snowpack on mt san jacintosnowpack on mt san jacinto
At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 6th February 2023 at 0930 the air temperature was 11.1F (-12C), with a windchill temperature of -11.0F (-24C), 59% relative humidity, and a frigid NNW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 20.2 mph. 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. Spikes are not required. There is a well-traveled track to follow through the very light and patchy 1-3 inches of icy snow. The next comprehensive Report update is not expected before Wednesday 18th January. Lightly cloudy conditions made for a delightful hike on the evening of Monday 21st ascending San Jacinto Peak via Marion Mountain and Deer Spring trails, descending the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails). Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0.75 inches (melting rapidly this afternoon). 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). 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 next comprehensive update to the Report will hopefully be tomorrow evening, Friday 6th. There is a very well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak (multiple photos below). The peak is also frequently called Mount San Jacinto. Rapid melting of snow on sun-exposed slopes and freeze-thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Combined with a weak sun at this time of year, snow melt will generally be very slow at upper elevations, and conditions will be ideal for freeze/thaw cycles and hence icy trails. 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. The flow of atmospheric river storm systems continues unabated across California. Thank you for taking the time to read this. 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). 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. Each of them was memorable. This rain produces huge masses of ice in the trees, including many chunks I have estimated as weighing 40-100 lb this winter, which can dislodge dramatically once direct sunlight warms the trees. Firm and fast hard packed ice before 11am. Although I made a concerted effort to put in a track as faithful to the trail routes as conditions permitted, wild winds and spindrift powder on all the exposed slopes rendered that fairly pointless. 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. The highest probability of precipitation is early morning on Friday 2nd. Sadly at first light the precipitation turned to drizzle at all elevations on the western slope between (at least) Idyllwild and 8100 ft at Saddle Junction, and consequently the snow quality was deteriorating fast at mid elevations this morning. It continued to rain heavily overnight at mid elevations everywhere below about 7000 ft. Idyllwild at 5550 ft elevation recorded an impressive 4.01 inches of rain in the 24 hour period up to 0700 this morning. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 1st January 2023 are as follows. Often spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 9-10 inches (total 11-12 inches), Long Valley (8600 ft): 8 inches (8-9 inches), Saddle Junction/approx. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 0915 the air temperature was 24.0F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 5.8F (-15C), 74% relative humidity, and a bitter NNW wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 24.5 mph. Average snow cover is 60%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 19th-20th February (east and south side locations) and 15th February 2023 (west side) are as follows. Suitable waterproof footwear is strongly recommended. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. One thing Holden was sure of, however, is that Sundays avalanche appeared to be no joke. Note that tracks are being obscured very quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in hours or even minutes (see photo below). However the high country has been largely above this precipitation, with the sun even trying to peek out at times in Long Valley, and only about another inch of snow was added there this morning. The PCT from Snow Creek south to at least Saddle Junction (roughly Miles 207-179) has a clear track to follow. "The biggest issue with the snow levels is the . The storm was relatively mild, as might be expected from an atmospheric river system pulling moisture in from subtropical latitudes at this relatively early season, and as a result the freeze level was relatively high for most of the time that precipitation fell. There is considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has no steps to follow through the steeply angled icy snow. I measured 15 inches of snow during a check of Devils Slide trailhead (6520 ft) at Humber Park this morning. However the snow conditions may not be suitable for snowshoeing on certain slopes, depending on the ice conditions below the surface due to multiple freezing rain incidents this winter. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location followed in parentheses where known by the combined fresh snowfall from the two minor storms on 13th-14th February. A winter storm will continue to move through California today then into the Four Corners on Sunday bringing significant mountain snow, strong winds with blizzard conditions, lower elevation snow where snow is unusual, and well below normal temperatures. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 7000 ft, possibly lower in places on cold (icy) mornings. Ernie Maxwell Trail has good tracks to follow along its entire length, through the continuous snow cover a few inches deep. Two new trees were down on the upper trail, unsurprising given the huge weight of ice from freezing rain plastered all over the trees. I put in a posthole track the entire way up, but crampons (with an ice axe) were necessary on the upper switchbacks above about 8300 ft due to the usual steeply angled ice obscured underneath 6-12 inches of powder. 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). Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Up to one inch of rain is forecast at mid elevations, but with only a couple of inches of snow likely around the highest peaks as the high country may be above the cloud for some of the storm. Conditions prior to this storm had been unsettled for several days, with a minor storm overnight on 27th-28th December. Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (summarized in a prior Report) has been melting steadily as temperatures in the past week have been above seasonal. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. I barebooted to 9000 ft, then snowshoed the rest of the way through lovely light powder. 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. Current forecasts for precipitation suggest as much as three inches of rain around the elevation of Idyllwild (5000-6000 ft) between the evening of Tuesday 27th December 2022 and Friday 6th January 2023. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. 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. Obviously these depths are expected to change dramatically over the next few days. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide, from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak, and up South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. Similarly, Long Valley (8600ft) added about two inches overnight for a storm total of about seven inches and a current total depth of about 15 inches. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. 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. As mentioned above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and light powder there is extreme drifting. 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. Thank you so much for your support. I recorded a short video discussion there (available here on YouTube) which gives a feel for current conditions. The Trail Report has adopted Seven Pines Trail as a priority for maintenance work as the trail has had a disproportionate number of lost hiker rescues in the past decade. Although excellent tracks are now in place for some major trails (as outlined below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere for the next few days in particular. Altitudes are approximate. New treefall hazards on Devils Slide Trail, South Ridge Trail, and Spitler Peak Trail, have all been reported. The lower half of the trail in particular is very icy. Spitler Peak Trail is now functionally clear of snow. By using snowshoes, crampons, or even just microspikes, we were able to hike Mount San Jacinto's summit every month of the year. On Mount San Jacinto, the conditions just arent good for avalanches with the slopes and amount of trees we have, he said. Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. The second system may be more substantial, with precipitation expected most of the day and night of Saturday 31st December into Sunday 1st January. Snow on this east slope is drifted, and remains 3-8 inches deep in places. Spikes are recommended. A few minor patches exist close to the top. A key feature of this sequence of storms will be the relative warmth of the air masses which will lead to high freeze levels. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. My 2022 survey counted 97 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular route. Spikes are recommended but not strictly essential depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 22nd December] has a well-defined but lumpy posthole track throughout. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 42 inches (45-48 inches), drifted to 60 inches in places, especially on East Ridge. 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. Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. The cold icy early morning snow had the perfect bite for good boots with excellent soles. The section where the avalanche occurred rarely has people on it, he said, because climbing options are limited to a very technical route that is typically attempted only by experienced climbers later in the season. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. South Ridge Road itself is now functionally clear of ice and snow. 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). 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. Devils Slide Trail is functionally clear of snow below 7600 ft, about two miles up, and then snow cover is about 60% up to Saddle Junction but becoming almost continuous within 0.2 mile of the junction. Altitudes are approximate. Measurements taken on Monday 30th were unchanged by Wednesday 1st. Some hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending. Devils Slide Trail has an excellent compacted track to follow to Saddle Junction. The latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and conservative decision making. Through LRV and up to San Jacinto Peak, there are at least three tracks (two posthole, one snowshoe), none of which attempt to follow the trail route, and all are steep and very direct. While snowfall accompanying the first of those storms may be light, perhaps 2-4 inches in Idyllwild and 4-6 inches in the high country, strong winds at the highest peaks are tentatively forecast to produce extremely cold windchill conditions, similar to 15th February (see below). Fresh snowfall, melting, and freeze/thaw cycles will all combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain over the next week or two. 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. Seven Pines Trail has one set of hiker tracks through the snow since the storm in early November 2022. Precipitation turned to occasional light snow in Long Valley at about 1330, with an accumulation by 1550 of just 0.5 inch. 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