Days are short and nights are very cold. 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). Note that the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has announced they will be closed tomorrow, Saturday 25th, due to extreme weather. My posthole/glissading track between LRV and San Jacinto Peak is very direct and steep, and of limited help to an ascending hiker. San Gorgonio Mountain (5.8km) Lake Peak (6.7km) Jepson Peak (7.3km) Charlton Peak (7.3km) . At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Thursday 15th December 2022 at 0715 the air temperature was 28.0F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 13.9F (-10C), 52% relative humidity, and a chilly WNW wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 14.5 mph. 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). Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. 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. For closure information, please visit . Altitudes are approximate. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0-1 inch (0.5 inch hail/sleet plus 1.04 inch rain on 5th). This may continue for several weeks, or could change given further fresh snowfall forecast. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow powder. There was no evidence of hiker tracks on Fuller Ridge Trail or Seven Pines Trail as of Monday 23rd January. We removed nine treefall hazards on 18th November and the trail is now completely clear again, bringing to 56 the number of trees we have removed from this trail since mid 2021. Be prepared for ice and deep snow, bring crampons and /or snow shoes and above all do not hike past your limits. It is a difficult hike, to say the least, and is recommended only for hikers who have adequate experience. Elevation Gain: 5,449 feet. South Ridge Road (5S11) is currently closed to vehicle traffic but is rapidly clearing [checked Saturday 17th] of snow. 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). Precipitation has been steady at mid and upper elevations for the past few hours. Whether you're a Girl Scout, a volunteer, or a family member, decide what you'll do next in your Girl Scout experience. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway/Long Valley remain open. Their arrival followed a period of several days of temperatures well above seasonal the previous week which had produced some significant melting. The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping panoramic views from the top of Mt. Underlying the fresh snow is in places a thin layer of ice and/or icy snow remaining from the previous storm in early November. Most major trails now have a track through the snow to follow, details have been updated below. Altitudes are approximate. Winter conditions Be prepared for all weather conditions. The track on Deer Springs Trail largely follows the existing trail route up to Little Round Valley. Very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. 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. In Idyllwild both overnight low and daytime high temperatures will be more typical of late March or even April than of late December. There are several campgrounds in and around the area and at several of the trailheads. My Alpine start meant that all layers remained firm throughout the ascent. You must be logged in to create new topics. 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). Coldwell Banker. Sky High Trail (5km) Raywood Flat Trail (5.1km) North Fork Meadows Trail (5.4km) Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Spikes are generally not required for ascending, but most hikers find them useful at least for descending. Similarly, Long Valley (8600ft) added about two inches overnight for a storm total of about seven inches and a current total depth of about 15 inches. Freeze levels will be well below 3000 ft at times, and for example Garner Valley (4300-4800 ft) could receive as much as 6-12 inches of snow this week. Very light precipitation well before first light this morning included a dusting of snow above 6000 ft, <0.25 inch below 8000 ft and about 0.25 inch above that elevation, plus 0.03 inch of drizzle in Idyllwild. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 30th January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) and checked again on 1st February are as follows. Section C/D: Ernie Maxwell Trail [checked 23rd and 26th January] has good tracks to follow along its entire length, through the shallow icy snow (still >90% snow cover). 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. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has a lightly traveled posthole track to follow through the drifted powder. 5; 12; 2 months, 4 weeks ago. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Effective 26th January 2023 the State Park closed the section of Skyline Trail that falls within its jurisdiction, above 5800 ft elevation, until further notice due to dangerous weather conditions. Both storms produced more snow than was generally forecast. Currently the snow is relatively powdery and benign; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. For day use a permit is required on any of the trails in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Very shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for most hikers. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. Special District Detail - publicpay.ca.gov Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. 2 night trip SB Peak Trail to Limber Pine, Trail Fork Springs and back. This started as low as Devils Slide Trail and continued all morning. At the Peak on Sunday 15th January 2023 at 0750 the air temperature was 17.8F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -5.6F (-21C), 100% relative humidity, and a wild SW wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 30.2 mph. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. Discover your local Girl Scout council: about Girl Scouts, what they do, what activities are available locally, and how to contact us. Snowshoes are recommended everywhere with snow above 4000 ft, potentially lower in places, and spikes are invaluable anywhere that has been cleared or compacted. Snowshoes are no longer required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 18th January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. Rescuers typically are called out about 90 times a year, but rarely in such close succession. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. Its proximity to scenic trails and nearby mountain lakes and streams make the campground a great . Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers will find them useful at least for descending the uppermost section. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover costs. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. 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). Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin, and the State Park campground at Stone Creek, are closed for the season. After an interesting month of weather, the remainder of January into February is forecast to be somewhat more settled. Camping Shade Solitude Views / Vista. It stopped snowing at about 0800. If there are Road Closed signs across Fern Valley Road at its junction with Forest Drive likely the case at least on weekends and holidays when significant snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Snow depths are currently excellent for snowshoeing above about 7000 ft, where trails havent been too heavily traveled and compacted. These mileages were all recently revised by the USFS and SGWA: They tend to be especially useful for descending. Snowshoes are useful in lower 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. Thank you so much for your support. Our Council owns and operates Skyland Ranch, a magnificent 192-acre camp property in the San Jacinto Mountains below the town of Idyllwild, and Camp Azalea Trails, a remote camp setting located outside of Idyllwild. Sign Up; However, relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below). 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. Snow depths are expected to change multiple times over the next ten days due to mixed precipitation, including even possibly loss of snow at mid elevations due to rainfall. Florian Boyd kindly reported this morning that snow has dusted down to 4500 ft on the lower (open) section of Skyline Trail. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Icy snow cover is 60% overall, becoming increasingly patchy below about 7000 ft, and again in the sun-exposed areas above 8000 ft. Spikes are useful, especially for descending. South Fork via Dry Lake 11.34 miles, 4,622' gain On 21st I again barebooted (i.e. 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. This was discussed in, Minor snow storm in the early hours of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 then turned to rain all day. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. A Comprehensive Guide to Backpacking San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek Expect crowding. The remainder of February is currently forecast to continue the cold temperatures of recent days, generally at or below seasonal at all mountain elevations, and to be increasingly unsettled. The high country was above the weather most of the night, and added an inch of fresh snow at most, however there were 2.25 inches in Idyllwild, and also roughly the same fresh snow depth at Humber Park and Saddle Junction. 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. Thank you so much for your support. Chung Hun "Charles" Koh, 53, of Buena Park left home New Year's Day to hike on Mt. 2,345 Sq. Forest, San Gorgonio Wilderness, San Jacinto Wilderness and State Park. (one-way mileages to the top of San G) Mount San Gorgonio - Hiking Vivian Creek Trail to the Peak 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. Temperatures will be near or generally below seasonal for the next ten days at least. Reservation Rules. San Gorgonio Wilderness-California Washington Trails Association The San Bernardino Mountains are unique in that they have an eastwest orientation, making them transverse to the general northsouth orientation of most of California's coastal mountains. Nevertheless, snowshoes will be valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000ft for the foreseeable future, and on trail where tracks have not yet been broken. They will be especially valuable on well-consolidated tracks over the coming days and weeks before they clear of snow (e.g., Devils Slide, Ernie Maxwell, Deer Springs trails, at least), on colder mornings when conditions are icy, and for descending. They will be especially valuable on well-consolidated tracks over the coming weeks before they clear of snow (e.g., Devils Slide, Ernie Maxwell, Deer Springs trails, at least), on colder mornings when conditions are icy, and for descending. There is a very well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. The first storm system comes through overnight on Tuesday 27th, with precipitation continuing into the morning of Wednesday 28th. March | 2023 | San Gorgonio Wilderness Association Some hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending. Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio offers an opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of girls and young women. http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/CABDF/2015-06-17-1915-Lake-Fire/picts/2015_06_24-16.53.57.084-CDT.pdf, As of July 16th 2015: The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. 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 Peak Trail has about 90% cover of icy snow to 9900 ft elevation, and then >95% cover to San Jacinto Peak. While the snow was not especially deep, it still took about double the time of a completely dry ascent. ( Many people are lost leaving the San Gorgonio Summit because they miss the trail going back to Vivian. Snowshoes are not required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. These are free and self-issued. The advice above should be used with this in mind, and if in any doubt carry the necessary traction devices that you will be most comfortable using. I kept those on for the rest of the ascent, and almost all of the descent, finally removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. The Old fire, which started in San Bernardino, and the deadly flood that ravaged a campground in Devore were blamed for establishing the brittle ground that gave way when Jones fell to his death. Despite recent sunshine, 'It's just a sheet of ice up there,' a rescue official says. 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 high country currently has the deepest snow accumulation in the San Jacinto mountains in almost four years, since March 2019. Currently the snow is relatively powdery; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. The storm expected on 28th November failed to materialize, producing only below average temperatures, wind, and spectacular clouds (photos below). Hard to believe being so close to the Los Angeles/Southern California area.Regarding San Gorgonio's elevation:In keeping with the standard (USGS) for determining US elevations, I have posted the height at 11,490 feet. While fresh snow may be optimum for snowshoeing for the next couple of weeks, snow at all elevations will become increasingly firm and icy following multiple freeze-thaw cycles, and compaction by increasing hiker traffic in places, and I cannot overemphasize the importance of having both appropriate equipment and the right skill set for the terrain. Some hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending. Day Camp Aide Training March 18, 2023 - girlscoutsem.org As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout its length, snow cover is about 80%. The State Park boundary is not marked but is near the site of the old Florians Cache, below Flat Rock. Temperatures will be below seasonal for December for at least the next week, with many days cloudy or at least partly cloudy. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and light powder there is extreme drifting. ) or https:// means you've safely Lamentably this latest storm was again very mild, with rain falling as high as the elevation of San Jacinto Peak see photos below all morning on Tuesday 10th, until finally turning to light snow in the early afternoon (at about 1330 in Long Valley).