If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 22nd December] has a well-defined but lumpy posthole track throughout. Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio offers an opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of girls and young women. Also, they don't necessarily share the same parent. Compacted trails such as Devils Slide, Deer Springs, Marion Mountain, South Ridge are extremely icy between 7400-8900 ft due to the rain yesterday which has now frozen. Map showing recreational areas. Storm systems forecast for 21st-24th and 28th February are all predicted to include severe windchill temperatures near or below -20F (-29C). I switched to crampons and then finished breaking the Peak Trail through to near Miller Peak (photo below). Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3 inches (all from latest storms, admixed with 5.06 inches rain on 14th-16th) already melting steadily on 18th. Search and Rescue advises always hike with someone, and not leave your group. At the Peak 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. Cautious navigation remains required for those who do not have significant experience of hiking this trail. The main track is clearest just above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. The freeze level has remained around 7500 ft for most of today, but is forecast to drop overnight closer to 6000 ft. It is a very popular mountain with several trails that lead to the summit. Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th January 2023 are as follows. Long Valley (8600 ft) looks to have added about 12 inches since last night. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 1-2 inches (was 6 inches on 9th), Deer Springs Trail at top of Marion Mountain Trail (8700 ft): 1-3 inches, Tahquitz Peak (north side trail, 8700 ft): 1-2 inches [measured 19th November], Tahquitz Peak (south side trail, 8500-8700 ft): 0-1 inch [measured 19th November], Long Valley (8600 ft): 0-1 inch (was 2-3 inches on 9th), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0-1 inch (was approx. Donate via PayPal using the link below, Viewing 15 topics - 1 through 15 (of 533 total), Overnight Whitewater Preserve- 1/28/2023. . 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. On my ascent I put crampons on at Wellmans Cienega (9300 ft) and they were more-or-less essential for traversing the icy slopes of the Peak Trail. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is functionally clear of icy snow, although a few minor patches remain, especially close to Humber Park.
Cactus to Clouds (C2C) - Modern Hiker Summertime tends to be the most crowded but it is a great mountain to climb anythime of year.
Temperatures are expected to remain below average for January for the remainder of the month in Strawberry Valley (Idyllwild area), but are forecast to swing well above average (above freezing) for the highest elevations on 21st-26th January. 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. This storm is expected to have two periods of precipitation, one each on 11th and 12th. At 11,503, "Old Grayback" provides an excellent high altitude training for those . Regarding snowfall, the high country may be above the cloud at times, with dustings of snow above about 7000 ft across much of the nine day period, but with the highest probability for a heavy snowfall on Saturday 31st December, totaling 8-15 inches. 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. Locations in Pine Cove up to 6500 ft were reporting 3.1 to 3.8 inches of rain by 0500 today. "He's a pretty smart dude and a great physical man at 6-2, 240 pounds. Share sensitive information only
Of course, this February was notable in that roughly 80% of the total fell all in the last week of the month, with no respite for significant melting. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. Approximately 200-250 people will be running on the Pacific Crest Trail south of Lake Hughes in Angeles National Forest on April 22, 2023. However, relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below). External Links. There are five new major treefall hazards, plus many other limbs and branches, across the trail between the Suicide Rock junction and the Marion Mountain Trail junction. shawnsisler. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Further light snow is expected starting this evening, followed by much heavier snow overnight on 28th February-1st March. An additional six inches of accumulation today brings the total in Idyllwild since 21st February to 20.5 inches. San Gorgonio, also known as "Old Greyback", is the highest mountain in Southern California. Check out pictures on SGWA member John Flippins website, High Lake Photography. Temperatures will climb steadily this week and be well above seasonal for at least 21st-28th December. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 6th February 2023 at 0930 the air temperature was 11.1F (-12C), with a windchill temperature of -11.0F (-24C), 59% relative humidity, and a frigid NNW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 20.2 mph. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. Amounts listed may Some publications list the elevation as 11,502 feet. Eventually with compaction of the trails caused by increasing hiker traffic and freeze/thaw cycles snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will certainly remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country well into February at least. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. On my hike up to San Jacinto Peak it started snowing gently at 1025 in the high country. Spikes are recommended. 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. (231), Climber's Log Entries Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin, and the State Park campground at Stone Creek, are closed for the season. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 39-44 inches (new snow 8 inches), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 44-48 inches, heavily drifted, Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 42 inches (6 inches), Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (8700 ft): 35 inches (6 inches), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 46 inches (5 inches), Long Valley (8600 ft): 22 inches (4 inches), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 16 inches (5 inches), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 22 inches (6 inches), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 3-6 inches (6 inches, partly melted by afternoon of 15th), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 2 inches (5 inches, largely melted by afternoon of 15th). It continued to rain heavily overnight at mid elevations everywhere below about 7000 ft. Idyllwild at 5550 ft elevation recorded an impressive 4.01 inches of rain in the 24 hour period up to 0700 this morning. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is clear of snow. (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. As mentioned last week, current trail conditions are oddly reminiscent of spring, with snow distribution and iciness typical of April rather than December. So rather than being a once-in-a-generation event, this may prove to be a once-in-a-lifetime event for most Idyllwild residents. Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 45 inches, heavily drifted, Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 40 inches (45 inches), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 44 inches (45-48 inches), Tahquitz Peak (8836 ft): 25 inches, heavily drifted to 40 inches in places (measured 20th January), Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (8700 ft): 36 inches, Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183 (8100 ft): 15 inches, Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 19 inches (21 inches), Suicide Rock Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (6950 ft): 1-3 inches, Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 2-4 inches (5-6 inches), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0-2 inches (3 inches). (one-way mileages to the top of San G)
Altitudes are approximate. Spikes are recommended. There are other South Fork Trails in Southern California, so make sure you are going to South Fork . Rain has continued solidly today in Idyllwild, with another 0.90 inch since 0700 this morning. The source is here. Azalea Drive, the access road to Marion Mountain trailhead, has not been fully plowed (surveyed Tuesday 14th). 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!). Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. Darren Goodman of the sheriff's search-and-rescue team. Potentially dangerous cold is currently forecast for the highest peaks for 14th-23rd January at least. By 619jeffry. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. Weve had a long break due to the Covid-19 issues, but after developing a set of safety procedures our teams are back in business. As mentioned above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. Although most of the downed trees reported this summer were cleared in July, four more major trees came down in Tropical Storm Kay in September. The previous Report (available here) summarized the conditions following the multiple storm event of 14th-17th January. 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. Every year seems to have unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular track or trail. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. Sky High Trail (5km) Raywood Flat Trail (5.1km) North Fork Meadows Trail (5.4km) Altitudes are approximate. Spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. Its proximity to scenic trails and nearby mountain lakes and streams make the campground a great . I have typically postholed barebooting to 8900-9200 ft before putting on crampons. The areas reopened include all campgrounds in the Barton Flats and Heartbar areas, including Jenks Lake picnic area. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. There is a compacted, well-traveled track on continuous light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. Even Devils Slide Trail was largely obscured in deep drifted powder (photo below). Altitudes are approximate. 8. Sold - 40789 Oregon Trail, Cherry Valley, CA - $1,695. 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. 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). Temperatures on the morning of 15th were the lowest of this winter, and among the lowest of the past decade. 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). Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. 805-579-1116 evolverealtyca@gmail.com. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Steady melting is expected with warming temperatures this week, especially at mid elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. Note that tracks discussed here may become obscured by heavy drifting of snow from strong winds combined with extensive ice fall from trees overhead. Lost Creek Trail via Dry Lake 12.9 miles, 5,182' gain
Further strong winds and blowing powder had eliminated much of these tracks again by Wednesday, and I again largely re-broke trail that day too. Following an unusually warm weekend, multiple atmospheric river storms will bring cold, cloudy weather with variable precipitation from Tuesday 27th December well into the first week of January. Discover your local Girl Scout council: about Girl Scouts, what they do, what activities are available locally, and how to contact us. Snow on this east slope is drifted, and remains up to 12 inches deep in places. Still one of the most scenic trails in San Gorgonio, Now is the time to do this hike before the weather changes. If closed in the early hours of the morning, you must park in the lower overflow lot. San Bernardino Trail and Forsee Creek trails, along with the campsites near those trails, are still closed. That said, temperatures in the high country are much more typical of December than April! The permits can be obtained at the Ranger Station in Mentone, 34701 Mill Creek Rd. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 0-1 inch (was 6 inches on 9th November), Deer Springs Trail at top of Marion Mountain Trail (8700 ft): 0-1 inch, Tahquitz Peak (north side trail, 8700 ft): 0-1 inch, Tahquitz Peak (south side trail, 8500-8700 ft): 0 inch, Long Valley (8600 ft): 0-1 inch (was 2-3 inches on 9th November), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0 inch (was approx. 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. The snow pack was hard enough to walk on top in some places but we did experience many holes. In related (but frankly much more positive) news, today I had a long but spectacular day snowshoeing to San Jacinto Peak. 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). Trip Report By. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing above about 9000 ft, potentially lower in places.
First look at Desert X 2023: preview the Coachella Valley art These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. My blogging throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here. Deer Springs Trail has an excellent posthole track to follow along its entire length. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout its length, snow cover is about 80%. Remarkably Tropical Storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards to this trail. There is no planned reopening date at this time. 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. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. (
At the Peak on Sunday 1st January 2023 at 0830 the air temperature was 17.9F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -2.3F (-19C), 100% relative humidity, and a sharp WSW wind sustained at 11 mph gusting to 21.1 mph. South Ridge Road (5S11) is also currently closed to vehicle traffic.
It was closed Wednesday both because of hazardous conditions and because rescuers did not want hikers disturbing any footprints or other clues that might have been left by Kumm. Current forecasts for precipitation suggest as much as three inches of rain around the elevation of Idyllwild (5000-6000 ft) between the evening of Tuesday 27th December 2022 and Friday 6th January 2023. The San Gorgonio Mountain maintains the longest recorded line of sight in the contiguous United States it is plainly visible from the summit of Mount Whitney, 190 miles away. At the Peak on Thursday 29th December 2022 at 0910 the air temperature was 25.8F (-3C), with a windchill temperature of 7.2F (-14C), 81% relative humidity, and a harsh WNW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 25.4 mph. The next comprehensive update to the Report will hopefully be tomorrow evening, Friday 6th. Leave your itinerary Make sure you tell someone where you are planning to go and when youll be back. Ironically the closure is due to unprecedented snow fall, although such snow fall was average prior to this century, and would have even been below average in the 1970s. Emergency-Closure-Forest-Order-No.-05-12-00-23-02-SIGNED-1. Forecast models have a higher degree of confidence for the Tuesday storm than the storm next weekend. Temperatures will be near or generally below seasonal for the next ten days at least. Some general comments on snow/ice conditions. Storm total at San Jacinto Peak is about 14 inches for a current total depth of 36+ inches (but very heavily drifted). . 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. 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 (photo below). Every year seems to have its unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception. 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. Trailhead directions: The trailhead is located on Jenks Lake Road, 2.5 miles from Highway 38. The hike back down through Dollar Saddle also had some portions of snow - most notably just before Dry Lake View and directly after Dollar Saddle. However the route is now well-traveled and compacted. A light snowfall on the evening of Tuesday 21st will be accompanied by very strong winds, and is expected to largely or completely eliminate all tracks above about 7000 ft. The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek, which you can also camp at. South Ridge Road (5S11) is currently closed to vehicle traffic but is rapidly clearing [checked Saturday 17th] of snow.
#32 | Salsa Dancing Up Half Dome, Redemption on San Gorgonio - Vurbl Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating in the trails. It finally stopped snowing at about 0700, and some blue sky has resulted in spectacular vistas. The high country remained above the cloud for this one, with no fresh snowfall above about 8000 ft. San Gorgonio Wilderness Association; Google Search for 'San Gorgonio Wilderness' Lots of useful links. San Gorgonio are popular peaks year-round with Southland hikers, and receive snowfall above roughly 7,000 feet in winter. There's a clear message being sent to those who go into the burn areas to be aware of your footing," said Ruth Wenstrom, a U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman. . The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and the steepest route to the summit of Mt. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all now options. Qu'il s'agisse de randonnes pdestres ou vlo, il y a beaucoup d'endroits voir et visiter autour de Yucaipa. 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 main track is clearest just above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storm (the most recent is at the top). The lower half of the trail in particular is very icy. 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). There were no visible hiker tracks on Marion Mountain, Seven Pines, or Fuller Ridge trails, as of 15th February. On June 22, 16 SGWA Trail Crew members headed for the Vivian Creek trail. Although the snow is not particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and steeply angled, and has at least one ice layer underneath the fresh powder. View 18632 Deer Trail Rd, Banning, CA 92220 property records for FREE including property ownership, deeds, mortgages, titles & sales history, current & historic tax assessments, legal, parcel & structure description, land use, zoning & more. Time of day, temperature, and sun exposure all have significant impacts on the nature of the snow, in turn changing the conditions underfoot, and hence both the hiking difficulty and the preferred traction device (if any). The PCT throughout the San Jacinto mountains (roughly Miles 207-151) has a clear track to follow, including Fuller Ridge Trail, which has been traversed by a handful of sobo PCT hikers. If there are Road Closed signs further down at the junction with Forest Drive as is often the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. 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. The week from 21st-26th December may be among the warmest on record for the year-end holiday period. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid. South Fork via Dollar Lake 9.8 miles 4,622' gain
Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Hikers going above the snow line should carry ice axes and boot spikes and know how to use them. On the south east side of the 15. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Precipitation has been steady at mid and upper elevations for the past few hours.