These are free and self-issued. All trails above about 5000 ft are currently lightly (or above 8000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. No longer required at all the San Gorgonio Trailheads - only South Fork, Vivian, and Momyer still require it. If you have general comments or questions, they can be submitted via our Contacts page. website belongs to an official government organization in the The snow continues unabated, although the pace has slowed somewhat in the past hour. Authorities urged all hikers to travel with a companion, tell a friend or family member of their exact hiking path, stick to it if at all possible, know the weather forecast, dress warmly and understand that there are many mountainous pockets where cellphones don't work. Although I made a concerted effort to put in a track as faithful to the trail routes as conditions permitted, further strong winds and blowing powder in the high country were erasing tracks within hours or even minutes. 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. For those that are unclear, the Skyline Trail is the first segment of the C2C (Cactus to clouds) from Palm Springs up to Grubbs Notch (Long Valley). Elevation gain : 5,840 ft. Even experienced hikers should understand that winter ice hiking requires Alpine mountaineering equipment and skills, authorities said. 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. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Wednesday 15th February 2023 at 1030 the air temperature was 4.9F (-15C), with a windchill temperature of -26.3F (-32C), 65% relative humidity, and a bitter due North wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 27.7 mph. (800) 735-2922 (TDD/TTY), Offices may be closed on select federal holidays, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sbnf/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=26575&actid=50. Although not required, many hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending. Currently, and increasingly as snow conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft, lower in places. Forum: Trail Conditions | San Gorgonio Wilderness Association The TOPOZONE MAP states an elevation of 11,499 feet shown at the trail's end at the higher summit. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Spikes are recommended but not required depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow. Amrhein said searchers had seen "not a thing, not a thing." This will continue to be the case for at least a week, given fresh snowfall expected. Forecasts are inconsistent regarding the amount of snowfall in this next storm, but those that I trust suggest 12+ inches in Idyllwild over the next 24 hours, with 1-2 feet in the high country. They are strongly recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, at a minimum on the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, the Wellman Trail, Deer Springs Trail above Little Round Valley, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, and on both flanks but critically on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak [checked 20th January] has no steps to follow through the steeply angled ice with overlying deep snow. (130) Good Coverage. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Sky High Trail (5km) Raywood Flat Trail (5.1km) North Fork Meadows Trail (5.4km) Nevertheless, the snowfall so far in winter 2022/23 in Idyllwild would place it seventh in recorded history (reliable data collection started in 1943). Spikes are not essential but will be useful for most hikers, especially for descending. 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. Hopefully someone will update the trail description with respect to the total miles. Nevertheless Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the relatively wide, bare, and obvious routes of, for example, Devils Slide or Marion Mountain trails. Read About these trails in our Hiking Guide . Altitudes are approximate. Often spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. Given cold temperatures for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to slow (or largely stop in the high country). All trails above about 5500 ft are largely snow-covered (wholly snow-covered above about 7000 ft). 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. This will change later this week. The second system, possible in a broad time window between 2nd and 4th December, may produce significant snow in the high country (forecasts have ranged widely from 0-30 inches above 10,000 ft!) Phone is 909-382-2882 or you can request a permit via fax at (909) 794-1125. contact San Bernardino National Forest, San Gorgonio Ranger District, 34701 Mill Creek Rd., Mentone, CA 92359 909-382-2882 or fax (909) 794-1125.Current Trail Conditions. Final precipitation numbers for Idyllwild (measured at 5550 ft elevation) across the three days were 5.06 inches of rain and 6.5 inches of snow, although only about half of the latter remained on the ground as a few inches were removed by (relatively) warm rain between snow storms. 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. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. Currently trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) are largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. There is a very visible boot track through light snow in places in its upper switchbacks to the PCT. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. It climbs just fast enough to avoid being frustrating on the ascent, but is gentle enough so as to not be pounding on the descent. Authorities were able to locate and rescue two 17-year-old hikers who were lost for several days on the Pacific . They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. In several places the trail itself was buried by up to 5 feet of snow making it very slow-going. Although some treefall hazards from Red Tahquitz to Antsell Rock (PCT Miles 172.5-175) were cleared in June 2021 prior to the rockslide removal work, the situation has badly deteriorated since. Although the flakes are small, it has been steadily accumulating at an inch per hour, with about six inches fresh powder so far today, for a Peak area total of about 30 inches. 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. LockA locked padlock Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Although the high country currently has its deepest snow accumulation since March 2019, this winter nevertheless remains well below the average for snowfall in the San Jacinto mountains to date. I have kept crampons on for most of the descent, removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. The 1714 sq.ft. Very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Thank you for taking the time to read this. My Actual Distance: 18.4 miles. Map showing recreational areas. On the afternoon of Monday 6th I was treated to moody clouds and virga, a cloud base just above my head at San Jacinto Peak, and the briefest possible flurry of small snow flakes while at the Peak (but nothing settled). The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in parentheses by the approximate depth of fresh snow added by the latest storm sequence on 14th-17th January. Melting has already reduced the snow cover to 90% as far as Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). Transporting firewood can move these pests to new locations. I was very happy to find no new treefall hazards down on Spitler Peak Trail. 2-3 inches on 9th November), Saddle Junction/approx. Willow Creek Trail remains a relatively slow, messy hike for a couple of miles. Went out on South Fork/Dry Lake Trails with micro spikes to Dry Lake via winter route. 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. Dcouvrez les photos et les conseils d'autres randonneurs et trouvez toutes les promenades autour de Sand To Snow National Monument qui . Devils Slide Trail is almost clear of icy snow to about 7700 ft although some extended dirty icy patches remain below that. I snowshoed down from San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, Saddle Junction, and Devils Slide Trail. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. South Ridge Road (5S11), Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail), and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) are currently closed to vehicle traffic, as is Black Mountain Road at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. "I'm assuming, with all the snow, he just got turned around," Henley said. 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 Peak Trail has about 90% cover of icy snow to 9900 ft elevation, and then >95% cover to San Jacinto Peak. Ernie Maxwell Trail [checked 2nd February] has a heavily traveled track to follow along its entire length, through the increasingly patchy icy snow. Current forecasts suggest that the moderate storm on 14th-15th January may be cooler than the Tuesday storm, with somewhat more snow at lower elevations. Gary Suttle's book lists it as 8.4mi. A remarkable further 9.5 inches of snow fell in Idyllwild today, bringing the storm total to 19.5 inches, before largely stopping and the cloud cover partly clearing out near dusk. . He didn't know the area, and he was in ice with [boot spikes] he just got at Christmas," Goodman said. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. Snowshoes are no longer required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. Sadly weight of snow has caused the roof of one shop in town to collapse, and I saw one collapsed car port (with cars inside) under the dramatic volume of snow. Note: When there is sufficient snow coverage, the winter route is MUCH preferred and typically much safer. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. 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. Please feel free to add this route to the mountain page. There is an average of 9-10 inches of fresh powder so far today at San Jacinto Peak, and about 5 inches in Long Valley. Generally considered a challenging route. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) 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. An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. I would like to ski San Gorgonio. ( San Bernadino Peak Trail Conditions. 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. 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). San Jacinto Trail Report - Snow, weather, and trail conditions for the Minor 0.5 inch dusting of snow above 8000 ft on Thursday 29th (, Moderate storm largely in the early hours of 1st January 2023 was the third significant snowfall of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. The peak is one of eleven peaks that are over 10,000 feet in elevation in the southeast portion of the San Bernardino Mountains. There are layers of hard ice and firm icy snow beneath the fresh powder, and crampons are ideal at present everywhere above 9000 ft, lower in places. To the west, along the Pacific Crest Trail, a second team was searching for Ronald Barbour, 69, of La Crescenta, who set out on a combined bike ride and hike Sunday. Later that morning at San Jacinto Peak, I measured a windchill temperature of -26.3F (-32C), the fourth lowest temperature I have ever recorded there. Every year seems to have its challenges and 2022 has been no exception. Rare avalanche spotted on Mount San Jacinto above Coachella Valley Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Note that near its junction with Deer Springs Trail, the route was not close to the established trail, so cautious navigation may be needed. As discussed above, additional light snowfall on 3rd and 5th January will further complicate the trail conditions. Many hikers may find spikes are already useful, and will become increasingly so during and after this weekend with melting and compaction. 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. 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. 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). The rain has becoming heavier in the past hour or so. Spikes are currently recommended throughout the trail system above about 7500 ft. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. Such warm conditions will soon be a distant memory. 2,345 Sq. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two. On Thursday 15th I ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails) and descended the west side via Deer Springs Trail, while on Monday 19th we hiked to the Peak up and down the east side trails. On Monday 13th I also postholed the entire hike, as I was able to ascend barebooting to about 9200 ft before putting on crampons. This makes for less than perfect snowshoeing conditions, but still preferable to postholing. At about 10K feet we began seeing our fist snow obstructing the trail. I put on my Kahtoola microspikes to descend from the Peak, ultimately leaving them on most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. Explore this 19.0-mile out-and-back trail near Forest Falls, California. Conditions immediately following last weeks snow storm, the second significant Pacific system of winter 2022/23, that impacted the San Jacinto mountains on 11th-12th December were summarized in the previous Report (available here). 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. 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). Most major trails now have a track through the snow to follow, details have been updated below. 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. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 8 inches (8-9 inches), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 4 inches (total 4 inches). Some hikers may continue to find spikes useful for some of the minor icy patches but they are no longer required. 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. San Bernardino, CA 92408 It was near-whiteout conditions due to wild spindrift above Wellman Divide, but the new snow was firm and overall made for good snowshoeing conditions. However subsequent light snow on Sunday 1st improved the depths by another couple of inches. The snow quickly turned into semi-melted slush. Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak. Other than that the trailhead is a 30 minute drive over a sometimes rough road from the highway, I found little reason this should be the least popular route. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. Looking for partner (s) for these tentative scheduled hikes - see my Meetup SoCal Mountain Running & Mountaineering or DM me for more info. 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. The main track is clearest just above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. 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. The Vivian Creek Trail is definitely more than 7.8mi. 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. Altitudes are approximate. Free day use and overnight permits are required. Overnight in Idyllwild we had three inches of snow, the first notable snowfall of this latest storm series, but temperatures actually warmed during the night (presumably with the arrival of the latest atmospheric river) and before dawn it was raining on top of the snow. On 21st I again barebooted (i.e. On both days I was able to ascend barebooting to about 8800 ft on 30th and to 9200 ft on 1st, before putting on crampons. 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. "They're going to slip and fall thousands of feet, like these other hikers, if they're not properly prepared. but ideal for snowshoes, which I used from Saddle to San Jacinto Peak and back. Be aware of your surroundings trails look different in the snow and are sometimes are hard to find. Melting is expected to be steady and start to accelerate into February, but freeze/thaw cycles, compaction, and refreezing overnight may ultimately combine to produce very icy conditions. Some of the storms are expected to be very cold with snow levels below 3000 ft, and, for example, Garner Valley may receive between 6-12 inches of snow by early March. A Comprehensive Guide to Backpacking San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek They tend to be especially valuable for descending trails. Snow depths are currently excellent for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, potentially lower in places. With two further minor snowfalls possible in January, and strong winds in the high country expected on some days causing substantial spindrift, tracks broken through the snow may not last long. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. Only 2.5 inches of snow fell at San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft) decreasing to 0.25 inch in upper Fern Valley (at approximately 6000 ft). In Idyllwild both overnight low and daytime high temperatures will be more typical of late March or even April than of late December. Map showing recreational areas. At 11,499 feet, San Gorgonio Mountain is the highest peak in California south of the Sierra. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Yesterday afternoon we checked Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park, and measured an average snow depth of 26 inches. Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak - AllTrails San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 10-12 inches (12-14 inches on 12th December), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 9 inches (10-12 inches on 12th December), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 2-4 inches (7 inches on 12th December), Annies Junction/approx. The PCT on the south-facing slope (Angels Glide) for about 1.0 mile north of Saddle Junction is largely clear of snow (spikes not required). Comments Off on Vivian Creek Trail Maintenance, STAY SAFE! And he said he doesn't have any doubt that his friend is still alive. SGWA lists the elevation gain from momyer creek trailhead to SG summit as 6,062'. A positive start to the new year, this is a summary of conditions following the fifth Pacific storm (but only the third significant snowfall) of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. Currently few major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. Hikers going above the snow line should carry ice axes and boot spikes and know how to use them. 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. For those that are unclear, the Skyline Trail is the first segment of the C2C (cactus to clouds) from Palm Springs up to Grubbs Notch, the access point to Long Valley. 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. South Ridge Road (5S11) is also currently closed to vehicle traffic. 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 slowly melting inch of patchy icy snow (photo below from 30th). It does not accurately follow the established trail route in significant sections but is navigable. San Bernardino County authorities have rescued at least six other hikers since Jan. 1. The first number is the current total snow depth, followed in parentheses by the storm total for this latest storm 11th-12th December. If you want a permit for Vivian for a dayhike on the weekend in the summertime, you must get it 3-4 weeks in advance. This may mean rain and/or freezing rain as high as 10,000 ft, and challenging layers of icy or mixed snow/ice conditions at all elevations, including the possible melting of some or most preexisting snow below about 8000 ft due to rainfall. Snow from the moderate storm on 8th-9th November (summarized here) has been melting steadily at mid elevations but more slowly in the high country given the relative weakness of the sun at this time of year. 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. Remarkably Tropical Storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards to this trail. Amounts listed may Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. Average snow cover is 60%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. Basically, now would be a nice time to go to the beach." STAY SAFE!RESCUES IN THE WILDERNESS CAN BE AVOIDED.FOLLOW A FEW SIMPLE RULES, Be prepared Carry Flashlight, Map, Food, Water and Clothing. If the Report is useful to you in any way, please consider using this link to the Donate page. 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. A second forecast storm system may bring some light precipitation to the San Jacinto mountains on 2nd December, and possibly again on 4th-5th. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate or higher angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying powder. San Bernardino National Forest Near Angelus Oaks, California. 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. Temperatures on the morning of 15th were the lowest of this winter, and among the lowest of the past decade. 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. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. Go Hiking Trip Reports San Gorgonio Wilderness-California. 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. Conversely in 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. Fresh snow at San Jacinto Peak now measures 3-4 inches, snow in Long Valley (8600 ft) at three inches, and rainfall in Idyllwild since 0700 this morning at 0.6 inch. 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.
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