Snow cover is a patchy 20% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.5 mile (roughly 8600 ft). No tracks had made it as far as Chinquapin from Saddle Junction at that time. February 2011 recorded 45.5 inches, and there were 45.5 inches in March 2006. These mileages were all recently revised by the USFS and SGWA: This is the flattest portion of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains, and snow depth currently averages about 13 inches. Although the high country currently has its deepest snow accumulation in almost four years, since March 2019, this winter nevertheless remains well below the average for snowfall in the San Jacinto mountains to late January. Very shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for hiking. Spikes are useful but not strictly required for ascending, but most hikers will continue to find them very useful for descending. Donate via PayPal using the link below. Spikes are recommended. Mu Zhi Mountain. The Barton Flats Visitor Center on Hywy 38 and the Fawnskin Ranger Station in Big Bear also can issue these permits. View 18632 Deer Trail Rd, Banning, CA 92220 property records for FREE including property ownership, deeds, mortgages, titles & sales history, current & historic tax assessments, legal, parcel & structure description, land use, zoning & more. Conditions will remain very unsettled well into the third week of January. Pack your camera and your taste buds for this delicious adventure to see the sights and explore the food of Southern Italy! Your contribution helps SGWA protect the Wilderness and educate visitors! 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). South Fork via Dollar Lake 9.8 miles 4,622' gain Just wanted to note your elevation source for 11,490' lists the elevation @ 11,499'. Looking for partner (s) for these tentative scheduled hikes - see my Meetup SoCal Mountain Running & Mountaineering or DM me for more info. San Gorgonio is the tallest mountain in Southern California, and a rite of passage for serious hikers in the area. Trip Report By. The next, much more substantial, wave of snow arrives later this afternoon. Every year seems to have unique challenges and 2023 is already proving to be no exception. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it is expected to add freezing rain and/or layers of snow and ice over the next ten days. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. Snowshoes can be used for ascending the highest peaks, but with considerable caution. The average snow depth in this area is only about five inches, but on this slope it is heavily drifted in places at 10-12 inches. 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. The high country remained above the cloud for this one, with no fresh snowfall above about 8000 ft. Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (discussed here) continues to melt slowly. WATCH: Rare Southern California Avalanche Caught On Camera Surreal scene out of Southern California where an avalanche was captured on video crashing down the north face of the San Jacinto Mountains after a recent storm. Discover your local Girl Scout council: about Girl Scouts, what they do, what activities are available locally, and how to contact us. The wilderness encompasses an incredible transition between desert, and mountain environments, including an enormous variety of thriving plant and animal species, in addition to bear, deer, mountain lion and bighorn sheep. MLS # EV23032625 Started by: MikeH. But I'm worried about him." 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. Although the snow is not particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and steeply angled, and has at least one ice layer underneath the fresh powder. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. Snowshoes are no longer required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. 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. 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). My tracks from Wednesday 11th January from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak and down Deer Springs Trail will be largely visible but may be somewhat obscured in places. If there are Road Closed signs across Fern Valley Road at its junction with Forest Drive likely the case at least on weekends and holidays when significant snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Cloud cover started to envelop the mountains early this morning. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Such unseasonably warm temperatures mean that snow melt will be rapid everywhere while in many areas freeze/thaw cycles will result in icy trails in the early mornings above about 7000 ft. By late morning snow conditions will become poor for hiking (soft, slippery, and even slushy) especially in sun-exposed areas. Some hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending. The Peak Trail has about 80% cover of icy snow, largely continuous above 9900 ft. Spikes are recommended. 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. The high country added only another couple of inches of snow overnight. Two ascents of San Jacinto Peak in three days had challenging snow and weather, but both were hugely enjoyable. 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. website belongs to an official government organization in the Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (possibly lower in places) obscured by moderate snow, and even fresh tracks being erased by spindrift snow in places. Altitudes are approximate. 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. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. Long Valley at 8600 ft on the east slope received only about two inches of fresh snow. Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak. 0:57. 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. The permits can be obtained at the Ranger Station in Mentone, 34701 Mill Creek Rd. Hiking Trails. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. Additional moderate snowfall is tentatively forecast for 28th February-1st March. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. It warmed last night to just above freezing below 6000 ft, with a mixture of rain and sleet falling on top of the prior snow, turning it increasingly to wet slush at mid elevations (we measured about 0.25 inch rain in Idyllwild). 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). Suitable waterproof footwear is strongly recommended. As I snowshoed down past 9000 ft elevation it was clear from a layer of ice underfoot that after a light snowfall, there had been rain on top of snow, before it started snowing again on top of that Sunday morning. website belongs to an official government organization in the All in all, I found the Fish Creek Trail to be a great way to go. 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. Vivian Creek 9.3 miles 5,422' gain Note: When there is sufficient snow coverage, the winter route is MUCH preferred and typically much safer. Very fine snow fell briefly this evening. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 19th December (east side) or 15th December (west side) 2022 are as follows. Since the depths given in the previous Report, there has been some melting at higher elevations which have been above the cloud at times, and below 7000 ft where temperatures have remained above freezing for several days. San Gorgonio Wilderness-California. In combination with the four inches of rain since Saturday, not to mention the many inches of rain earlier this winter, the mid elevations, including the mountain communities, are now best described as a very soggy and slushy mess. Hiked the South Fork trail to Dry Lake where we camped for the night. Most notable for our region is the remaining uncertainty within the meteorological models, which could result in us receiving half (or double!) One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. However, snowshoes may become increasingly useful if conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 9000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. The next full update will likely be on the afternoon of 25th. So don't be fooled into thinking you are going for 16 miles. All trails above about 8000 ft are obscured by snow at this time, and cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. They tend to be especially valuable for descending trails. You can check out the latest hike logs from San Gorgonio here. They tend to be especially useful for descending. She was driving on Interstate 10 (and had to concentrate on the road!) The snow continues unabated, although the pace has slowed somewhat in the past hour. This storm is expected to have two periods of precipitation, one each on 11th and 12th. MLS #219090979 As forecast, the storm came in two main waves, with the bulk of the precipitation falling for most of the daylight hours of Sunday 11th, followed by a remarkably calm and clear night, and then a much less intense period of snowfall between about 0800-1300 on Monday 12th. Current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness feeling more typical for April or May than late November. In my recent experience off-trail snow is now also largely too shallow and/or patchy for snowshoes. The Vivian Creek trail is an artery used by hikers to reach the peak. "If he's not hurt, he's on the move somewhere. Deer Springs Trail has a posthole track to follow along its entire length. If there are Road Closed signs further down often the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations for the foreseeable future. A remarkable further 9.5 inches of snow fell in Idyllwild today, bringing the storm total to 19.5 inches, before largely stopping and the cloud cover partly clearing out near dusk. The trail design is excellent, with the grade perfectly balanced for ascent and descent. We hiked to top of San Gorgonio yesterday (8/23/09) via the Vivian Creek trail. It is a difficult hike, to say the least, and is recommended only for hikers who have adequate experience. Hikers should anticipate new treefall hazards in trails we have already found one major new one on the Ernie Maxwell Trail and also that tracks in snow may have been obscured by windblown drifting powder. View more property details and sales history on Xome. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through very thin and patchy icy snow above about 7200 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). I was pleased to see that over the weekend some posthole tracks were added on top of my snowshoe track from last week all the way up Deer Springs Trail to San Jacinto Peak. Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. When Anabel and I waded out for a modest walk, the snowplows seemed to be struggling to keep up on the streets, but we know they will catch up in due course. 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. One of the most visited National Forest in Southern California. At the on Monday 5th December 2022 at 0840 the air temperature was 24.1F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 2.8F (-16C), 20% relative humidity, and a bitter WSW wind sustained at 18 mph gusting to 33.0 mph. Spikes can be useful for descending in particular. 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. This is frankly grossly misleading and in reality both trails no longer exist and are so completely overgrown I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is functionally clear of icy snow, although a few minor patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. A significant triple storm system had a major impact on 21st-26th February, and those updates are posted below also. This will change later this week. 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. For locations measured on 23rd January, these measurements are still useful, as the new recent snow depth is roughly offset by melting over the past week. (6), Images 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. San Bernardino 9 Peaks Traverse. South Fork camps such as Dry and Dollar Lakes are also filling several weeks in advance.If you want to hike during the week, you have a better chance of getting a permit.Self-issue permits aren't always available - they oftentimes run out, or get stolen. Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks (see photo below). PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 0-1 inch (was 3 inches on 9th), Storm updates 24th February-1st March2023, Minor snow storm update 11th January2023, Weather and trail update 27th December2022, Moderate snow storm 11th-12th December2022. Treacherous ice is the common denominator in three of the four deaths, and the disappearances of Kumm and Barbour, said Sgt. The Ernie Maxwell Trail [surveyed 5th January] has patchy snow along its entire length, however it is largely clear for long sections, and the remaining snow is soft. The flow of atmospheric river storm systems continues unabated across California. In general conditions in the remainder of January will be much more settled than for the first half of the month. 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. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 3 inches (4 inches on 12th December), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0-1 inches (3.5 inches on 12th December). While searchers said three of the men who died were experienced hikers, Kumm is better described as an outdoors enthusiast, said Cpl. Best, After we took the Dry Lake trail for about a 1/4 of a mile, we split from the main trail and took the main winter route. The Ernie Maxwell Trail [surveyed 10th January] has minor patches of snow along its entire length, however it is largely clear for long sections, and the remaining snow is rarely icy. FOLLOW A FEW SIMPLE RULES, Your contribution helps SGWA protect the Wilderness and educate visitors! You can also request via fax at (909) 794-1125. PCTA is aware of the situation, and is hoping to start addressing it soon (weather permitting). I recorded a short video at the Peak, available here on YouTube. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. South Ridge Trail is now functionally clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak with only 1-2% icy snow cover overall. As mentioned last week, current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness typical of April rather than December. Trip Report. Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storm (the most recent is at the top). Extremely cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. 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. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 4-5 inches (was 12 inches on 9th), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 4 inches on 24th (was approx. 3407 Calle Sin Rival is a 2956 square foot property with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. An additional six inches of accumulation today brings the total in Idyllwild since 21st February to 20.5 inches. The first number is the depth of fresh snow from this latest storm, followed in parentheses by the current total snow depth. Please check this page for periodic updates (the most recent is at the top). The Ernie Maxwell Trail is clear of snow. Marion Mountain Trail has a very well-defined track to follow. Winter conditions exist in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. Add : Sale Price: $8.88 . Deer Springs Trail has a broken track to follow all the way to San Jacinto Peak. View details, map and photos of this single family property with 2 bedrooms and 2 total baths. Every year seems to have its unique challenges, and clearly 2023 will be no exception. 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 is a summary of conditions following the second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. 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. Snowfall at the elevation of Long Valley (8600 ft) has been similarly steady, and 3-4 inches of fresh powder there takes the total depth close to one foot. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 8 inches (8-9 inches), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 4 inches (total 4 inches). From there I put in a direct ascending track roughly following the old East Ridge Trail to the Peak. 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. 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. Winds decreasing (severe gales from the W on Mon morning, fresh winds from the WNW by Wed night). Elevation gain : 5,840 ft. 0:04. Further light snow is expected starting this evening, followed by much heavier snow overnight on 28th February-1st March. What does it mean if I have a California Campfire Permit? Currently, and increasingly as snow conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft, lower in places. Difficulty : Strenuous. The Vivian Creek Trail is definitely more than 7.8mi. Mu Zhi Mountain gives great scenery over Taipei and the surrounding area, including Taiwan's tallest building, Taipei. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. San Diego County Trail Map Sale Price: $13.88 . The 20th storm of winter 2022/23, the second of two storms across three days, is currently impacting the San Jacinto mountains. 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. You must be logged in to create new topics. However excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place for most of the major trails (details below). San Gorgonio are popular peaks year-round with Southland hikers, and receive snowfall above roughly 7,000 feet in winter. 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. The strange rollercoaster ride that has been winter 2022/23 so far will continue for the foreseeable future. With storms accompanied by strong west winds, the slopes above about 9500 ft on the east flanks of San Jacinto and Jean peaks may develop a snow structure with minor to moderate avalanche risk by the weekend of 25th-26th (as last seen on these slopes in early 2017). 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. 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. Thank you so much for your support. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. However the route is now well-traveled and compacted. A less intense but slow moving multi-storm system is forecast for Friday 16th-Wednesday 21st. "Warning, Extreme Icy Conditions Do Not Hike Alone," stated fliers handed out with hiking permits in the San Gorgonio district of the San Bernardino National Forest beginning Wednesday. Snow expected in the high country in the early hours of Wednesday 28th is not expected to be sufficient to obscure some of the higher elevation trails and complicate navigation. Thank you so much for your support. Dcouvrez les photos et les conseils d'autres randonneurs et trouvez toutes les promenades autour de Sand To Snow National Monument qui . Nevertheless, snowshoes will be valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000ft for the foreseeable future, and on trail where tracks have not yet been broken. For about one mile north of Saddle Junction, snow cover is only a patchy 30% on the sun exposed slope (Angels Glide) and then averages about 50% on the Wellman Trail, but then icy snow cover is about 95% on the Peak Trail to San Jacinto Peak. Other than that the trailhead is a 30 minute drive over a sometimes rough road from the highway, I found little reason this should be the least popular route. Drive northeast for about 14 miles to the intersection with Valley of the Falls Road. That is expected to change, with up to several inches of snow forecast both in the high country and at mid elevations tonight. Time: ~10 hours. Both days I put spikes on at the Peak for the descent, on 24th keeping them on until about 8000 ft on Marion Mountain Trail, and on 28th until about 9900 ft on the Peak Trail, roughly one mile north of Wellman Divide. http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/. 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.