"On Mount San Jacinto, the conditions just aren't good for avalanches with the slopes and amount . A strong and bitterly cold NNE wind made conditions interesting, with large parts of the broken tracks filling in overnight with spindrift (and wind blown ice blocks), so I found myself breaking lengthy sections of trail yet again. 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). SNOW DEPTHS measured on 19th December (east side) or 15th December (west side) 2022 are as follows. Fresh snowfall, melting, and freeze/thaw cycles will all combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain over the next week or two. 71729 San Gorgonio Road, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 is a single family listed active at $939,000. Caming is allowed. Got up early and made our way up the Mineshaft trail. "Sunshine lulls people into a false sense of security. Hikers should anticipate new treefall hazards in trails we have already found one major new one on the Ernie Maxwell Trail and also that tracks in snow may have been obscured by windblown drifting powder. 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). San Gorgonio trail and issued strong warnings to those who choose to hike the region's rugged mountains in treacherous conditions. Report An Accident; Traffic Cameras >> Interstate 10 >> California >> North Palm Springs >> News Reports. The northerly wind was bitter at the Peak and got stronger throughout the morning as we descended. "Especially on the north-facing slopes, it has remained extremely cold up there," he said. I measured an average of about four inches of snow at Old Lookout Flat, although with some deeper drifts in the trail. If this lower lot is full or you do not have your Forest Adventure Pass with you, park in the smaller gravel lot to the left. In Idyllwild at 5550 ft, rainfall storm total today is 1.14 inches. I had the pleasure of hiking the Fish Creek Trail on June 22nd. Steady heavy snow started in Idyllwild at about 0830 but stopped at about 1400. The next, much more substantial, wave of snow arrives later this afternoon. Minor storm overnight on 27th-28th December. Please check this page for periodic updates the most recent is at the top throughout the multiple day storm sequence. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. 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). In the meantime, a lengthy video discussion of the current situation recorded at the Peak is available here, and a brief panorama video from the Peak proper is available here. Section C/D: Although not required, many hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending. Spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. Section D. I-15/Cajon Pass to Hwy-14/Agua Dulce. 2 Baths. Hard 4.7 (4326) San Gorgonio Wilderness. Best, Altitudes are approximate. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 15th February 2023 are as follows. In addition to snowshoes, and as conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 6000ft. Nearby homes similar to 641 Avenida Vaquero have recently sold between $2,480K to $2,480K at an average of $1,060 per square foot. STAY SAFE!RESCUES IN THE WILDERNESS CAN BE AVOIDED.FOLLOW A FEW SIMPLE RULES, Be prepared Carry Flashlight, Map, Food, Water and Clothing. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Wednesday 1st February 2023 at 0935 the air temperature was 16.6F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -8.0F (-22C), 13% relative humidity, and a wild NNE wind sustained at 21 mph gusting to 35.2 mph. In recent days we have also surveyed trails around Tahquitz Peak, South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Deer Springs, among others. Altitudes are approximate. Lightly-traveled snowshoe and/or posthole tracks radiate away from Saddle Junction around the meadow trail and south toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have not checked how accurately they follow established trail routes or how far they continue. Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. Find 39 photos of the 71729 San Gorgonio Road home on Xome. 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. San Bernardino National Forest including the San Jacinto Ranger District is closed until at least 16 March 2023. There is a lightly traveled compacted snowshoe track on the East Ridge between Miller Peak and San Jacinto Peak but it does not accurately follow the route of the East Ridge Trail. The first number is the depth of fresh snow from this latest storm, followed in parentheses by the current total snow depth. I made a concerted effort to put in a track as faithful to the trail routes as conditions permitted, both up and down. Currently, and as conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has no steps to follow through the steeply angled ice with overlying deep snow. South Fork camps such as Dry and Dollar Lakes are also filling several weeks in advance.If you want to hike during the week, you have a better chance of getting a permit.Self-issue permits aren't always available - they oftentimes run out, or get stolen. Altitudes are approximate. This is crowdsourced and depends on your contributions. Melting and freeze/thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain for the remainder of February. 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. Strong winds expected on 11th-12th, and again on 14th, will likely obscure many tracks. Through LRV and up to San Jacinto Peak, there are at least three tracks (two posthole, one snowshoe), none of which attempt to follow the trail route, and all are steep and very direct. 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. Forecasts remain more uncertain about the second wave of stormy weather on 16th-18th January. Currently crampons, with an ice axe (and knowledge of how to use both), are strongly recommended. Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is functionally clear of icy snow, although a few minor patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. However, snowshoes will become increasingly useful as conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 8000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. Many hikers will nevertheless find spikes useful in places, especially for descending. http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/. The main track is clearest just above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. Also, they don't necessarily share the same parent. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 15th] has a mix of snowshoe and posthole tracks all the way up to its junction with Deer Springs Trail. 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. Such unseasonably warm temperatures mean that snow melt will be rapid everywhere while in many areas freeze/thaw cycles will result in icy trails in the early mornings above about 7000 ft. By late morning snow conditions will become poor for hiking (soft, slippery, and even slushy) especially in sun-exposed areas. South Ridge Road (5S11) is currently closed to vehicle traffic but is rapidly clearing [checked Saturday 17th] of snow. Monday 5th was the first day since the snow storm in early November that I did not use spikes for descending, as the icy snow in the high country was crisp and grippy in cold, cloudy conditions. Map Information, Forest Headquarters South Ridge Road is now clear of ice and snow. Seven Pines Trail has no sign of any hiker traffic since the snow on 12th. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow powder. 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). My Time: 9 hours 17 minutes (moving), 11 hours 37 minutes total. South Ridge Trail [updated 24th December] has about 30% icy snow cover from the top of South Ridge Road to Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). Thank you so much for your support. In the high country temperatures will be 10-20F above seasonal and, more significantly regarding snow/ice conditions, well above freezing for at least a week. Temperatures have been largely above seasonal in the first week of the month, then following a brief cold spell another period of temperatures well above seasonal is forecast for 8th-10th. Discover your local Girl Scout council: about Girl Scouts, what they do, what activities are available locally, and how to contact us. 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. UPDATE Wednesday 28th December: the overnight rain storm produced 0.73 inch in Idyllwild (measured at 5550 ft) while Long Valley (8600 ft) led San Jacinto mountain locations in rainfall with 1.01 inch. 2020 San Gorgonio: Type of Hike: Overnight: Trailhead: South Fork: Hiking Companions: Hiked with a group: Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: No bugs: Snow Conditions: Trail snow-covered at times - Gear and expertise recommended: Trail Conditions: Obstacles on trail: Hiked up to Dry Lake and set up camp for an early . The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and the steepest route to the summit of Mt. San Diego County Trail Map Sale Price: $13.88 . It leaves the Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction (0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning), descending largely on established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek just upstream from the old Laws Camp. The main track is clearest just above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. Mike, You might want to use this one instead With compaction of the trails in the second week of January, snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country for the foreseeable future. Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers will find them useful for descending. 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). Amrhein spoke at the command post at the closed Vivian Creek hiking trailhead, where weary search-and-rescue teams fanned out on a foot of fresh snow atop sheer ice, looking for Eugene Kumm, 25, of Seal Beach, missing since he set out alone for San Gorgonio peak Saturday. This information will be updated daily over the next week as details are changing significantly with every new forecast. Cautious navigation remains required for those who do not have significant experience of hiking this trail. The second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 is currently impacting the San Jacinto mountains. The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping . 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. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. 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. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has no steps to follow through the steeply angled icy snow. The forecast for the last ten days of December differs radically from what was predicted just a week ago, and a major warming trend is expected rather than another cold Pacific storm. Please take the time after your hike to fill out the form your feedback will help local managers improve services and provide valuable trip planning information for other visitors. Very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Momyer 13.2 miles, 6,062' gain Conditions are forecast to remain very unsettled for the first week of January. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently lightly (or above 8500 ft, moderately) snow-covered. By comparison, approximately 42 inches were recorded in February 2023 (provisional data). ( Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock After a relatively benign day, it started snowing gently at 1340, and has become steady with large wet flakes in the past hour or so. Spikes are generally not required. Both Mt. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is clear of snow. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. Although I carried snowshoes it would have been risky to try to use them on the icy traverses. New phone # 909-382-2882If you want a permit for Vivian for a dayhike on the weekend in the summertime, you must get it 3-4 weeks in advance. Rainfall may continue at mid elevations potentially for several consecutive days, and the relative warmth of the air masses may produce rain and/or freezing rain as high as San Jacinto Peak, challenging layers of icy or mixed snow/ice conditions at all elevations, and perhaps melting of much preexisting snow below about 8000 ft. Current forecasts for precipitation suggest as much as three inches of rain around the elevation of Idyllwild (5000-6000 ft) between the afternoon of Tuesday 27th December 2022 and Wednesday 4th January 2023. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. Current Trail Conditions. 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. There is a very visible boot track through light snow in places in its upper switchbacks to the PCT. Looking for partner (s) for these tentative scheduled hikes - see my Meetup SoCal Mountain Running & Mountaineering or DM me for more info. There are layers of hard ice and firm icy snow beneath the fresh powder, and crampons are ideal at present everywhere above 9000 ft, potentially lower in places. 2; 2; 1 month, 1 week ago. Current Trail Conditions Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. The next full update will likely be on the afternoon of 25th. Two moderate snow storms in the next ten days or so are expected to have a major combined impact on the San Jacinto mountains. 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). PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 2-3 inches (5.5 inches on 12th December), Marion Mountain Trail at junction with PCT (8700 ft): 3-4 inches (6 inches on 12th December), Long Valley (8600 ft): 1-2 inches (5-6 inches on 12th December), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0-1 inches (4 inches on 12th December), Saddle Junction/approx. The high country currently has the deepest snow accumulation in the San Jacinto mountains in almost four years, since March 2019. Most major trails now have a track through the snow to follow, details have been updated below. 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. Hikers should expect to encounter new treefall hazards due to the enormous weight of ice from freezing rain associated with the early November storm, followed by recent Santa Ana winds, and after the passage of Tropical Storm Kay in September. The freeze level is currently at about 7500 ft and it has been periodically snowing gently above that elevation, with Long Valley (8600 ft) having added a few inches overnight, for a current total depth of about 24 inches. The route is blessed with views first of Fish Creek Meadows, then the Ten Thousand Foot Ridge and Grinnell Mountain, and then Dry Lake while traversing Lake Peak. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating in the trails. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak [checked 9th January] has no steps to follow through the steeply angled icy snow. shawnsisler. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 602 S. Tippecanoe Ave. Forecasts indicate we will get a few more inches of snow overnight on 2nd-3rd January, and again on Thursday 5th January. Round Valley is the campsite along the trail to San Jacinto from the Long Valley ranger station. Snowfall in the high country has been somewhat below expectations, with nine inches at San Jacinto Peak (for a current total depth of about 16-18 inches), and 5-6 inches in Long Valley (8600ft, total c.6 inches). All seasonal and ephemeral streams were running strongly, and the current water conditions are the best for four years, since the great Valentines Day flood event of 2019. 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. (6), Images . Marion Mountain Trail (surveyed at least weekly in past month) has a very well-defined track to follow. Spikes are not generally required for ascending, but most hikers will find them useful for descending. 41900 Falls Rd. 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). Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. Aspen Grove 12.75 miles, 4,092' gain Although not required, some hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending. To the Vivian Creek trailhead: From interstate 10 at Redlands take Highway 38 exit (Orange Street or University Avenue) north several blocks to Hwy 38 and turn right. The fourteenth and fifteenth storm systems of winter 2022/23 impacted the San Jacinto mountains back-to-back on 13th and 14th February, as discussed in the previous Report available here. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 45 inches (30 inches snow in latest storms) but heavily drifted here, Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 45-48 inches (about 30-32 inches snow in latest storms), Long Valley (8600 ft): 24 inches (16 inches in latest storms), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 21 inches (13 inches snow in latest storms), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 5-6 inches (all from latest storms, four inches of snow on top of ice). Deer Springs Trail has a posthole track to follow along its entire length. From there the Peak Trail was easy going, having been well-traveled by hikers coming up the Tram. Special thanks to Florian Boyd, great friend of the Trail Report, for bringing this to my attention (via text when I was snowshoeing at 9000 ft elevation on the PCT early this morning!). Early on cold mornings, the icy snow is grippy, and I did not find spikes necessary on 5th. Snowshoes are not currently advisable on these slopes due to the angle of the underlying ice. However they are not required, depending on your comfort level with postholing in drifted snow of moderate depth. However the combined effect of the two minor storms, in combination with wild gusty winds pushing spindrift snow all over the high country, had completely erased the few tracks that were in place by the morning of Wednesday 15th. Final totals for Idyllwild for the three day storm event were 6.5 inches of snow, plus an impressive 5.06 inches of rain. Dan Hendley, a colleague of Kumm's at Kiewit Industries in Long Beach, said he was surprised to learn that his friend had taken on the 11,500-foot-high mountain by himself. Two ascents of San Jacinto Peak in three days had challenging snow and weather, but both were hugely enjoyable. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Put on snowshoes and went up to the base of San Gorgonio . At the on Monday 5th December 2022 at 0840 the air temperature was 24.1F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 2.8F (-16C), 20% relative humidity, and a bitter WSW wind sustained at 18 mph gusting to 33.0 mph. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and generally far freezing when considering wind chill effects. 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). Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Very shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for hiking. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th February 2023 are as follows. 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. In the week since the last storm we have surveyed trails around Tahquitz Peak twice, plus South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Marion Mountain trails, among others. With the light dusting of fresh powder overnight, accompanied by strong winds causing extensive drifting, prior tracks had been partially obscured everywhere and almost completely erased above 8900 ft so I was again breaking trail in the high country. 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. There was a dusting of snow in Garner Valley (4300 ft). A storm currently predicted for Wednesday 22nd February is tentatively forecast to have near record low (i.e. Deer Springs Trail has an excellent posthole track to follow along its entire length. No tracks had made it as far as Chinquapin from Saddle Junction at that time. All trails above about 5000 ft are currently lightly (or above 8000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. One of the most visited National Forest in Southern California. Above Little Round Valley in particular my track down from the Peak is very direct, steep, and would be a challenging ascent. 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. By Lance Pugmire and Janet Wilson Times Staff Writers January 22, 2004 With four Southland hikers dead since New Year's Day and two more missing, authorities on Wednesday closed a popular Mt. At 11,499 feet, San Gorgonio Mountain is the highest peak in California south of the Sierra. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 0915 the air temperature was 24.0F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 5.8F (-15C), 74% relative humidity, and a bitter NNW wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 24.5 mph. He said Kumm had hiked to 6,500 feet a week earlier with his girlfriend. Altitudes are approximate. Rescuers typically are called out about 90 times a year, but rarely in such close succession. Devils Slide Trail is functionally clear of snow below 7600 ft, about two miles up, and then snow cover is about 60% up to Saddle Junction but becoming almost continuous within 0.2 mile of the junction. All have been reported to US Forest Service. For day use a permit is required on any of the trails in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. On Fuller Ridge Trail there are five major treefall hazards obstructing the trail in the 1.5 mile section nearest to the campground (PCT Miles 189-190.5). I recorded a short video at San Jacinto Peak early on the morning of Monday 12th December (available here) which gives a feel for conditions as the storm was nearing its end. All trails above about 5000 ft are currently snow-covered. 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. As mentioned last week, current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness typical of April rather than December. Azalea Drive, the access road to Marion Mountain trailhead, has not been fully plowed (surveyed Tuesday 14th). At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 28th November 2022 at 0855 the air temperature was 26.2F (-3C), with a windchill temperature of 8.8F (-13C), 11% relative humidity, and a sharp due West wind sustained at 17 mph gusting to 24.6 mph. Some hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending. Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. Generally the San Jacinto mountains have just caught the southern edge of these systems, with nothing like the dramatic precipitation being reported from further north. This is a summary of conditions following the second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. Spikes can be useful for descending in particular. I descended via Deer Springs Trail, breaking trail through virgin powder all the way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction. Camping on the mountain or anywhere within the San Gorgonio Wilderness requires a permit that can be obtained from the San Gorgonio Ranger District at 34701 Mill Creek Road in Mentone, CA.