful to our moisture situation, and Tuesday 10th January saw the sixth storm in just over two weeks in the San Jacinto mountains (a timeline of the recent sequence of storms is available here in the previous Report). UPDATE Wednesday 22nd: the first of four storms expected over the next eight days, the sixteenth storm of this winter, produced a very light snowfall but bitterly cold conditions in the San Jacinto mountains overnight. Searchers planned to be back out this morning looking for both men. Most notable for our region is the remaining uncertainty within the meteorological models, which could result in us receiving half (or double!) Although excellent tracks are now in place for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended. There is a very well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. Trails remain icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles and compaction from hiker traffic, and spikes are useful throughout the trail system above about 9000 ft (lower in places). Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and far below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). FOR SALE $699900 1629 Sams Cy Beaumont, CA 92223 - MLS #EV23032625 | 2 BedsTotal 3.00 Baths! 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. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. Additional moderate snowfall is tentatively forecast for 28th February-1st March. By comparison, approximately 42 inches were recorded in February 2023 (provisional data). Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular route, as discussed below. 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). Be aware that firewood can harbor insects and diseases that threaten California's valuable forest resources. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. . 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. See closure notice link below for more details. Although not required, many hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 12th November 2022 are as follows (measured on 15th for Deer Springs Trail locations). 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. Winter conditions exist in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 8 inches (8-9 inches), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 4 inches (total 4 inches). Deer Springs Trail [updated 22nd December] has an accurate 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 15th December. South Ridge Trail [surveyed 10th Feb] is largely snow free until Old Lookout Flat at 7600 ft (c.15% snow cover). Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Some hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending. Underlying the fresh snow is in places a thin layer of ice and/or icy snow remaining from the previous storm in early November. DM, The correction has been changed. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Lamentably this latest storm was again very mild, with rain falling as high as the elevation of San Jacinto Peak see photos below all morning on Tuesday 10th, until finally turning to light snow in the early afternoon (at about 1330 in Long Valley). Snow cover is about 60% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.0 mile (roughly 8500 ft), and thereafter >90% to San Jacinto Peak. On 13th, Idyllwild received 2.75 inches, and I measured five inches at San Jacinto Peak, with 3-4 inches at locations in between. San Bernardino Nat. Fresh snowfall in Long Valley is now at about four inches. Even Devils Slide Trail was largely obscured in deep drifted powder (photo below). Snow depths are expected to change multiple times over the next ten days due to mixed precipitation, including even possibly loss of snow at mid elevations due to rainfall. Forecasts suggest a further 2-3 inches are possible tonight. Currently, and as conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft. 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. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping . Special thanks to Florian Boyd, great friend of the Trail Report, for bringing this to my attention (via text when I was snowshoeing at 9000 ft elevation on the PCT early this morning!). Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe, are strongly recommended. 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. 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. 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. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations. My pre-dawn hike up Devils Slide Trail on 11th January was delightful, primarily because there was the noise of running water almost everywhere. South Fork via Dollar Lake 9.8 miles 4,622' gain
While these are expected to bring significant precipitation throughout the state, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California. With a rapidly changing climate in the region in recent years, it has become increasingly common for there to be little or no difference in snow quantities at mid and higher elevations, often because the high country remains above the cloud, and this system was no exception. 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. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. Search and Rescue advises always hike with someone, and not leave your group. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two. Spitler Peak Trail had 10 new treefall hazards, almost all in the upper switchbacks. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations for the foreseeable future. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. San Gorgonio. New phone # 909-382-2882If you want a permit for Vivian for a dayhike on the weekend in the summertime, you must get it 3-4 weeks in advance. For water information, please visit the PCT Water Report. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Snow depths measured at many locations on the trail system on 11th January are given at the foot of this posting. Share sensitive information only
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. Crampons (or perhaps spikes or snowshoes on some days) are recommended. connected to the .gov website. The eighteenth storm, due this evening, is an unusual atmospheric river combined with very cold air again, expected to produce heavy snowfall for 24th-25th February. By 1st February there was a somewhat meandering snowshoe track from Round Valley (and presumably Long Valley) up to San Jacinto Peak, ultimately using the East Ridge route from near Miller Peak, that generally followed lower angle terrain and avoided the traversing slopes of the Peak Trail. Altitudes are approximate. Spikes tend to be most valuable for descending even when not needed for ascending. By the afternoon of 15th, melting was already underway below 7000 ft. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating in the trails. Be aware of your surroundings trails look different in the snow and are sometimes are hard to find. Fire lookouts at Black Mountain and Tahquitz Peak were closed for the season ahead of schedule in anticipation of the snow storm in early November. Deer Springs Trail has a posthole track to follow along its entire length. 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 theoretically unavailable for legal parking. 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. Started by: jack. If you want to hike during the week, you have a better chance of getting a permit. With the light fresh powder the previous evening, accompanied by very strong winds causing extensive drifting, prior tracks, including my own from 13th, had been totally erased everywhere so I was again breaking trail the entire way. Go Hiking Trip Reports San Gorgonio Wilderness-California. Forecasts remain more uncertain about the second wave of stormy weather on 16th-18th January. As mentioned above, crampons (always in conjunction with an ice axe) are currently recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, notably the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. As discussed above, additional light snowfall on 3rd and 5th January will further complicate the trail conditions. With another storm imminent tomorrow, I do not plan a thorough update until Wednesday 15th. Altitudes are approximate. Snowshoes are not required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock
Rescuers typically are called out about 90 times a year, but rarely in such close succession. Forsee Creek, San Bernardino Peak, Momyer, and Vivian Creek trailheads offer a great opportunity to create through hikes that include the popular San Bernardino and San Gorgonio peaks, said Deputy Forest Supervisor John D. Exline. . Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. Donate via PayPal using the link below, Viewing 15 topics - 1 through 15 (of 533 total), Overnight Whitewater Preserve- 1/28/2023. Rainfall may continue at mid elevations potentially for several consecutive days, and the relative warmth of the air masses may produce rain and/or freezing rain as high as San Jacinto Peak, challenging layers of icy or mixed snow/ice conditions at all elevations, and perhaps melting of much preexisting snow below about 8000 ft. Current forecasts for precipitation suggest as much as three inches of rain around the elevation of Idyllwild (5000-6000 ft) between the afternoon of Tuesday 27th December 2022 and Wednesday 4th January 2023. Note that near its junction with Deer Springs Trail, the route was not close to the established trail, so cautious navigation may be needed. Rainfall in Idyllwild (at 5550ft) has also maintained a steady pace, with close to 0.7 inch so far today. South Ridge Road itself is now functionally clear of ice and snow. That said, temperatures in the high country are much more typical of December than April! At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) 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. The forecast for the last ten days of December differs radically from what was predicted just a week ago, and a major warming trend is expected rather than another cold Pacific storm. The second week of January is expected to be relatively warm and sunny, so extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations. Temperatures during and after both storms are forecast to be below seasonal for late November, colder than the storm system in early November, and windy and hence especially cold in the high country. You can also request via fax at (909) 794-1125. After some early sleety drizzle it has been snowing in Long Valley (8600 ft) since late morning with 0.75 inch accumulating so far. Momyer trailhead is now open. on official, secure websites. I barebooted to Saddle, and then snowshoed back down to help consolidate the track. Best,
Take a look here . Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers will find them useful for descending. With some melting already underway and compaction caused by freeze-thaw cycles and hiker traffic, conditions will deteriorate for snowshoeing over the next few days, especially on more heavily traveled trails below 9000ft. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. After a relatively benign day, it started snowing gently at 1340, and has become steady with large wet flakes in the past hour or so. These mileages were all recently revised by the USFS and SGWA:
potentially dangerous) windchill temperatures. Even experienced hikers should understand that winter ice hiking requires Alpine mountaineering equipment and skills, authorities said. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. . Spikes are expected to remain extremely useful over the next few weeks given the unpredictable weather. The traversing slopes above Wellmans Divide (roughly 9800-10,500 ft) were extremely firm early in the morning and potentially treacherous. Section C/D: Very shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for hiking. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. This Residential listing has 2 Beds, 2 Full Baths. With compaction of the trails in the second week of January, snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country for the foreseeable future. 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. Forecast precipitation is currently only a dusting of 1-2 inches of snow at upper elevations, but combined with strong winds this will be sufficient to complicate route-finding. Tracks of myself and a couple of others from recent days were largely visible up Devils Slide Trail, and I barebooted to Saddle Junction through thin powder overlying ice. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. [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. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area. 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. Current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness feeling more typical for April or May than late November. Altitudes are approximate. Round Valley is the campsite along the trail to San Jacinto from the Long Valley ranger station. 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.
Day hiked on 12/22/22 - Very nice snow and weather conditions with little wind. (909) 382-2682 (Voice)
Precipitation turned to occasional light snow in Long Valley at about 1330, with an accumulation by 1550 of just 0.5 inch. the snowfall predicted in some forecasts. Although some treefall hazards from Red Tahquitz to Antsell Rock (PCT Miles 172.5-175) were cleared in June 2021 prior to the rockslide removal work, the situation has badly deteriorated since. Three periods of cold, cloudy days are now expected over the next ten days, but little if any precipitation.]. Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. Melting on sun-exposed slopes is well underway, e.g., on lower South Ridge and Deer Springs trails. 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. All Rights Reserved. We talk about his top SoCal mountains, tips & advice for long day hikes and newbie hikers, salsa dancing up Half Dome, redemption on San Gorgonio, disappearing on Ontario Peak, completing the Six Pack of Peaks challenge in one month, Cactus to Clouds vs Iron Mountain, summit cypher, dance origins, and the one hike he would re-live all over again. The next, much more substantial, wave of snow arrives later this afternoon. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has no steps to follow through the steeply angled ice with overlying deep snow. Currently, and increasingly as snow conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft, lower in places. Minor storm overnight on 27th-28th December. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. Otherwise, reliable posthole tracks are in place from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, but parts will become obscured by any additional light snowfall and/or especially by drifting snow from strong winds. A very mild system with rain to 9000 ft elevation (and consequently very icy conditions), and one inch of fresh snow above about 9000 ft elevation, increasing to 1.5 inch above 10,000 ft. 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. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Thursday 24th November 2022 at 0810 the air temperature was 29.0F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 5.7F (-15C), 16% relative humidity, and a severe NNW wind sustained at 25 mph gusting to 35.1 mph. Precipitation has been steady at mid and upper elevations for the past few hours. All have been reported to US Forest Service. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through increasingly patchy, very thin, icy snow above about 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). Above that elevation, icy snow cover is about 60% to Saddle Junction. "Sunshine lulls people into a false sense of security. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, potentially lower in places.