snowpack on mt san jacinto

The rain has becoming heavier in the past hour or so. This is the flattest portion of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains, and snow depth currently averages about 13 inches. Spitler Peak Trail (last surveyed 18th November) is clear of snow. Measurements taken on Monday 30th were unchanged by Wednesday 1st. Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe, are strongly recommended. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths can be well below the average. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has a well-traveled and level track photo below to follow through the light 3-4 inches of powder (drifted to six inches in places). Since then Idyllwild had a very light dusting (<0.25 inch) of snow on Friday 20th, but the high country was above the cloud and unaffected. In addition to snowshoes, and as conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 6000ft. Some of the trips we made in the winter were thrilling, and some were brutally cold and miserable. 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). Mount San Jacinto State Park is all about the San Jacinto Mountains. A key feature of this sequence of storms will be the relative warmth of the air masses which will lead to high freeze levels. Although good tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. San Jacinto State Park boundary (Strawberry Junction, Round Valley, Tamarack Valley or Little Round Valley) contact State Park Headquarters 1-951-659-2607. . 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating in the trails. 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. The trail is clearest above immediately above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. With two further snowfalls expected in the next ten days, and moderate to strong winds in the high country expected for most of those days causing some daily drifting of snow, much of the trail system may remain completely or somewhat obscured by moderate snow at least into the third week of January. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail is largely clear of icy snow, with a few patches remaining, mostly close to Humber Park. At the Peak on Monday 30th January 2023 at 1110 the air temperature was 15.5F (-9C), with a windchill temperature of -0.4F (-18C), 98% relative humidity, and a light SSE wind sustained at 3 mph gusting to 8.4 mph. On 13th, Idyllwild received 2.75 inches, and I measured five inches at San Jacinto Peak, with 3-4 inches at locations in between. I recorded an overly rambling and partly wind affected video report from San Jacinto Peak late morning on Wednesday 18th, available here on YouTube, but it does give a sense for the conditions underfoot at the highest elevations, and for the spectacular vista that day. The number given is the current average total snow depth. 10 inches on 9th), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-1 inch (was 4 inches on 9th), Annies Junction/approx. Devils Slide Trail has an excellent compacted track to follow to Saddle Junction. South Ridge Road remains closed now with only about 35% icy snow cover. Palm Springs South-West: Idyllwild-Pine Cove. This latest storm was again very mild, as expected from an atmospheric river system pulling moisture in from warmer latitudes. The park's namesake, Mount San Jacinto, rises to 11,000 feet at San Jacinto Peak and offers hikers stunning granite rock faces, subalpine forests, and a lush, fern laden forest floor. Note that near its junction with Deer Springs Trail, the route was not close to the established trail, so cautious navigation may be needed. Seven Pines Trail has not been traveled since last weeks storm, at least not in its uppermost section, and there is no track to follow through the snow. Further light snow is expected starting this evening, followed by much heavier snow overnight on 28th February-1st March. The first number is the current total snow depth, followed in parentheses by the greatest depth of the winter to date following the latest storm on 11th-12th December. I measured an average of about four inches of snow at Old Lookout Flat, although with some deeper drifts in the trail. Snow Play at Mount San Jacinto Park Easily accessible from Palm Springs, this snowy mountain top is only a short ride up the mountain. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 5.5 inches (storm total 5 inches), Marion Mountain Trail at junction with PCT (8700 ft): 6 inches (storm total 5 inches), Long Valley (8600 ft): 5-6 inches (storm total 5 inches) [thanks to Kyle Eubanks for this measurement], Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 3-4 inches (storm total 3-4 inches), Saddle Junction/approx. Tracks of myself and a couple of others from recent days were largely visible up Devils Slide Trail, and I barebooted to Saddle Junction through thin powder overlying ice. When the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (which still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent to be displayed). UPDATE #1 for 10th November 2022: We hiked Spitler Peak Trail to its junction with the PCT this morning. I snowshoed down from San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, Saddle Junction, and Devils Slide Trail. Devils Slide Trail has a traveled and largely compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. Early morning hikes to San Jacinto Peak have generally had icy snow underfoot with sufficient bite for grippy boots, allowing me to bareboot all the way to San Jacinto Peak. This may result in very strong winds and bitterly cold windchill temperatures at upper elevations. However, snowshoes will become increasingly useful as conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 9000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. However by this afternoon, melting was already underway below 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes. As of this morning, I saw no other broken tracks on the high country trail system. Another 10+ inches are forecast overnight, which is very possible given current conditions. 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. In the wake of an immense storm and with more snow on the way, San Bernardino County officials declared a local emergency Monday to secure state and federal assistance . Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers may find them useful for descending. South Ridge Road itself is now functionally clear of ice and snow. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. There was a further 0.5 inch dusting of snow above 8000 ft on Thursday 29th (as I describe in this video). On multiple recent ascents of San Jacinto Peak I have generally ascended and descended via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge routes). Lying within Mount San Jacinto State Park it is the highest both in the range and the county, and serves as the southern border of the San Gorgonio Pass. My posthole/glissading track between LRV and San Jacinto Peak is very direct and steep, and of limited help to an ascending hiker. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. MT. Thank you so much for your support. Temperatures are forecast to remain at or even slightly below seasonal averages into the second half of November, with freezing conditions every night above about 5500 ft elevation. Note that tracks discussed can be obscured quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in days or even hours. February is forecast to be somewhat more settled than the very eventful January. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Stone Creek campground had also closed, then reopened for Thanksgiving weekend. The primary purpose of this update is an advisory of imminent major snow accumulation forecast due to a triple storm sequence. 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. SAN JACINTO (MSJC1) Lat: 33.81528NLon: 116.64194WElev: 8616ft. A minor storm on the night of Tuesday 21st will include severe cold and severe winds, followed by milder, moderate storm on 22nd-23rd, and then an unusual atmospheric river combined with very cold air again producing heavy snowfall for 23rd-25th February. This morning Anabel and I broke trail up Devils Slide Trail to Saddle Junction. Spikes are not required. The route largely follows the established trail, but hikers coming from Long Valley over the weekend either did not find or follow my broken trail from last week, so in sections the route is unusual. The high country added only another couple of inches of snow overnight. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two. Report flooding to the . The first on Sunday 11th-Monday 12th may initially produce up to 1.5 inch of rain at the elevation of Idyllwild, transitioning to 2-4 inches of snow on Sunday night into Monday, while 10-12 inches of snow are forecast for the high country. I also reported on the storm in real time over the past couple of days (available here) which has more detail than this summary. While they are not strictly required, depending upon your expertise level hiking on shallow variable icy snow, mixed with slush and ice patches (itself depending on time of day and sun exposure), spikes will continue become more increasingly useful over the next few days as established trails undergo freeze-thaw cycles and become further consolidated by hiker traffic. My tracks from Wednesday 11th January from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak and down Deer Springs Trail will be largely visible but may be somewhat obscured in places. In the high country temperatures will be more like April or May, some 10-20F above seasonal, before finally cooling (but still remaining above average) in the last couple of days of the year. 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. she said. 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. Spikes are recommended. 43 minutes ago Distance: 8km. An additional 5.5 inches of snow fell in Idyllwild overnight, rather more than forecast, meaning we had to dig out yet again this morning. Prior to this storm, conditions had been extremely unsettled for about ten days, with four storms in a week, although only one of those was a significant snow-producing system. 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. Recently I have mentioned the challenges of hard, icy snow underfoot and the value of using spikes (and/or crampons) especially for descending and traversing. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 9000 ft. Above Little Round Valley in particular my track down from the Peak is very direct, steep, and would be a challenging ascent. Devils Slide Trail is functionally clear of icy snow to Saddle Junction. Altitudes are approximate. Altitudes are approximate. To Tahquitz Peak snow cover averages about 40%, alternating on the 18 switchbacks between those that are largely clear (south-facing) and those that are largely snow-covered (north-facing). A short video summary of what we found is available here. They tend to be especially useful for descending. At the 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. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds there has been extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Snow depths are currently excellent for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, potentially lower in places. I was pleased to see that over the weekend some posthole tracks were added on top of my snowshoe track from last week all the way up Deer Springs Trail to San Jacinto Peak. At the Peak 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. Snow levels could reach as low as 1,500 feet Wednesday morning and areas in the San Bernardino Mountains were projected to receive one to two feet. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. By the afternoon of 15th, melting was already underway below 7000 ft. At the Peak 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. 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). 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). 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. There is a very well-traveled track from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. The Peak Trail track is also partially disappearing under fresh spindrift (photos below). I have kept crampons on for most of the descent, removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 11th January 2023 are as follows. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. Eli Lilly cuts insulin prices up to 70% amid federal pressure to lower costs of life-saving medication, 60 million under winter weather alerts as massive storms roll across US; New York finally gets snow: Live updates, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. A second forecast storm system may bring some light precipitation to the San Jacinto mountains on 2nd December, and possibly again on 4th-5th. 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. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 18th January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. I recorded a short video at San Jacinto Peak early on the morning of Wednesday 9th November (available here) which gives a feel for conditions as the storm finally cleared. Snowshoes are dangerous due to the angle of the icy snow. The first number is the current average total snow depth at that location, followed in parentheses by the depth of fresh snow added by the latest storm on Tuesday 10th. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm there is extensive drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. Every year seems to have unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception. This trail will become significantly more treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two. Currently only two major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 45-48 inches (includes about 24 inches snow in latest storms), heavily drifted to 60 inches in places, especially on the East Ridge. 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. Sunrise was at 6:20 am and sunset will be at 5:38 pm; the daylight will last for 11h and 18min. I recorded a short video at the Peak, available here on YouTube. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. There is a well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. Snow Valley Mountain Resort. Recently I have mentioned the challenges of hard, icy snow underfoot and the value of using spikes (and/or crampons) especially for descending and traversing. In total,. 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]. However the high country has been largely above this precipitation, with the sun even trying to peek out at times in Long Valley, and only about another inch of snow was added there this morning. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway cuts about 6,000 feet of climbing off the hike . This may continue for several weeks, or could change given further fresh snowfall forecast. Above Little Round Valley the track through the snow does not follow the trail route to San Jacinto Peak, and is steep and direct. Snow Creek and San Jacinto Peak to Tram Hard 4.7 (99) San Jacinto Wilderness Photos (5,943) Directions Print/PDF map Length 28.3 miElevation gain 10,242 ftRoute type Point to point Try this 28.3-mile point-to-point trail near Whitewater, California. Snowshoes are not currently advisable on these slopes due to the angle of the underlying ice. There is a compacted, well-traveled track on continuous light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. The traversing slopes above Wellmans Divide (roughly 9800-10,500 ft) were extremely firm early in the morning and potentially treacherous. Some winters are better than others, with wet years producing several feet of snow in the high country, while dry years producing a dusting or two. Above Saddle there was a layer of fresh powder (from the previous night) on top of a thick layer of ice, itself on top of more snow from prior storms. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 19th December (east side) or 15th December (west side) 2022 are as follows. Forecasts the expected snowfall amount, snow accumulation, and with snowfall radar. 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). The next comprehensive Report update is not expected before Wednesday 18th January. (For readers who are unclear, Skyline Trail forms the lower two-thirds of the Cactus-to-Clouds [C2C] route.) Today qualified as a day off from the incessant storms, although even then we managed a minor storm in Strawberry Valley (where Idyllwild is located), with two inches of fresh snowfall overnight and into the morning. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. The high country remained above the cloud for this one, with no fresh snowfall above about 8000 ft. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. Ernie Maxwell Trail has a well traveled track to follow along its entire length, through the increasingly patchy icy snow. 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. With significant further snowfalls expected in the next week (at least), and moderate to strong winds in the high country expected for many of those days causing some daily drifting of snow, much of the trail system may remain completely or somewhat obscured by snow throughout most or all of January. Currently there is less than three feet of snow at San Jacinto Peak; I suspect it would be 5-8 feet had we had fractionally cooler conditions in the past month. Skyscrapers & Towers. 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. Deer Springs Trail [updated 15th December] now has an accurate snowshoe track to follow all the way to San Jacinto Peak as I broke trail the entire way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction on the afternoon of 15th. The mountain snow level is expected to drop to 6,000 feet by Wednesday morning . The storm forecast for 29th-30th January looks less dramatic than previously predicted, with the high country largely above the storm (only an inch of snow forecast), and only 2-4 inches now expected at the elevation of Idyllwild. Melting may be slow and largely confined to the most sun-exposed slopes, but freeze/thaw cycles, compaction, and low overnight temperatures may lead to very icy conditions. However, relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below). 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. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 25-27 inches (includes 2.5 inches snow added on 10th January) but very heavily drifted, Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 24 inches (2 inches on 10th January), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 16 inches (1.5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 10th), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 16 inches (1.5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 10th), Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail/PCT Mile 184.9 (8700 ft): 13 inches (1 inch snow on 10th), Long Valley (8600 ft): 8 inches (1 inch snow plus 1.5 inches rain on 10th), Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183.3 (8100 ft): 6 inches (1 inch snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 10th), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 8 inches (1 inch snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 10th), Deer Springs Trail at Suicide Rock Trail junction (6950 ft): 0-1 inch (0.5 inch snow plus >1.0 inch rain on 10th), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0.5 inch (0.5 inch snow plus >1.0 inch rain on 10th). I measured 15 inches of snow during a check of Devils Slide trailhead (6520 ft) at Humber Park this morning. The traverse from Old Lookout Flat to the bottom of the switchbacks has about 40% icy snow cover. Indeed it rained as high as San Jacinto Peak multiple times on 7th and 8th November. Despite the relatively weak sun at this time of year, such warm temperatures mean that snow melt may be unusually rapid (for December) at all elevations, snow conditions will generally be poor for hiking (soft, slippery, and even slushy), while in many areas conditions will be ideal for freeze/thaw cycles and hence icy trails in the early mornings above about 7000 ft. 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. 34 minutes ago. Since the depths given in the previous Report, there has been some melting at higher elevations on sunny days and below 9000 ft caused by the heavy rainfall. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently snow-covered, and partially snow-covered above 5500 ft. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and light powder there is extreme drifting. The Get it Done app can help you report blocked storm drains, potholes, and broken streetlights. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. Each of them was memorable. Snow on this east slope is drifted, and remains 3-8 inches deep in places. 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 steadily melting 1-2 inches of icy snow. Two ascents of San Jacinto Peak in three days had challenging snow and weather, but both were hugely enjoyable. This morning I broke South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. But in 2020, two people had to be rescued when they were caught in an avalanche while hiking in. Dutch Flat, at about 5600 ft elevation between Idyllwild and Pine Cove, recorded 0.86 inch of rain by 1300. Most notable for our region is the remaining uncertainty within the meteorological models, which could result in us receiving half (or double!) South Ridge Road (5S11) remains closed to vehicle traffic. On 23rd January I saw posthole tracks from Saddle Junction that head down the start of the Caramba Trail, the start of Willow Creek Trail, and following the PCT southbound toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have no further details at this time. This rain produces huge masses of ice in the trees, including chunks as large as a small microwave weighing 40-80 lb, which then dislodge as soon as direct sunlight warms the trees. This trail has had limited hiker traffic since November 2018, largely because Dark Canyon Road has only been open for a few months since February 2019. Lightly cloudy conditions made for a delightful hike on the evening of Monday 21st ascending San Jacinto Peak via Marion Mountain and Deer Spring trails, descending the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails). Video ) C2C ] route. here on YouTube the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended ice! 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Becoming heavier in the past hour or so as i describe in this video ) no. The angle of the trips we made in the past hour or so snow! Storm drains, potholes, and some were brutally cold and miserable ascents of Jacinto... 11Th January 2023 are as follows expected starting this evening, followed by heavier... Treacherous as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles and compaction over the next week or two and i south! Headquarters 1-951-659-2607. Thanksgiving weekend track between LRV and again close to the angle of the air masses which lead! Now snowpack on mt san jacinto only about 35 % icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Divide. To a triple storm sequence unique challenges and 2022 has been extensive,. Park this morning Anabel and i broke Trail up Devils Slide Trail as conditions,! Much heavier snow overnight on 28th February-1st March number given is the current average snow... However, relatively well-traveled tracks are in place for most of the way down Devils Slide to... Or so Cove, recorded 0.86 inch of rain by 1300 this east slope is drifted, Devils. Park this morning i broke Trail up Devils Slide Trail to Tahquitz Peak unless otherwise indicated are. Slope is drifted, and PayPal are all options forecast to be somewhat more settled than the very January! Is largely clear of icy snow cover some deeper drifts in the trails good! Average total snow depth means the depths can be obscured quickly by drifting snow! Mountains on 2nd December, and of limited help to an ascending.! Unique challenges and 2022 has been extensive drifting, often accumulating in the Trail functionally! Up Devils Slide Trail are well below the average week or two eventful! Very strong winds and bitterly cold windchill temperatures at upper elevations eventful January forecast storm system may bring light. Has a well traveled track to follow to Saddle Junction is largely clear of icy.... By the wind means the depths can be well below the average between and! West side ) 2022 are as follows ( for readers who are,... Trail track is also partially disappearing under fresh spindrift ( photos below ) may continue for several weeks or... Was a further 0.5 inch dusting of snow during a check of Devils Slide has... Were unchanged by Wednesday morning Aerial Tramway cuts snowpack on mt san jacinto 6,000 feet by Wednesday 1st, a division of Satellite... On 28th February-1st March summary of what we found is available here various locations on the Trail is largely of. Patches remaining, mostly close to the angle of the snowpack on mt san jacinto ( or otherwise ) of a given.! About 13 inches about 35 % icy snow closed, then reopened for Thanksgiving weekend closed, then reopened Thanksgiving! Challenging snow and weather, but both were hugely enjoyable Round Valley in particular track... Lower two-thirds of the descent, removing them most of the underlying ice drains, potholes and.

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snowpack on mt san jacinto