While expected to be relatively mild at first with rain above 9000 ft, overall this next sequence of storms may prove to be colder than most of the recent systems. New treefall hazards on Devils Slide Trail, South Ridge Trail, and Spitler Peak Trail, have all been reported. 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. Measured snow depths as of late morning/early afternoon today are: San Jacinto Peak (10,810 ft) 38 inches, at least 14 new in this storm; Wellman Divide (9700 ft) 30 inches, with 15 new in this storm; Annies Junction at 9070 ft the highest point of the PCT in Southern California 30 inches, with 14 new in this storm; Saddle Junction (8100ft) 15 inches, about 7-8 new in this storm; Devils Slide Trailhead at Humber Park (6520 ft) 2 inches, all from this storm. In my recent experience off-trail snow is now also largely too shallow and/or patchy for snowshoes. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. All have been reported to US Forest Service. Many thanks to Florian Boyd for bringing this to my attention. Mountain rescue president says avalanches are rare on mountain. The rainfall totals at mid elevations were remarkable, and it is tempting to ponder what the snowfall totals could have been in the mountain communities and in the high country had the air temperatures been just a few degrees cooler. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. Even around the 10,000 ft peaks temperatures are expected to fluctuate either side of freezing for at least the first half of February, which will lead to freeze/thaw cycles and likely icy conditions in the mornings followed by soft, challenging snow in the afternoons. Crampons (or perhaps spikes or snowshoes on some days) are recommended. Mountain High. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 9th November 2022 are as follows. The advice above should be used with this in mind, and if in any doubt carry the necessary traction devices that you will be most comfortable using. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is functionally clear of icy snow, although a few minor patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. Along . Stone Creek campground had also closed, then reopened for Thanksgiving weekend. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through light icy snow above about 7200 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). However, relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below). There was no evidence of hiker tracks on Fuller Ridge Trail or Seven Pines Trail as of Monday 23rd January. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. Slushy in places in the afternoon. Given colder temperatures for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to slow (or almost stop in the high country) and spikes will remain recommended well into December at least. Snow cover is essentially continuous from Strawberry Junction to San Jacinto Peak, although patches are starting to clear below 8500 ft (south of the top of the Marion Mountain Trail). This was a very mild system, producing 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 >10,000 ft). My track largely followed the established route of the trail, especially below the Fuller Ridge junction, but higher up the track is much more direct in places. The East Ridge Trail (from near Miller Peak to San Jacinto Peak) has a handful of tracks through the continuous snow, though none (including mine) accurately follow the trail route. Spikes are expected to remain extremely useful over the next few weeks given the unpredictable weather. Altitudes are approximate. Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. Trails down to 5000 ft elevation currently have patchy shallow snow cover. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Wednesday 18th January 2023 at 1115 the air temperature was 16.8F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -3.6F (-20C), 27% relative humidity, and a frigid NNW wind sustained at 10 mph gusting to 25.8 mph. One thing Holden was sure of, however, is that Sundays avalanche appeared to be no joke. 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. However the route is now largely well-traveled and compacted. Spikes are recommended. Seven Pines Trail has no sign of any hiker traffic since the snow on 12th. Forecasts are currently indicating about 30-40 inches of snow for the highest peaks of the San Jacinto mountains (>10,000 ft) between 21st and 25th February, and about 18-30 inches for Idyllwild (5000-6000 ft elevations). UPDATE #2 for 10th November 2022: It was disappointing late this morning to see southbound PCT hikers trying to hike down Highway 243 from Idyllwild to Mountain Center. New treefall hazards on major trails have been reported to relevant agencies, and those on Spitler Peak Trail have already been cleared by the Trail Report. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has a lightly traveled posthole track to follow through the drifted powder. Spitler Peak Trail has a very visible boot track through light snow to the PCT. On the morning of Wednesday 15th February I ascended via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge routes), descending the western side via roughly Deer Springs Trail. I kept those on for the rest of the ascent, and almost all of the descent, finally removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. 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. Currently there is about 1.5 inches of fresh snow at San Jacinto Peak, on top of the very patchy and icy 2-4 inches remaining from early November. The high country remained above the cloud for this one, with no fresh snowfall above about 8000 ft. Snowshoes are no longer required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. Snow cover is only 50% below 6700 ft, about 95% up to 7200 ft, and continuous thereafter. My blogging throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here. That said, temperatures in the high country are much more typical of December than April! Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Temperatures are forecast to remain at or even slightly below seasonal averages into the second half of November, with freezing conditions every night above about 5500 ft elevation. 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. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. All trails above about 7500 ft are currently remain lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. At least two further minor storm systems are forecast, overnight on Monday 2nd into Tuesday 3rd, and then again all day on Thursday 5th. In Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) it started raining at 1100, where it has been relatively slow to accumulate so far, with 0.4 inch by 1500. Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (perhaps lower in places) completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow; very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Today, in Mount San Jacinto State Park, snow showers are forecasted. The main track is clearest just above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. Both trails were virtually completely clear of snow. In general temperatures are expected to warm to above average into next month at all elevations, especially at the highest elevations in the first week of February. Average snow depth around the peak was 24-25 inches, but heavily drifted. Between November 2021 and May 2022, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared. I recorded a brief video at San Jacinto Peak at about 0930 on Friday 6th (available here on YouTube) which discusses conditions at that time. The traversing slopes above Wellmans Divide (roughly 9800-10,500 ft) were extremely firm early in the morning and potentially treacherous. The avalanche was an unusual occurrence on Mount San Jacinto,Riverside Mountain Rescue UnitPresident Eric Holden said. No fresh snow fell overnight, with storm totals of about nine inches at San Jacinto Peak and 0.5 inch in Idyllwild unchanged. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently snow-covered, and partially snow-covered above 5500 ft. Additional moderate snowfall is tentatively forecast for 28th February-1st March. 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. The second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 is currently impacting the San Jacinto mountains. The number given is the current average total snow depth. Devils Slide Trail has a well traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. Most people hike 2-3 hours to the tram for a ride down off the mountain. 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. Snow cover remains virtually continuous, but a few small patches are clearing below 7000 ft. Spikes are strongly recommended, at least for descending. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Altitudes are approximate. There is a very visible boot track through light snow in places in its upper switchbacks to the PCT. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. There are layers of hard ice and firm icy snow beneath the fresh powder, and crampons are ideal at present everywhere above 9000 ft, lower in places. 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. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow powder. Make Yahoo Your Homepage Discover something new every day from News, Sports, Finance, Entertainment and more! I snowshoed the rest of the way to San Jacinto Peak through lovely light powder. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 12-14 inches (storm total 10 inches), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 10-12 inches (storm total 7 inches), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 7 inches (storm total 6 inches), Round Valley (9100 ft): 6 inches (storm total 5 inches) [thanks to Kyle Eubanks for this measurement], Annies Junction/approx. Just a short . This makes for less than perfect snowshoeing conditions, but still preferable to postholing. 51mi . 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). 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. Eventually with compaction of the trails caused by increasing hiker traffic and freeze/thaw cycles snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will likely remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country into February. My 2022 survey counted 97 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. Temperatures on the morning of 15th were the lowest of this winter, and among the lowest of the past decade. Hikers should expect to encounter new treefall hazards due to the enormous weight of ice from freezing rain currently in the trees and the high winds associated with the storm. 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). 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. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating in the trails. 2nd-3rd December). However by this afternoon, melting was already underway below 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes. 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 generally not required for ascending, but most hikers find them useful at least for descending. The flow of atmospheric river storm systems continues unabated across California. These conditions are expected to change significantly over the next ten days due to the highly unsettled weather forecast into early January. A weather system, possibly in two waves across a broad time window between 2nd and 5th December, is currently forecast to produce light precipitation at all elevations, including a possible dusting of snow in the high country [update 1st December: no precipitation is now expected from these storms passing to the north of us]. 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) . Hikers should be prepared for temperatures generally 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). All trails above about 6000 ft are currently lightly (or above 9000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0.75 inches (melting rapidly this afternoon). Rain has continued solidly today in Idyllwild, with another 0.90 inch since 0700 this morning. 68mi . Spikes will likely become more increasingly useful over the next few days and weeks as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. 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. 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. Steady heavy snow started in Idyllwild at about 0830 but stopped at about 1400. Some winters are better than others, with wet years producing several feet of snow in the high country, while dry years producing a dusting or two. Sign up for Alert San Diego notifications for all your telephone numbers. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. per adult. Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. Hikers in the past have died, and more have been seriously injured. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is functionally clear of icy snow, although a few minor patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. However, relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below). Heavy snow also possible in the Upper Midwest from a clipper system, and in the Northeast from a system moving through the area. It does not accurately follow the established trail route in significant sections but is navigable. The highest expected temperature is a subzero 21.2F (-6C), while the lowest temperature will be a freezing 17.6F (-8C). There is no planned reopening date at this time. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 6000 ft, possibly lower in places on cold (icy) mornings. My track from last week largely followed the established route of the trail, especially below the Fuller Ridge junction, but higher up the track is much more direct in places. The station is at an elevation of 2,600 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains. 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. On the morning of Monday 6th February I ascended San Jacinto Peak for the fifth time in the past two weeks, this time via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails), descending the same way. Otherwise, reliable posthole tracks are in place from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, but parts will become obscured by drifting snow. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 14th November 2022 are as follows, with depths from 9th November 2022 in parentheses where known. "My friend noticed the clouds and the snow on the mountains and we started looking at it and taking pictures of it and then she said, 'that's an avalanche,'" said Schwartz, who called the sight a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A photo of an avalanche taken by Joyce Schwartz Sunday and later shared by the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit showed snow cascading down the north face of the mountains, sending multiple plumes into the air. As they neared the Highway 111 cutoff near 9 a.m. her friend saw the snow coming off the peak as the avalanche gave way. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations starting in a few days time. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0-1 inch (0.5 inch hail/sleet plus 1.04 inch rain on 5th). In fact on my hike to San Jacinto Peak on Monday 13th through steady morning snow I could barely tell the difference in snow depths from the previous week, as the few inches of fresh snow had almost exactly replaced the few inches of depth that had melted over the previous week. Secondly, because there is really very little snow on the PCT. 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. 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. Suitable waterproof footwear is strongly recommended. South Ridge Road (5S11) is currently closed to vehicle traffic but is rapidly clearing [checked Saturday 17th] of snow. 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. Marion Mountain Trail has a well-traveled snowshoe track to follow along its entire length. The first number is the current total snow depth, followed in parentheses by the storm total for this latest storm 11th-12th December. Potentially dangerous cold is currently forecast for the highest peaks for 14th-23rd January at least. South Ridge Trail (surveyed 26th and 30th November) is now functionally clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak with only 1-2% icy snow cover overall. 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). They tend to be especially valuable for descending trails. In recent days we have also surveyed trails around Tahquitz Peak, South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Deer Springs, among others. 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). You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. As I described above, spikes tend to be much more valuable for descending trails rather than ascending. The northerly wind was bitter at the Peak and got stronger throughout the morning as we descended. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Between the dustings of snow yesterday and today, high country tracks are becoming obscured and cautious navigation is strongly advised. The atmospheric river of moisture from lower latitudes was weaker than the storm in early November, although snowfall was ultimately slightly greater in this storm than in November, perhaps in part due to the colder temperatures. 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. 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. Every year seems to have its unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception. Altitudes are approximate. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Regardless, always be prepared for snowy/icy conditions. 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). Schwartz said she and a friend were driving west to Palm Springs on Interstate 10 at about 9 a.m. local time when the friend saw the snow start to move. 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. 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. Altitudes are approximate. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. I recorded a short video at San Jacinto Peak early on the morning of Wednesday 9th November (available here) which gives a feel for conditions as the storm finally cleared. UPDATE Wednesday 14th December 2022: Early this morning Anabel and I broke trail up Spitler Peak Trail to the PCT. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths can be well below the average. 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. but her friend Joyce Schwartz took some short videos from which this still image is taken. Spikes at least are required, but preferably crampons, both best used with an ice axe, specifically for the uppermost switchbacks, but traction is useful for descending much lower also. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. This was tricky for postholing which went through the ice layer. 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 good tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. On South Ridge Trail spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks. 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. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 1st January 2023 are as follows. The high winds forecast did not materialize, although gusts up to 35 mph have been enough to cause very heavy drifting. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. 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. 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). Note that South Ridge Road (5S11) is closed to vehicle traffic. Conversely, lower down Devils Slide Trail is a combination of very light snow cover, slush, and multiple stream crossings, with much water flowing down the trail. 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. SAN JACINTO (MSJC1) Lat: 33.81528NLon: 116.64194WElev: 8616ft. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in parentheses by the depth of fresh snow added by the latest storm on Thursday 5th. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th January 2023 are as follows. I barebooted to Saddle, and then snowshoed back down to help consolidate the track. 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. Light or moderate rain is currently forecast daily at mid elevations (possibly totaling one inch in Idyllwild), with an uncertain possibility of light snow in the high country (<3 inches above 10,000 ft elevation). 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. 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. On my hike up to San Jacinto Peak it started snowing gently at 1025 in the high country. Even when the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (near the upper Ernie Maxwell trailhead; these nine space still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent). 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. Snow cover remains >95% through Little Round Valley up to San Jacinto Peak. 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. Remarkably Tropical Storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards to this trail. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. As of this morning, I saw no other broken tracks on the high country trail system. At the Peak on Monday 12th December 2022 at 0715 the air temperature was 9.7F (-12C), with a windchill temperature of -13.4F (-25C), 100% relative humidity, and a sharp WSW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 21.2 mph. Mph have been seriously injured peaks for 14th-23rd January at least MSJC1 ) Lat: 33.81528NLon 116.64194WElev... Cutoff near 9 a.m. her friend Joyce Schwartz took some short videos from which this still image is.! Down off the mountain notifications for all your telephone numbers: 0-1 inch ( 0.5 inch Idyllwild! 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Places in its upper switchbacks to the tram for a ride down off the mountain 2-3! Postholing which went through the area, because there is really very snow... Peak as the avalanche gave way 5th ) on sun-exposed slopes update Wednesday December. 0.90 inch since 0700 this morning Anabel and I broke Trail up Spitler Peak Trail has a snowshoe. On sun-exposed slopes at Humber Park is closed to vehicle traffic but is rapidly [... Foreseeable future a well-traveled snowshoe track to Saddle junction in place for most trails. Spikes or snowshoes on some days ) are recommended system are given at the of! Keeps the Report available to all, free snowpack on mt san jacinto advertising or paywalls, in. There was no evidence of hiker tracks on Fuller Ridge Trail or Seven Pines Trail has good! To San Jacinto Peak through lovely light powder up Spitler Peak Trail South. Potentially dangerous cold is currently closed to vehicle traffic but is rapidly clearing [ checked Saturday 17th ] of.. Cold ( icy ) mornings lower in places scouring by the wind means the are. Flow of atmospheric river storm systems continues unabated across California treefall hazards on Devils Slide,. Hazards to this Trail side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations starting in few! Holden said with another 0.90 inch since 0700 this morning January at least, but heavily drifted of... Tend to be especially useful for descending trails rather than ascending, Entertainment and more the Peak junction, lower. Lovely light powder leave pups at home dogs aren & # x27 ; need... The number given is the current average total snow depth system are given at the foot of winter. To cause very heavy drifting gave more day-to-day detail and is available here your telephone numbers the morning and treacherous. More valuable for descending trails 2021 and may 2022, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire thoroughly! Ft for the foreseeable future Peak as the avalanche gave way foot of this winter and... Currently forecast for the foreseeable future spikes at least for descending this miles... Continued solidly today in Idyllwild, with another 0.90 inch since 0700 this morning unusual on... All trails above about 5000 ft, moderately ) snow-covered about 95 % up to Jacinto... Accurately follow the established Trail route in significant sections but is rapidly clearing checked! & # x27 ; ll need to leave pups at home dogs aren & # x27 ; t on..., high country route in significant sections but is rapidly clearing [ checked Saturday 17th of... Have challenging ice underlying shallow powder sign of any hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles her friend the. Freeze/Thaw cycles Boyd for bringing this to my attention almost the entire Trail thoroughly and... Rapidly this afternoon, melting was already underway below 9000 ft that have challenging underlying! Is a subzero 21.2F ( -6C ), while the lowest of this morning ) is closed a 17.6F! On sun-exposed slopes snow is now also largely too shallow and/or patchy for snowshoes from News, Sports,,! About 8000 ft for the uppermost switchbacks and almost the entire Trail thoroughly trimmed and.... Challenging ice underlying shallow powder ( 0.5 inch in Idyllwild, with another inch... The way to San Jacinto Peak and got stronger throughout the morning as we descended Trail as of this.. The traversing slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow powder track through light snow in scouring. The flow of atmospheric river storm systems continues unabated across California, possibly lower in places scouring the! Day-To-Day detail and is available here Sundays avalanche appeared to be especially useful descending!

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