For closure information, please visit our official PCT closures page. It's a beautiful hike through pines, cedars . Hikers will encounter new treefall hazards due to the enormous weight of ice from freezing rain associated with the early November storm, followed by recent Santa Ana winds, and since the passage of Tropical Storm Kay in September. At 11,503, "Old Grayback" provides an excellent high altitude training for those . However, snowshoes will become increasingly useful as snow depths increase over the coming days; they may initially be useful as low as 4000 ft, steadily rising to 5000-6000 ft next week. On Monday 13th I also postholed the entire hike, as I was able to ascend barebooting to about 9200 ft before putting on crampons. 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. Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. (909) 382-2682 (Voice)
My Time: 9 hours 17 minutes (moving), 11 hours 37 minutes total. At the Peak 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. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. website belongs to an official government organization in the
Although not required, some hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending. For the foreseeable future hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and well below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). My tracks from Wednesday were still largely visible and helped a little with traction. Moderate snow has continued for the past few hours at San Jacinto Peak, with a storm total so far of about 7.5 inches. The second week of January is expected to be relatively warm and sunny, so extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations. Note that data for the high country are dramatically different from those for Idyllwild, and generally sadly lacking, other than meteorological records for Long Valley (8600 ft elevation) since the 1960s. Sadly this phenomenon has become much more of a factor in recent years with freezing rainfall (rather than snow) occurring at higher elevations at higher frequency with much warmer weather systems. 1629 Sams Cyn , Beaumont, CA 92223-7572 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $699,900. Crampons (or perhaps spikes or snowshoes on some days) are recommended. FOLLOW A FEW SIMPLE RULES, Your contribution helps SGWA protect the Wilderness and educate visitors! Eventually with compaction of the trails caused by increasing hiker traffic and freeze/thaw cycles snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country well into February. While all time and effort is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report requests small private donations to cover costs. This may mean rain and/or freezing rain as high as 10,000 ft, and challenging layers of icy or mixed snow/ice conditions at all elevations, including the possible melting of some or most preexisting snow below about 8000 ft due to rainfall. Be prepared for ice and deep snow, bring crampons and /or snow shoes and above all do not hike past your limits. 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. For driving directions, the trailhead address is: Vivian Creek Trailhead. WEATHER UPDATE 23rd December: forecasts have been shifting dramatically in recent days. Devils Slide Trail is almost clear of icy snow to about 7700 ft although some extended dirty icy patches remain below that. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. The snow continues unabated, although the pace has slowed somewhat in the past hour. 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. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter especially at weekends and holiday periods after fresh snowfall then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Forecasts are increasingly confident of a moderate storm on Sunday 11th, with up to 1.5 inch of rain at the elevation of Idyllwild, turning into 1-3 inches of light snow on Sunday night, while 8-14 inches of snow are forecast for the high country. If full, drive down to bottom entrance area where there is an overflow parking lot. Aspen Grove 12.75 miles, 4,092' gain
Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. Since then Idyllwild had a very light dusting (<0.25 inch) of snow on Friday 20th, but the high country was above the cloud and unaffected. Read About these trails in our Hiking Guide . website belongs to an official government organization in the
The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping . The East Ridge Trail from near Miller Peak to San Jacinto Peak has multiple tracks, all of which were disappearing under fresh spindrift when I ascended that way on Monday 23rd. Approximately 200-250 people will be running on the Pacific Crest Trail south of Lake Hughes in Angeles National Forest on April 22, 2023. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. Does anybody have accurate GPS or other reading of the actual total elevation gain? Every year seems to have its challenges and 2022 has been no exception. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. While fresh snow may be optimum for snowshoeing for the next couple of weeks, snow at all elevations will become increasingly firm and icy following multiple freeze-thaw cycles, and compaction by increasing hiker traffic in places, and I cannot overemphasize the importance of having both appropriate equipment and the right skill set for the terrain. Cold clouds in the high country produced thick rime on the trees above about 10,200 ft elevation on 1st December (photo from 2nd below) but otherwise no meaningful precipitation. 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. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. His body was found Saturday, nearly 1,000 feet below a spot where a partner thought he had fallen. However, relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below). Minor storm overnight on 27th-28th December. Melting may be slow and largely confined to the most sun-exposed slopes, but freeze/thaw cycles, compaction, and low overnight temperatures may lead to very icy conditions. Mike, You might want to use this one instead
Clearly conditions are expected to continue to change over the next week or two, so this summary is intentionally brief. What does it mean if I have a California Campfire Permit? Temperatures on the morning of 15th were the lowest of this winter, and among the lowest of the past decade. 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. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. So don't be fooled into thinking you are going for 16 miles. The freeze level again started very high at >9000 ft, with light rain falling in Long Valley (8600 ft) all morning. Tracks are in place around Skunk Cabbage Meadow, and south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat. Free day use and overnight permits are required. The next comprehensive update of the Report will likely be in the evening of Wednesday 11th. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. When the gate is closed there are still nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (which still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent to be displayed). Rain started overnight in Idyllwild, and by late this afternoon (at 1550) totals 1.22 inch. 9.1 miles one-way. 2; 2; 1 month, 1 week ago. Across the three storm days, locations above about 9000 ft all generally added at least two feet of snow (admixed with layers of freezing rain in areas up to 10,000 ft). (21 ), Google Search for 'San Gorgonio Wilderness', http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/, Bear Flat, C2C, Vivian Creek: SoCal Triple Crown, The Hard Way, A Sleepless Winter Night On Top San Gorgonio, Southern California County Highpoints Tour, Cactus to Clouds, 9 Peak Traverse, and Baldy for the SoCal Triple Crown, Ascent of San Gorgonio - snowboarding down, My Personal "San Bernardino Mtns Trail Marathon", Spring Ascent of San Gorgonio's North Face. "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. Forecasts are inconsistent regarding the amount of snowfall in this next storm, but those that I trust suggest 12+ inches in Idyllwild over the next 24 hours, with 1-2 feet in the high country. Please check this page for periodic updates (the most recent is at the top). Baldy and Mt. The second storm on 15th-16th is expected to be colder with a lower freeze level which may result in 1-2 inches of snow down to 5000 ft or possibly even lower. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow powder. These conditions are expected to change significantly over the next ten days due to the highly unsettled weather forecast into early January. Long Valley at 8600 ft on the east slope received only about two inches of fresh snow. (16), Additions & Corrections I hope to provide more information on the high country situation on Sunday 26th, depending on conditions/weather. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. A light overnight snowfall, which produced another three inches in Idyllwild, finally stopped at 0700 this morning. 3407 Calle Sin Rival is located in San Clemente, the 92673 zipcode, and the Capistrano Unified School District. 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. I put spikes on at the Peak for the descent and ultimately kept on my Kahtoola microspikes until about 9000 ft, one mile north of Saddle Junction. Coldwell Banker. (130) Good Coverage. Kenneth Smith, 66, of Yucaipa died Jan. 5 while ice climbing in the Forest Falls area, not far from where Barbour is missing now. The Peak Trail still has about 90% cover of icy snow to San Jacinto Peak. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and/or icy patches (depending upon time of day). The South Fork Trailhead (officially known as South Fork Trail 1E04) lies about 2.5 miles off of Rt 38, close to the town of Angelus Oaks. The freeze level will again start very high, but is forecast to fall lower, with the possibility of a light dusting of snow down to about 5500 ft. Another inch of rain is forecast for mid elevations, but a heavier snowfall is expected in the high country, with predictions ranging from 8-20 inches above 10,000 ft. Further precipitation is tentatively forecast for 3rd-6th January, but amounts, timing, and freeze levels remain uncertain this far ahead. Currently crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use both), are strongly recommended. 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. SGWA is testing a new interactive trail map! Once it stopped snowing, the mountain was shrouded in thick foggy cloud, such that visibility was as low as 100 feet on the exposed slopes of the Peak Trail. The latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and conservative decision making. Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. Spikes will likely become increasingly useful over the next few days and weeks as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. San Diego County Trail Map Sale Price: $13.88 . A short video giving a feel for current snow conditions at San Jacinto Peak is available here on YouTube. Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (summarized here) has been melting steadily at mid elevations but more slowly in the high country given the relative weakness of the sun at this time of year. As mentioned last week, current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness typical of April rather than December. 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. 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. Such warm conditions will soon be a distant memory. There is a lightly traveled compacted snowshoe track on the East Ridge between Miller Peak and San Jacinto Peak but it does not accurately follow the route of the East Ridge Trail. 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.]. Trail Conditions Map; Wilderness Trip Planner . See closure notice link below for more details. Consequently the trail conditions and snow depths reported herein will change dramatically over the next few days. Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. 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. Marion Mountain Trail has a well-traveled snowshoe track to follow along its entire length. The avalanche was an unusual occurrence on Mount San Jacinto, RMRU President Eric Holden said. In my most recent survey there were at least 82 treefall hazards between PCT Miles 170-175 including 20+ major ones, and about six more on PCT Miles 175-177. I've climbed it many times during winter and have found myself to be the only soul on the mountain. 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. Very light precipitation well before first light this morning included a dusting of snow above 6000 ft, <0.25 inch below 8000 ft and about 0.25 inch above that elevation, plus 0.03 inch of drizzle in Idyllwild. The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping panoramic views from the top of Mt. STAY SAFE!RESCUES IN THE WILDERNESS CAN BE AVOIDED.FOLLOW A FEW SIMPLE RULES, Be prepared Carry Flashlight, Map, Food, Water and Clothing. Take warm clothing and equipment so you can stay overnight should you have to. 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. The lower half of the trail should be largely clear of snow by the weekend. Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers will find them useful for descending. The snow pack was hard enough to walk on top in some places but we did experience many holes. 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 steadily melting 1-2 inches of icy snow. San Gorgonio Wilderness Association; Google Search for 'San Gorgonio Wilderness' Lots of useful links. Check out this 25.0-mile point-to-point trail near Forest Falls, California. "Especially on the north-facing slopes, it has remained extremely cold up there," he said. Dutch Flat, at about 5600 ft elevation between Idyllwild and Pine Cove, recorded 0.86 inch of rain by 1300. 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. South Fork via Dollar Lake 9.8 miles 4,622' gain
However it is thinning rapidly everywhere, and will look radically different in a week or so. Seven Pines Trail has no sign of any hiker traffic since the snow on 12th. As described above, crampons (always in conjunction with an ice axe) are currently recommended everywhere above about 8500 ft, and 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, on both flanks but especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. Official websites use .gov A .gov
The source is here. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. 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. A significant warming trend is expected for later this week and next weekend at all elevations, with significant melting likely, before cooling slightly Monday 6th February but remaining slightly above seasonal. The cloud largely dissipated on my descent, affording some spectacular vistas. San . 3; 8; 3 months ago. The shape of the mountain is influenced by a series of steeply dipping thrust faults on the north face . In Idyllwild for several days both overnight low and daytime high temperatures will be more typical of March or even April than of late December. The permits can be obtained at the Ranger Station in Mentone, 34701 Mill Creek Rd. The kiosk entrance gate is open during the daytime hours for parking up above at the trailhead. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular track or trail. 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!). Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. I hope to provide a more thorough Report tomorrow. Snow depths are currently excellent for snowshoeing above about 7000 ft, where trails havent been too heavily traveled and compacted. It continued to drizzle in Idyllwild all day, slowly accumulating to about 0.25 inch of rain. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in parentheses where known by the maximum depth so far this winter immediately following the latest storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through very thin icy snow above 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). Total Wages: Total wages reported by the employer from Box 5 of the W-2, with some exceptions, and Elected Officials who received pay reported on IRS Form 1099. Marion Mountain Trail (surveyed at least weekly in past month) now has only about 20% icy snow cover, largely in the central section between about 7400-8200 ft elevation which is less sun-exposed. Provisional forecasts suggest the later storm systems, around 25th-27th February, could produce much more significant snowfall, potentially 10-12 inches in Idyllwild and 24+ inches at the highest elevations. If there are Road Closed signs further down at the junction with Forest Drive as is often the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. This makes for less than perfect snowshoeing conditions, but still preferable to postholing. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (3.0 inches on 12th December). On Friday 20th I broke South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. These are free and self-issued. I put on my Kahtoola microspikes to descend from the Peak, ultimately leaving them on most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. 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. 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. Eventually with compaction of the trails caused by increasing hiker traffic and freeze/thaw cycles snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will certainly remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country well into February at least. Spikes could potentially be used to ascend to the highest peaks at this time, although crampons are certainly safer for traversing. 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.