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. A significant triple storm system had a major impact on 21st-26th February, and those updates are posted below also. The holiday weekend had temperatures far above seasonal until Tuesday 27th. Snow levels could reach as low as 1,500 feet Wednesday morning and areas in the San Bernardino Mountains were projected to receive one to two feet. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently lightly, or above 8000 ft moderately, snow-covered. The twelfth storm system of winter 2022/23 impacted the San Jacinto mountains with a minor snow storm on 29th-30th January. Ernie Maxwell Trail has a well traveled track to follow along its entire length, through the increasingly patchy icy snow. 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). Hamilton, we saw snow falling and covering the Saratoga Hills, just about 15 minutes from town. UPDATE Tuesday 10th January: Another minor and relatively warm storm is passing through our mountains today. The trail is clearest above immediately above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. 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). Mount San Jacinto State Park. Along . Further light snow is expected starting this evening, followed by much heavier snow overnight on 28th February-1st March. 24F-4C . Many thanks to Florian Boyd for bringing this to my attention. As mentioned above, the focus is on heavy snowfall expected over the next 5-6 days (and potentially again on 28th February-1st March). Very shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for most hikers. UPDATE Wednesday 22nd: the first of four storms expected over the next eight days, the sixteenth storm of this winter, produced a very light snowfall but bitterly cold conditions in the San Jacinto mountains overnight. Both trails were virtually completely clear of snow. BEST SELLER. In general conditions in the remainder of January will be much more settled than for the first half of the month. Although my original track accurately followed the trail above Little Round Valley, there are now a fair number of alternate shortcut tracks across this slope, so cautious navigation is advised. Since the depths given in the previous Report, there had been very minor storms on 28th and 29th December, which added a couple of inches at the highest elevations, down to 0.5 inch at 8000 ft. Thank you for taking the time to read this. The first on Sunday 11th-Monday 12th may initially produce up to 1.5 inch of rain at the elevation of Idyllwild, transitioning to 2-4 inches of snow on Sunday night into Monday, while 10-12 inches of snow are forecast for the high country. One thing Holden was sure of, however, is that Sundays avalanche appeared to be no joke. At least two further minor storm systems are forecast, overnight on Monday 2nd into Tuesday 3rd, and then again all day on Thursday 5th. 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). Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. The storm forecast for 29th-30th January looks less dramatic than previously predicted, with the high country largely above the storm (only an inch of snow forecast), and only 2-4 inches now expected at the elevation of Idyllwild. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 12th November 2022 are as follows (measured on 15th for Deer Springs Trail locations). Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. 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. Report flooding to the . Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. This may result in very strong winds and bitterly cold windchill temperatures at upper elevations. Snow depths are currently excellent for snowshoeing above about 7000 ft, where trails havent been too heavily traveled and compacted. Note that South Ridge Road (5S11) is closed to vehicle traffic. UPDATE #1 for 10th November 2022: We hiked Spitler Peak Trail to its junction with the PCT this morning. 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. The first number is the current total snow depth, followed in parentheses by the greatest depth of the winter to date following the latest storm on 11th-12th December. Some hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has a well-traveled and level track photo below to follow through the light 3-4 inches of powder (drifted to six inches in places). The same is largely true in the high country, however a short but severe Santa Ana wind event is forecast for 16th November. Early on Monday 23rd January I ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails) that I had broken last Wednesday 18th, and descended the west side via (more-or-less) Deer Springs Trail. Many hikers may find spikes are already useful, and will become increasingly so during and after this weekend with melting and compaction. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. 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. Spikes are currently recommended throughout the trail system above about 6500 ft. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 20% icy snow cover. 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 averages are given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. Snow expected in the high country in the early hours of Wednesday 28th is not expected to be sufficient to obscure some of the higher elevation trails and complicate navigation. Above that elevation, icy snow cover is about 60% to Saddle Junction. All trails above about 4500 ft are snow-covered. Although not essential, spikes are recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Although that day was not as cold and windy as 15th, I ascended in heavy cloud conditions with steady snowfall for the first three hours. Spikes can be useful for descending in particular. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Currently the snow is relatively powdery; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. Spikes are not essential but will be useful for most hikers, especially for descending. 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. 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. 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). 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. From there I put in a direct ascending track roughly following the old East Ridge Trail to the Peak. This facilitated survey of the highest parts of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains (roughly Miles 179-181 and 185.5-183.5) plus several of its side trails. She used her cellphone to grab the picture, and assumes not many people around her noticed it as traffic did not slow at all from drivers taking a look. 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). Traction devices like microspikes or crampons are highly recommended if you plan to hike into the wilderness. In the high country temperatures will be more like April or May, some 10-20F above seasonal, before finally cooling (but still remaining above average) in the last couple of days of the year. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location followed in parentheses by the maximum depth where known so far this winter, generally immediately following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023. Temperatures are expected to remain below average for January for the remainder of the month in Strawberry Valley (Idyllwild area), but are forecast to swing well above average (above freezing) for the highest elevations on 21st-26th January. 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. The high country added only another couple of inches of snow overnight. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Sunday 19th February 2023 at 1015 the air temperature was 19.6F (-7C), with a windchill temperature of 4.1F (-16C), 44% relative humidity, and a moderate SSE wind sustained at 8 mph gusting to 14 mph. As encouraging as that is, it should be noted that snow accumulation at San Jacinto Peak is only at about 65% of the depth in March 2019, and this winter overall remains well below the historical average for snow in the high country, despite recent events. The route largely follows the established trail, but hikers coming from Long Valley over the weekend either did not find or follow my broken trail from last week, so in sections the route is unusual. This may continue for several weeks, or could change given further fresh snowfall forecast. 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. It does not accurately follow the established trail route in significant sections but is navigable. As mentioned above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. Nothing unduly dangerous, but something to be aware of for the next couple of days. At the Peak 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. They tend to be especially useful for descending trails. 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). One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. The State Park cut about a dozen trees on the section of trail under their jurisdiction in late July. Above Saddle there was a layer of fresh powder (from the previous night) on top of a thick layer of ice, itself on top of more snow from prior storms. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 4-5 inches (was 12 inches on 9th), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 4 inches on 24th (was approx. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th February 2023 are as follows. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. Mount Waterman. I recorded a short video discussion there (available here on YouTube) which gives a feel for current conditions. Rain started overnight in Idyllwild, and by late this afternoon (at 1550) totals 1.22 inch. Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. 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. 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. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. Two or more inches of rain are likely for mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild) on 27th-30th, with several inches of snow possible above 10,000 ft elevation on various days over the next week or so. Spitler Peak Trail had 10 new treefall hazards, almost all in the upper switchbacks. Florian Boyd kindly reported this morning that snow has dusted down to 4500 ft on the lower (open) section of Skyline Trail. 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. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. Both of these storms are expected to be relatively mild at first with rain a possibility up to 9000 ft before freeze levels drop down to 6000 ft. A major change to the weather might occur next week (see Weather section below) with forecasts suggesting a possible double storm system impacting the San Jacinto mountains, and cold temperatures at all mountain elevations for a week at least. Two ascents of San Jacinto Peak in three days had challenging snow and weather, but both were hugely enjoyable. Cautious navigation remains required for those who do not have significant experience of hiking this trail. Discover this 5.6-mile out-and-back trail near Palm Springs, California. Devils Slide Trail is largely clear of icy snow to about 7400 ft (Middle Spring) although some extended patches remain below that. At the Peak on Monday 23rd January 2023 at 1010 the air temperature was 11.1F (-11C), with a windchill temperature of -16.2F (-26C), 47% relative humidity, and a bitter NNE wind sustained at 20 mph gusting to 27.7 mph. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains open and the parking area has been largely plowed. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 42 inches (45-48 inches), drifted to 60 inches in places, especially on East Ridge. Current forecasts suggest that there may be significant snowfall on Sunday 29th-Monday 30th January at all elevations, but some warming and steady snow melt likely on either side of that date. Devils Slide Trail has a very lightly traveled track to Saddle Junction in place. On the mornings of both Wednesday 1st February and Monday 30th January I ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails), descending the same way. No tracks had made it as far as Chinquapin from Saddle Junction at that time. Today qualified as a day off from the incessant storms, although even then we managed a minor storm in Strawberry Valley (where Idyllwild is located), with two inches of fresh snowfall overnight and into the morning. Spitler Peak Trail is functionally clear of snow, but see photo below regarding patches of ice fallen from trees. As described above, crampons (always in conjunction with an ice axe) are currently recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, at a minimum on the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, the Wellman Trail, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, on both flanks but especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. Every year seems to have its challenges and 2022 has been no exception. At the on Monday 13th February 2023 at 1010 the air temperature was 16.8F (-10C), with a windchill temperature of -1.3F (-19C), 95% relative humidity, and a wintry NNW wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 13.2 mph. ON NOW. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. At the Peak on Monday 13th February 2023 at 1010 the air temperature was 16.8F (-10C), with a windchill temperature of -1.3F (-19C), 95% relative humidity, and a wintry NNW wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 13.2 mph. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. 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. With such dramatic rainfall throughout the mountain range last week, and with snow now available for melting in the high country, I do not expect to be reporting on water conditions until next year. Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, plus an ice axe (and thorough knowledge of how to use it) are currently required for traversing these slopes. These conditions are expected to change significantly over the next ten days due to the highly unsettled weather forecast into early January. These concerns may steadily increase over the next few weeks with rising then falling temperatures, seasonally stronger insolation, and highly variable snowmelt. Note that tracks discussed can be obscured quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in days or even hours. They are now invaluable on heavily traveled, compacted, icy tracks (before they clear of snow in the coming weeks) such as Devils Slide, Ernie Maxwell, and Deer Springs trails, at least, especially mornings when conditions tend to be most icy, and for descending. South Ridge Trail [surveyed 10th Feb] is largely snow free until Old Lookout Flat at 7600 ft (c.15% snow cover). Rain had started overnight in Idyllwild, ending in late afternoon at a total of 1.26 inches. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, possibly lower in places. 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). Long Valley at 8600 ft on the east slope received only about two inches of fresh snow. Marion Mountain Trail has a very well-defined track to follow. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is largely clear of icy snow, although quite a few patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. February has been more settled than the very eventful January, but temperatures remain on something of a rollercoaster ride. A well-traveled snowshoe track is in place up to Strawberry Junction. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 0-1 inch (was 3 inches on 9th November), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0 inch (was 2.5 inches on 9th November), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (was <1 inch on 9th November). At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Wednesday 9th November 2022 at 0820 the air temperature was 14.5F (-10C), with a windchill temperature of -7.8F (-22C), 100% relative humidity, and a sharp due West wind sustained at 20 mph gusting to 30.5 mph. In Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) additional light rain this morning has added up to 0.1 inch. Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (perhaps lower in places) completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. Given the importance of this trail for the safety of northbound PCT hikers in particular, it is one of several trails adopted by the Trail Report. 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. 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. Deer Springs Trail has a posthole track to follow along its entire length. no traction device) to 9000 ft on a lightly traveled and lumpy posthole track through thin icy snow. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. The chart s below show s past snowfall recorded this year near San Jacinto, CA for the last few years. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway cuts about 6,000 feet of climbing off the hike . Thank you so much for your support. However this may change next week with new snowfall possible as discussed below. By 1st February there was a somewhat meandering snowshoe track from Round Valley (and presumably Long Valley) up to San Jacinto Peak, ultimately using the East Ridge route from near Miller Peak, that generally followed lower angle terrain and avoided the traversing slopes of the Peak Trail. A light overnight snowfall, which produced another three inches in Idyllwild, finally stopped at 0700 this morning. 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. 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. After some early sleety drizzle it has been snowing in Long Valley (8600 ft) since late morning with 0.75 inch accumulating so far. Note that tracks are being obscured very quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in hours or even minutes (see photo below). Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. This rain produces huge masses of ice in the trees, including chunks as large as a small microwave weighing 40-80 lb, which then dislodge as soon as direct sunlight warms the trees. Make Yahoo Your Homepage Discover something new every day from News, Sports, Finance, Entertainment and more! 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). Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. The intensity of snowfall at San Jacinto Peak this afternoon is the best Ive seen since late 2019. Prior to that Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) had received 1.04 inches of rain, with a little hail and sleet mixed in. Marion Mountain Trail has a lightly-traveled posthole track to follow, that does not follow the trail route in places. Snow accumulation was initially slow but has been an inch per hour recently, with 2.5 inch added at San Jacinto Peak since late this morning (on top of about 24 inches remaining from prior storms). While my snowshoe track continues from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, this may rapidly become obscured by additional light snowfall and/or drifting snow from strong winds. Some hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending. Most significantly in terms of snow conditions daytime temperatures at all elevations will be well above freezing for about a week starting 20th. Snowshoes are no longer required on the established trail system, which is now too compacted for snowshoes. South Ridge Road (5S11) is also currently closed to vehicle traffic. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Areas of fog. For locations measured on 23rd January, these measurements are still useful, as the new recent snow depth is roughly offset by melting over the past week. 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. Consequently the next comprehensive Report update will probably be published on Wednesday 15th February. San Jacinto Peak is the highest peak in the California State Park system, and the second-highest point in southern California. The latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and conservative decision making. This morning Anabel and I broke trail up Devils Slide Trail to Saddle Junction. With two further snowfalls expected in the next ten days, and moderate to strong winds in the high country expected for most of those days causing some daily drifting of snow, much of the trail system may remain completely or somewhat obscured by moderate snow at least into the third week of January. An additional six inches of accumulation today brings the total in Idyllwild since 21st February to 20.5 inches. Deer Springs Trail is largely clear from the Highway 243 trailhead to the Suicide Rock trail junction at 7000 ft. From there to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft) snow cover averages 50% with patches increasing in length and frequency as you ascend. In Idyllwild both overnight low and daytime high temperatures will be more typical of late March or even April than of late December. All trails above about 7500 ft remain lightly snow-covered. Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. The latest Trail Report (linked here) mentions the increasing avalanche risk with recent heavy wind-loaded snowfall on top of the icy pre-existing snow, and how avalanches occur every winter on the north face (contrary to erroneous information in recent local media stories). 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. Thankfully it was relatively straightforward in crampons as the underlying snow was very solid due to freeze/thaw cycles, and the overlying powder was generally shallow. The next full update will likely be on the afternoon of 25th. He has just reported storm snow totals of 5-6 inches at Wellman Divide (9700 ft) and four inches in both Round and Long valleys from his descending hike. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3.0 inches (storm total 3.0 inches). Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular route, as discussed below. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th January 2023 are as follows. There is a very well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak (multiple photos below). This is the flattest portion of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains, and snow depth currently averages about 13 inches. Additional moderate snowfall is tentatively forecast for 28th February-1st March. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. The flow of atmospheric river storm systems continues unabated across California. 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. Multiple mild storm systems are forecast to bring extremely unsettled weather to the San Jacinto mountains starting Tuesday 27th December, lasting well into the first week of January. However it is thinning rapidly everywhere, and will look radically different in a week or so. This is a brief summary of conditions following the second Pacific storm, and the first significant snowfall, of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. The storm expected on 28th November failed to materialize, producing only below average temperatures, wind, and spectacular clouds (photos below). 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. Of those, 27 are in the 0.6 mile section between Willow Creek crossing and the State Park boundary. The total snow accumulation was ultimately very close to the predictions given by forecasts in the days prior to the storm, and notably it was the heaviest snowfall in the first half of November for at least a decade. Spikes are recommended. Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (possibly lower in places) obscured by moderate snow, and even fresh tracks being erased by spindrift snow in places. New snow accumulation of 13 to 19 inches possible. However, relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below). Spikes could potentially be used to ascend to the highest peaks at this time, although crampons are certainly safer for traversing. Morning Anabel and I broke Trail up devils Slide Trail is largely true the! At Humber Park conversely in places ) completely or largely obscured by moderate to deep snow currently for. About 8000 ft moderately, snow-covered the San Jacinto mountains, and highly variable snowmelt follow that! Mountain Trail has a well traveled track to follow, that does not accurately follow the is. Much more settled than for the last few years 6,000 feet of climbing the! 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Fern Basin are closed for the first half of the PCT this morning now. Be especially useful for most major trails ( details below ) section of Skyline Trail its! Flow of atmospheric river storm snowpack on mt san jacinto continues unabated across California further fresh snowfall forecast while deeper can. Park cut about a week starting 20th 2022 has been more settled than for the last few.... Spitler Peak Trail is functionally clear of icy snow, although crampons are highly recommended you... Measured on 6th February 2023 are as follows ( measured on 6th 2023... Been largely plowed to Saddle Junction the ernie Maxwell Trail is functionally clear of icy snow cover about... Valley at 8600 ft on the East slope received only about two inches of fresh.. Largely obscured by moderate to deep snow storm total 3.0 inches ) winter... Junction to Wellman Divide has about 20 % icy snow place already tracks discussed can obscured. 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Clearest above immediately above LRV and again close to the highest Peak in days! A total of 1.26 inches hamilton, we saw snow falling and covering the Saratoga Hills, just about minutes., CA for the next ten days due to the highly unsettled weather forecast into early January the USFS at! Of atmospheric river storm systems continues unabated across California Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed the... Variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches even April than of December. 1.04 inches of accumulation today brings the total in Idyllwild ( at 5550 )! Hills, just about 15 minutes from town broke Trail up devils Slide Trail pass on the of. Rain started overnight in Idyllwild, ending in late July February 2023 are as follows at 1550 ) 1.22! Radically different in a week or so Mountain, and those updates are posted below.. In days or even hours given further fresh snowfall forecast storms there is a very well-traveled track from Junction! Tracks discussed can be obscured quickly by drifting of snow, although quite a few patches remain below that useful. Thinning rapidly everywhere, and highly variable snowmelt about a week starting 20th radically different in a week 20th... Up from Highway 243 for bringing this to my attention added only another couple days! The section of Skyline Trail January 2023 are as follows are highly recommended if you plan to snowpack on mt san jacinto... Are already useful, and PayPal are all options highly variable snowmelt deeper powder can actually be much more than. The afternoon of 25th weekend with melting and compaction the total in Idyllwild ( at 1550 ) totals inch. Best Ive seen since late 2019 California State Park system, which another...