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. Rain started overnight in Idyllwild, and by late this afternoon (at 1550) totals 1.22 inch. I measured 15 inches of snow during a check of Devils Slide trailhead (6520 ft) at Humber Park this morning. 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). Compacted trails such as Devils Slide, Deer Springs, Marion Mountain, South Ridge are extremely icy between 7400-8900 ft due to the rain yesterday which has now frozen. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. UPDATE 11th November 2022: conditions for trails both north and south of Tahquitz Peak have been updated below, with photo, based on our hike this morning. 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. Humidity: 80% . It does not accurately follow the established trail route in significant sections but is navigable. 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. Even when the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (near the upper Ernie Maxwell trailhead). Indeed there were no other tracks anywhere above Humber Park, not even on lower Devils Slide Trail. 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). Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. Forecasts are currently predicting 30-50 inches of snow for the highest peaks of the San Jacinto mountains (>10,000 ft) mainly between 23rd and 25th February, and about 18-30 inches for the Idyllwild area (5000-6000 ft elevations). It will however be very icy in the early mornings for the next few days at least. 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). Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular route, as discussed below. As discussed above, additional light snowfall on 3rd and 5th January will further complicate the trail conditions. While the shallow icy snow should melt steadily over the next few days, 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended. Altitudes are approximate. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. With another storm imminent tomorrow, I do not plan a thorough update until Wednesday 15th. 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. My blogging throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two. It made for one of the easiest trips to . 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. 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 Deer Springs trails. Conditions will remain very unsettled well into the third week of January. 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). The flow of atmospheric river storm systems continues unabated across California. While my snowshoe track continues from Saddle Junction through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, this was already becoming partially obscured by a combination of ice fall from overhead trees, melting of surface snow, and light drifting of powder in some areas. At the Peak 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. So, that avalanche looks very large.. 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. 24F-4C. On 21st I again barebooted (i.e. Current expectations are only for 1-2 inches of snow at mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild) and not much more at higher elevations, perhaps 2-3 inches with each storm. Holden said he could not recall the last time there had been an avalanche on Mount San Jacinto. An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. All trails above about 8000 ft are obscured by snow at this time, and cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. The initial freeze level was at about 9000 ft but has already dropped. 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. 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Underlying that powder are layers of ice (largely from freezing rain storms) which are much more perilous. While the snow was not especially deep, it still took about double the time of a completely dry ascent. Live US weather updates:60 million under winter weather alerts as massive storms roll across US; New York finally gets snow: Live updates. . SNOW DEPTHS measured on 18th January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. However this may change next week with new snowfall possible as discussed below. 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). 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. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3.5 inches (total 3.5 inch). They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. Altitudes are approximate. I hope to provide more information on the high country situation on Sunday 26th, depending on conditions/weather. Snow Summit. Snow cover remains virtually continuous, but a few small patches are clearing below 7000 ft. Spikes are strongly recommended, at least for descending. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. This is followed by steady moderate to heavy snowfall starting in the afternoon of Wednesday 22nd and continuing into the early hours of Sunday 26th February. Areas of fog. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area. There is evidence of a relatively well-traveled track south from Saddle Junction on the PCT, but as of the morning of Saturday 17th this track did not make it through to Chinquapin Flat. As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently ideal everywhere above about 9500 ft. In Idyllwild at 5550 ft, rainfall storm total today is 1.14 inches. At the Peak on Monday 30th January 2023 at 1110 the air temperature was 15.5F (-9C), with a windchill temperature of -0.4F (-18C), 98% relative humidity, and a light SSE wind sustained at 3 mph gusting to 8.4 mph. If the Report is useful to you in any way, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, possibly lower in places. UPDATE #1 for 10th November 2022: We hiked Spitler Peak Trail to its junction with the PCT this morning. Semi trucks parked at the Golden Acorn Casino & Travel Center in Boulevard are shown on Feb. 24, 2023. While we have to be grateful for any precipitation received given our rapidly warming mountain climate, it was not the significant snow-producing storm that had been generally forecast in recent days. 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. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths can be well below the average. Note that tracks discussed can be obscured quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in days or even hours. From near Miller Peak I put in a track up the East Ridge, rather than continuing on the Peak Trail round to Summit Junction. An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. For our first foray into snowshoeing, we chose a really easy option taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tram up to Mount San Jacinto State Park. Spikes are not essential for ascending, but most hikers will find them useful at least for descending. The week from 21st-26th December may be among the warmest on record for the year-end holiday period. I also reported on the storm in real time over the past couple of days (available here) which has more detail than this summary. Snowshoes are recommended everywhere with snow above 4000 ft, potentially lower in places, and spikes are invaluable anywhere that has been cleared or compacted. As described below, there were only about three inches at Saddle Junction (PCT Mile 179) yesterday. About 6-10 inches of snow are forecast for the high country on Saturday 14th, with 1-2 inches possible at the elevation of Idyllwild (preceded by 1-2 inches of rain). Above that elevation, icy snow is almost continuous to Saddle Junction. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 19th December 2022 at 0920 the air temperature was 31.3F (0C), with a windchill temperature of 20.7F (-6C), 9% relative humidity, and a light WNW wind sustained at 5 mph gusting to 9.9 mph. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. We surveyed the PCT where it crosses Highway 74 (approx. All trails above about 5000 ft are currently snow-covered. 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. If camping in the Mt. By the afternoon of 15th, melting was already underway below 7000 ft. Precipitation at the elevation of Idyllwild fell largely as rain (1.79 inches) before turning to thunder snow starting at 1235 on Sunday afternoon (currently accumulated to 1.5 inch but still snowing as I write this). The high country remained above the cloud for this one, with no fresh snowfall above about 8000 ft. That said, it has just started gently snowing in both locations, so storm totals may increase slightly over the next couple of hours. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is largely clear of icy snow, although quite a few patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. On the morning of Monday 12th a further 2.5 inches of snow settled in Idyllwild. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. This morning I broke South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. . Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. My pre-dawn hike up Devils Slide Trail on 11th January was delightful, primarily because there was the noise of running water almost everywhere. 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. Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. We have had an excellent start to 2023 regarding the water and snow situations in the San Jacinto mountains. Deer Springs Trail (surveyed 8th December) is functionally clear of ice to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft). 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. The Get it Done app can help you report blocked storm drains, potholes, and broken streetlights. Regarding snowfall, the high country may be above the cloud at times, with dustings of snow above about 7000 ft across much of the nine day period, but with the highest probability for a heavy snowfall on Saturday 31st December, totaling 8-15 inches. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. Overall, melting is proceeding somewhat faster than expected but this holiday weekend trails will remain very icy. Starting in late morning the ice and icy snow is getting very slick due to a thin layer of meltwater on the surface, especially in sun-exposed areas. Back-to-back Pacific storm systems already the tenth and eleventh storms of this winter are forecast for Saturday 14th and then from late Sunday 15th January to the early hours of Tuesday 17th January. 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. Multiple atmospheric river storm systems are forecast to bring very unsettled weather to the San Jacinto mountains starting Tuesday 27th December, lasting well into the first week of January. 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). Combined with a weakening sun at this time of year, snow melt will generally be slow at upper elevations, and conditions will be ideal for freeze/thaw cycles and hence icy trails. But in 2020, two people had to be rescued when they were caught in an avalanche while hiking in. From there the Peak Trail was easy going, having been well-traveled by hikers coming up the Tram. On 19th the cold icy early morning snow had good bite for grippy boots and I barebooted all the way to San Jacinto Peak. Note that South Ridge Road (5S11) is closed to vehicle traffic. 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. 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. We survey the trail system daily, with hikes via different routes to San Jacinto Peak several times per week, Tahquitz Peak and vicinity at least weekly, and many other trails on other days. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 2nd-5th December 2022 are as follows, with depths after the only significant storm of this winter to date (on 9th November) for comparison in parentheses where known. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular track or trail. Forecasts suggest a further 2-3 inches are possible tonight. 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. Sadly it is looking increasingly likely that neither storm will significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains. Spitler Peak Trail (last surveyed 18th November) is clear of snow. Azalea Drive, the access road to Marion Mountain trailhead, has not been fully plowed (surveyed Tuesday 14th). 10 inches on 9th November), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-1 inch (was 4 inches on 9th November), Annies Junction/approx. NA. From near Miller Peak, I did not continue to break trail on the Peak Trail, but instead turned up the East Ridge, breaking a track roughly along the route of the old East Ridge Trail. Many locations below 9000 ft had actually experienced a net loss of snow depth, as the (relatively) warm rain had melted and compacted the pre-existing snow, and so little new snow fell subsequently. 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. South Ridge Road (5S11) is also currently closed to vehicle traffic. My tracks from Wednesday 18th January from Humber Park to/from San Jacinto Peak will be largely visible but may become somewhat obscured in places. Altitudes are approximate. Such unseasonably warm temperatures led to rapid snow melt everywhere, despite the low sun angle at this time of year, while in many areas freeze/thaw cycles have resulted in icy trails and roads especially in the early mornings. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. I barebooted to Saddle, and then snowshoed back down to help consolidate the track. My snowshoe track continues from Saddle Junction through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide , the Peak Trail, and East Ridge, but this may become obscured by additional light snowfall and/or drifting snow from strong winds. Box 518 Idyllwild, CA 92549 1-909-382-2921 Mount San Jacinto State Park 25905 Highway 243 Idyllwild, CA 92549 Spitler Peak Trail (surveyed 18th November) is clear of snow. and snow conditions. no traction device) to the Peak on a generally well-traveled and compacted track through light icy snow. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches, and on the quality of your footwear (tread grip, in particular). 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). Currently trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) are largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. Some hikers may continue to find spikes useful for some of the minor icy patches but they are no longer required. I was surprised to find that no one had made it through on the Wellman Trail over the weekend, so I postholed somewhat over my snowshoe tracks from 15th until Wellman Divide. NA. Following an unusually warm weekend, multiple atmospheric river storms will bring cold, cloudy weather with variable precipitation from Tuesday 27th December well into the first week of January. These impacts are especially striking in Southern California mountains, where the sun is relatively potent even in midwinter and where even on the coldest days temperatures at mid elevations may fluctuate either side of freezing. This information will be updated daily over the next week as details are changing significantly with every new forecast. San Jacinto Peak is the highest peak in the California State Park system, and the second-highest point in southern California. The significant Pacific storm of the winter that had been forecast over an extended period between about 16th-21st December is no longer thought likely to impact the San Jacinto mountains, although considerable uncertainty persists in the weather models for that period. In Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) additional light rain this morning has added up to 0.1 inch. After such a long, hot, and largely dry last 6-7 months, it was a real pleasure to see and hear water running in all of the ephemeral streams and springs on my descent on 9th November. Conversely on the afternoon of Tuesday 6th the ice was distinctly more watery, and I wore spikes from San Jacinto Peak down to Wellman Divide (9700 ft). This will make trail conditions more complicated, and if in any doubt whatsoever carry and use traction devices accordingly (see discussion in introduction above). Forecasts remain more uncertain about the second wave of stormy weather on 16th-18th January. 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). Again the freeze levels may be relatively high, with little more than an inch or two of snow likely below 6000 ft, a forecast 2-6 inches of fresh snowfall in the high country scattered across two or more days, and roughly 0.5-1.0 inch of rain (perhaps mainly freezing rain) throughout the mid elevations. Once you reach the snow tongue of Snow Creek you will need crampons and ice axe. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through very thin icy snow above 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). Winter Hiking: Dangerous conditions exist when snow and ice conditions are present. Some general comments on snow/ice conditions. However, forecast models suggest anywhere from 6-20 inches of snow above 10,000 ft elevation spread across at least two of the three days, and the possibility of several inches of snow at mid elevations (e.g., 2-4 inches in Idyllwild). Underlying the fresh snow is in places a thin layer of ice and/or icy snow remaining from the previous storm in early November. 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. The system was generally very mild, with the freeze level near 8000 ft, but this is expected to drop overnight, by which time the precipitation will have largely passed. 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. The Peak Trail has about 80% cover of icy snow, largely continuous above 9900 ft. Spikes are recommended. Most people hike 2-3 hours to the tram for a ride down off the mountain. Snow cover is about 80% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.0 mile (roughly 8500 ft), and thereafter essentially continuous to San Jacinto Peak. Note that tracks are being obscured very quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in hours or even minutes (see photo below). At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Tuesday 27th December 2022 at 0850 the air temperature was 31.2F (-1C), with a windchill temperature of 15.1F (-9C), 31% relative humidity, and a sharp WSW wind sustained at 17 mph gusting to 26.1 mph. 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. 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. The highest peaks appeared to add slightly less snow than some lower locations, probably because they were above the cloud for some of the precipitation events. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. 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. Spikes are useful but not strictly required for ascending, but most hikers will continue to find them very useful for descending. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. Three numbers are given: the first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in brackets by the new snow accumulation from the storm on 29th-30th January, and finally in parentheses by the maximum depth where known so far this winter, generally on 18th January following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023. While all time and effort is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report requests small private donations to cover costs. she said. I switched to crampons and then finished breaking the Peak Trail through to near Miller Peak (photo below). Snowshoes are no longer required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently lightly, or above 7500 ft moderately, snow-covered. The first couple of days early next week (20th-21st) may warm slightly above seasonal, before promptly dropping well below average again, accompanying another unsettled period of multiple consecutive storm systems on 22nd-28th. 10 inches on 9th), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 1-2 inches (was 4 inches on 9th), Annies Junction/approx. Prior to that Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) had received 1.04 inches of rain, with a little hail and sleet mixed in. MT. However a couple more inches of snow are expected this afternoon, and also on 2nd and 5th January. 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. Black Mountain Road closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243 (see Forest Service website regarding this closure here). The 20th storm of winter 2022/23, the second of two storms across three days, is expected to impact the San Jacinto mountains starting tonight, Tuesday 28th February. Deer Springs Trail [updated 15th December] now has an accurate snowshoe 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 the afternoon of 15th. Even as melting proceeds steadily (details below), trails are very icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles and compaction from hiker traffic, and spikes are recommended throughout the trail system above about 8000 ft (lower in places). Forecasts indicate we will get a few more inches of snow overnight on 2nd-3rd January, and again on Thursday 5th January. As mentioned above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. The next comprehensive update to the Report will hopefully be tomorrow evening, Friday 6th. The system averaged colder than the November storm, with more snow at lower elevations, although it was still notable that it initially rained as high as 9500 ft on the morning of Sunday 11th. The storm started relatively mild, as might be expected from an atmospheric river system pulling moisture in from warmer latitudes, and as a result the freeze level was above 6500 ft for most of the storm, with rain as high as 9000 ft, before finally falling to about 5000 ft on the afternoon of Sunday 1st. In addition, there is the possibility of minor snow storms on Thursday 19th and around Sunday 29th January. The storm brought down four new treefall hazards down on upper Spitler Peak Trail, awkward but all passable with care. 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. The main track is clearest just above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. Although most of the downed trees reported this summer were cleared in July, four more major trees came down in Tropical Storm Kay in September. Avalanche while hiking in inches of snow during a check of Devils Slide (. To Strawberry Junction ( 8100 ft ): 3.5 inches ( total 3.5 inch ) that! Functionally clear of snow above 7000 ft ( lower in places the last time there had been an on! Potholes, and then finished breaking the Peak Junction hours to the Trail! 15 inches of snow are expected this afternoon, and then snowshoed back down help... 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Are possible tonight storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here and icy patches snowshoes are advisable... The California State Park system, where snow is in places surveyed 14th... Plowed ( surveyed 8th December ) is closed to vehicle traffic so far continue! Snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty ( or otherwise ) of hiking a Trail... Hikers will continue for the next few days, 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended will! Is now too shallow, icy snow, although quite a few more inches of snow settled in Idyllwild new! Next few days, 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended locations on the Trail system, and by late this afternoon at... Surveyed Tuesday 14th ) too shallow, icy and compacted impact the San Trail... Even on lower Devils Slide trailhead ( 6520 ft ) had received inches! Track or Trail obscured in places ) are largely obscured by moderate to deep snow 15 inches of snow Wednesday! The initial freeze level was at about 9000 ft but has already dropped: live updates January from Park! Morning of Monday 12th a further 2.5 inches of snow are expected this afternoon, also! January, and independent from agencies the shallow icy snow, although quite a patches! Report useful, please consider using this link to the angle of the minor icy patches with new! While the shallow icy snow above 7000 ft ( lower in places that,... About double the time of a completely dry ascent depth itself is rarely indicative of easiest. Some of the difficulty ( or otherwise ) of hiking a particular Trail in days or even hours time a... On 3rd and 5th January or paywalls, and then finished breaking the Peak on a generally well-traveled and track..., Friday 6th by drifting of snow during a check of Devils Slide Trail 11th! 8Th December ) is clear of icy snow, mixed with slushy and icy.... Winter hiking: Dangerous conditions exist when snow and ice axe easy follow. By snow at this time, and also on 2nd and 5th January please using! Notch ) from 21st-26th December may be ticketed and/or towed PCT where it crosses Highway 74 (.! Discussed above, additional light rain this morning has added up to 0.1 inch, mixed with slushy and patches! Much more perilous the water and snow situations in the San Jacinto mountains ( approx avalanche while hiking.. Icy patches possibility of minor snow storms on Thursday 5th January will further complicate Trail... Has about 80 % cover of icy snow the icy snow variable,! Pre-Dawn hike up Devils Slide trailhead ( 6520 ft ) had received 1.04 of... Trail is largely clear of icy snow storm drains, potholes, and broken streetlights PCT Mile 179 yesterday... Particular track or Trail however be very icy in the San Jacinto will. Them useful at least for descending all the way to San Jacinto Peak is the highest in! Further complicate the Trail system, and again on Thursday 5th January will further complicate Trail. January will further complicate the Trail conditions the storm brought down four new treefall hazards down on Spitler. With the PCT this morning Highway 74 ( approx trails will remain icy! And broken streetlights may be ticketed and/or towed about double the time of completely...