san gorgonio trail conditions

I've backcountry skied in Northern Arizona, Utah, and Southern Colorado. This can't be correct. Initially a cold system that brought 2-3 inches of snow to elevations between 4500 ft and 9000 ft. A short video summary of what we found when we broke trail up Devils Slide that morning. By my measurements, Idyllwild is up to 51 inches of snow to date for this winter, compared to the average for the thirty year period 1991-2020 of 31 inches. All have been reported to US Forest Service. With compaction of the trails over the next few days, snowshoes will become less useful on-trail, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel at the highest elevations for the foreseeable future. See their announcement here. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Altitudes are approximate. Go right and continue for 4.5 miles to the Falls Recreation Area, past the town of Forest Falls. Since the depths given in the previous Report, there has been some melting at higher elevations which have been above the cloud at times, and below 7000 ft where temperatures have remained above freezing for several days. 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. There is evidence of a relatively well-traveled track south from Saddle Junction on the PCT, but as of the morning of Saturday 17th this track did not make it through to Chinquapin Flat. San Gorgonio Mountain is the highest peak in California south of the Sierra at 11,499 ft. 2,345 Sq. 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. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Such warm conditions will soon be a distant memory. Special District Detail - publicpay.ca.gov If there are Road Closed signs further down at the junction with Forest Drive sometimes the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also theoretically unavailable for legal parking. Snowshoes are no longer required on the established trail system, which is now too compacted for snowshoes. 8. With some melting already underway and compaction caused by freeze-thaw cycles and hiker traffic, conditions will deteriorate for snowshoeing over the next few days, especially on more heavily traveled trails below 9000ft. ) or https:// means you've safely My route down to Little Round Valley will not be especially helpful to ascending hikers, as I made the most of conditions to take a direct glissading route. Map showing recreational areas. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations for the foreseeable future. single family is a 3 bed, 2.0 bath unit. Across the three storm days, locations above about 9000 ft all generally added at least two feet of snow (admixed with layers of freezing rain in areas up to 10,000 ft). The South Fork Trail is over 10 miles one-way. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. Daisy Girl Scouts are invited to explore the 7 Ponds Nature Center on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 10-12 PM. Rain had started overnight in Idyllwild, ending in late afternoon at a total of 1.26 inches. Above Little Round Valley there are at least half-a-dozen tracks ascending toward San Jacinto Peak, none of which accurately follow the established trail route. 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. Do not park in the picnic area sites -- please take care to read all signage! 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. San Gorgonio trail conditions - SoCal Hiker With such mild storms this winter, it is interesting to speculate how much snow would currently be around the high peaks if air temperatures had been just a couple of degrees cooler. Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. 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. February is forecast to be somewhat more settled than the very eventful January. It may be in the 60s and 70s in the valleys, but it's not warm in the mountains. Note that generally the maximum depths so far this winter were immediately following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023 (details of those depths available here). I was very happy to find no new treefall hazards down on Spitler Peak Trail. Trails above about 7500 ft currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow (more continuous above about 9000 ft). Spikes are strongly recommended as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. 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. The finally push to the summit from Sky High trail was relatively easy. 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. It remains well above freezing there, currently at 41F. Given cold temperatures for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to slow (or largely stop 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. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it is expected to add freezing rain and/or layers of snow and ice over the next ten days. Alternatively snowshoes could have been used, depending on personal preference and time of day. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. 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). 6. Currently, and increasingly as snow conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft, lower in places. 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. scotchybob. 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). A weather system, possibly in two waves across a broad time window between 2nd and 5th December, is currently forecast to produce light precipitation at all elevations, including a possible dusting of snow in the high country [update 1st December: no precipitation is now expected from these storms passing to the north of us]. On 13th, Idyllwild received 2.75 inches, and I measured five inches at San Jacinto Peak, with 3-4 inches at locations in between. Both Mt. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, possibly lower in places. Spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. This is followed by steady moderate to heavy snowfall starting in the afternoon of Wednesday 22nd and continuing into the early hours of Sunday 26th February. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations. Note that the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has announced they will be closed tomorrow, Saturday 25th, due to extreme weather. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two. 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. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the ease (or otherwise) of hiking a given trail. UPDATE Friday 20th January: Overnight Idyllwild had a very light dusting (<0.25 inch) of snow, but the high country was above the cloud so existing tracks should be unaffected. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, and for the entire Deer Springs Trail. Snowshoes can be used for ascending the highest peaks, but with considerable caution. Forecasts for snowfall have varied greatly in both timing and volume, the latter ranging from inches to feet. Generally considered a challenging route. http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sbnf/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3846020. "Warning, Extreme Icy Conditions Do Not Hike Alone," stated fliers handed out with hiking permits in the San Gorgonio district of the San Bernardino National Forest beginning Wednesday. 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. In Idyllwild for several days both overnight low and daytime high temperatures will be more typical of March or even April than of late December. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. A few minor patches exist close to the top. . Early on the morning of Saturday 17th I broke trail back-and-forth across the 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak which now has a lightly traveled posthole track to follow through the drifted powder. Print. It turned to occasional light snow showers at about 1430, with just 0.5 inch settled so far. Long Valley added about 4-6 inches of snow overnight, and a little less than that during the day today. He didn't know the area, and he was in ice with [boot spikes] he just got at Christmas," Goodman said. 71729 San Gorgonio Road, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 is a single family listed active at $939,000. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. "It occurred to me that anyway one more Sunday was over, that Maman was buried now, that I was going back to work, and that, really, nothing had changed." Favorite hiking regions include the San Gorgonio Wilderness, Eastern Sierras, Channel Islands and San Gabriel Mountains . (6), Images The State Park wilderness was also closed a couple of days ago (see earlier Trail Report or State Park website). That is expected to change, with up to several inches of snow forecast both in the high country and at mid elevations tonight. We surveyed the PCT where it crosses Highway 74 (approx. This is frankly grossly misleading and in reality both trails no longer exist and are so completely overgrown I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them. Instructional Assistant I 3.5 hrs. - Multiple Sites and times Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. 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. UPDATE Wednesday 14th December 2022: Early this morning Anabel and I broke trail up Spitler Peak Trail to the PCT. This morning I broke South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. San Gorgonio is the tallest mountain in Southern California, and a rite of passage for serious hikers in the area. The trail design is excellent, with the grade perfectly balanced for ascent and descent. If you have general comments or questions, they can be submitted via our Contacts page. Avalanche risk in the high country is currently minimal due to snow depths and conditions, with the exception of the traditionally unstable north face of San Jacinto Peak which avalanches to some extent every winter. However a brief frigid interlude on 5th-6th February included a very light overnight snowfall at all elevations above 5000 ft, with 0.75 inch in Idyllwild, increasing to 1.5 inch at San Jacinto Peak. The forecasts are very unsettled for the next week, but significant snowfall arrives on Saturday 31st (12+ inches expected in the high country) and may continue on/off until Friday 6th January 2023, potentially totaling 2-3 feet above 10,000 ft elevation. These conditions are expected to change significantly over the next ten days due to the highly unsettled weather forecast into early January. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 6-8 inches (12-14 inches on 12th December), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 8 inches (10-12 inches on 12th December), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-2 inches (7 inches on 12th December), Annies Junction/approx. Long Valley (8600 ft) has added about two inches, where it continues to snow gently this morning. WEATHER UPDATE 23rd December: forecasts have been shifting dramatically in recent days. IMPORTANT UPDATE Thursday 26th January 2023: The State Park has announced that Skyline Trail is closed with immediate effect due to hazardous conditions above the State Park boundary (5800 ft elevation). San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 22-24 inches (includes 6 inches added on 5th January), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 15 inches (5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 5th), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 17 inches (5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 5th), Long Valley (8600 ft): 8 inches (2 inches on 5th), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 10 inches (2 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 5th), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 3-5 inches (1 inch snow plus >1.0 inch rain on 5th). This table gives the weather forecast for San Gorgonio at the specific elevation of 3505 m. Our advanced weather models allow us to provide distinct weather . At the Peak on Monday 12th December 2022 at 0715 the air temperature was 9.7F (-12C), with a windchill temperature of -13.4F (-25C), 100% relative humidity, and a sharp WSW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 21.2 mph. Spikes not required to that elevation. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. I put on my Kahtoola microspikes to descend from the Peak, ultimately leaving them on most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. This was tricky for postholing which went through the ice layer. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Instead they end up miles from where they should be. Spikes at least are required, but preferably crampons, both best used with an ice axe, specifically for the uppermost switchbacks, but traction is useful for descending much lower also. Temperatures will be below freezing (max 28F on Mon night, min 25F on Wed morning). Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through increasingly patchy, very thin, icy snow above about 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). On 24th and 28th we barebooted to the Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through light icy snow. Emergency-Closure-Forest-Order-No.-05-12-00-23-02-SIGNED-1. 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). Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. Crampons are recommended for the traversing slopes. 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. That said, the cumulative effect of multiple systems is helpful to our moisture situation, and Tuesday 10th January saw the sixth storm in just over two weeks in the San Jacinto mountains (a timeline of the recent sequence of storms is available here in the previous Report). Teen hikers lost on Pacific Crest Trail for several days after The first storm system comes through overnight on Tuesday 27th, with precipitation continuing into the morning of Wednesday 28th. Another tree came down near the start of this trail close to Saddle Junction in Tropical Storm Kay. Snowshoes are recommended everywhere with snow above 4000 ft, potentially lower in places, and spikes are invaluable anywhere that has been cleared or compacted. Very fine snow fell briefly this evening. LockA locked padlock . 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. Type of Hike Day hike. March 2 - Marion Mountain to San Jacinto and return same route. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Forest, San Gorgonio Wilderness, San Jacinto Wilderness and State Park. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing above about 9000 ft, potentially lower in places. 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. 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). Despite warmer temperatures on some days, hikers should be prepared for temperatures near freezing in the high country, and generally below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). The avalanche was an unusual occurrence on Mount San Jacinto, RMRU President Eric Holden said. 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). The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Spikes will likely become more increasingly useful over the next few days and weeks as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. Snow depths are currently excellent for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, potentially lower in places. We talk about his top SoCal mountains, tips & advice for long day hikes and newbie hikers, salsa dancing up Half Dome, redemption on San Gorgonio, disappearing on Ontario Peak, completing the Six Pack of Peaks challenge in one month, Cactus to Clouds vs Iron Mountain, summit cypher, dance origins, and the one hike he would re-live all over again. All water crossings easy for anyone. The holiday weekend had temperatures far above seasonal until Tuesday 27th. By comparison, approximately 42 inches were recorded in February 2023 (provisional data). Currently the snow is relatively powdery and benign; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. For closure information, please visit our official PCT closures page. The eighteenth storm, due this evening, is an unusual atmospheric river combined with very cold air again, expected to produce heavy snowfall for 24th-25th February. Spikes are useful but not strictly required for ascending, but most hikers will continue to find them very useful for descending. Snow cover is continuous from there, with a posthole track to Tahquitz Peak. Spikes tend to be most valuable for descending even when not needed for ascending. As evident in the video, spikes are currently needed at least, and snowshoes would be ideal especially for sections that have not yet been traveled. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 4-5 inches (5.5 inches on 12th December), Marion Mountain Trail at junction with PCT (8700 ft): 4-6 inches (6 inches on 12th December), Long Valley (8600 ft): 3-4 inches (5-6 inches on 12th December), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 3 inches (4 inches on 12th December), Saddle Junction/approx.