san gorgonio trail conditions

Bring extra food, flashlight, and warm clothes. 10 inches on 9th), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-1 inch (was 4 inches on 9th), Annies Junction/approx. My Actual Distance: 18.4 miles. The trail design is excellent, with the grade perfectly balanced for ascent and descent. The trail is largely clear of snow from Highway 243 to Strawberry Junction, and with about 60% snow cover from there up to 8600 ft. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 22nd December] has a well-defined but lumpy posthole track throughout. This is the flattest portion of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains, and snow depth currently averages about 13 inches. Snowshoes are no longer required on the established trail system, which is now too compacted for snowshoes. Snow cover is about 80% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.0 mile (roughly 8500 ft), and thereafter essentially continuous to San Jacinto Peak. In general conditions in the remainder of January will be much more settled than for the first half of the month. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures well 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). 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. However the combined effect of the two minor storms, in combination with wild gusty winds pushing spindrift snow all over the high country, had completely erased the few tracks that were in place by the morning of Wednesday 15th. 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. Marion Mountain Trail has a well-traveled snowshoe track to follow along its entire length. The main track is clearest just above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. The next, much more substantial, wave of snow arrives later this afternoon. San Bernardino National Forest including the San Jacinto Ranger District is closed until at least 16 March 2023. As mentioned above, crampons (always in conjunction with an ice axe) are currently recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, notably the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. Deer Springs Trail is clear from the Highway 243 trailhead to the Suicide Rock trail junction at 7000 ft, and functionally clear from there to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft), with a few icy snow patches increasing in length and frequency as you ascend. On the morning of Monday 6th February I ascended San Jacinto Peak for the fifth time in the past two weeks, this time via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails), descending the same way. He's a pretty strong-willed guy." I put in a posthole track the entire way up, but crampons (with an ice axe) were necessary on the upper switchbacks above about 8300 ft due to the usual steeply angled ice obscured underneath 6-12 inches of powder. 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. Data are provisional and require verification. For the foreseeable future hikers should be prepared for temperatures 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). --Meursault in 'The Stranger', Routes Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. However they remain valuable for off-trail travel at elevations above about 9000 ft (potentially lower in places). South Ridge Road (5S11) remains closed to vehicle traffic. The traversing slopes above Wellmans Divide were very firm and relatively tricky in snowshoes, and some hikers may prefer to use spikes (or probably crampons) plus an ice axe above about 9800 ft. As I descended past Saddle Junction I was surprised not to see any other tracks as of early afternoon on Friday 6th, which I mention only because of the lack of broken trails this indicates. At the Peak on Thursday 8th December 2022 at 0900 the air temperature was 28.4F (-2C), with a windchill temperature of 12.7F (-11C), 11% relative humidity, and a fresh SW wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 9.3 mph. It does not accurately follow the established trail route in significant sections but is navigable. Snow Snowfields to cross - could be difficult. A well-traveled snowshoe track is in place up to Strawberry Junction. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations starting in a few days time. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. The snow quickly turned into semi-melted slush. Long Valley at 8600 ft on the east slope received only about two inches of fresh snow. Days are short and nights are very cold. Immediately north of Saddle Junction, snow cover is starting to become somewhat patchy on the sun exposed slope (Angels Glide) but icy snow cover is continuous through the Wellman and Peak trails 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. Every year seems to have unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception. 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. Perhaps more significantly, we have received the most snow in a winter since 1963/64, a span of 59 years. Although not essential, spikes are recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. "On Mount San Jacinto, the conditions just aren't good for avalanches with the slopes and amount . Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. San Gorgonio Wilderness Map. Although not required, many hikers will find spikes useful especially for descending. Map Information, Forest Headquarters The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping . Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Still one of the most scenic trails in San Gorgonio, Now is the time to do this hike before the weather changes. There is a lightly traveled compacted snowshoe track on the East Ridge between Miller Peak and San Jacinto Peak but it does not accurately follow the route of the East Ridge Trail. . Currently trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) are largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. Winter conditions Be prepared for all weather conditions. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. The powder was lovely and soft, and overlying a firm icy layer (from all the freezing rain). A second forecast storm system may bring some light precipitation to the San Jacinto mountains on 2nd December, and possibly again on 4th-5th. Altitudes are approximate. Highways into Idyllwild were closed today and may well be for some or all of tomorrow. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. It remains well above freezing there, currently at 41F. Take warm clothing and equipment so you can stay overnight should you have to. 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. On the morning of Friday 6th January, getting an Alpine start, I broke trail the entire way from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak via Devils Slide, PCT, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails. Nice postcard view of Dry Lake covered in untouched snow. Currently crampons, always with an ice axe, and thorough knowledge of how to use this equipment, are essential. Currently the snow is relatively powdery; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. 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. Forsee Creek, San Bernardino Peak, Momyer, and Vivian Creek trailheads offer a great opportunity to create through hikes that include the popular San Bernardino and San Gorgonio peaks, said Deputy Forest Supervisor John D. Exline. Map Information. Marion Mountain Trail (surveyed at least weekly in past month) now has only about 20% icy snow cover, largely in the central section between about 7400-8200 ft elevation which is less sun-exposed. Below is an excellent videograb of an avalanche in the Snow Creek drainage on the north face of San Jacinto Peak that was witnessed by friend of the Trail Report Catherine Peterson yesterday morning at about 0840. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. 3 Beds. The State Park has closed the wilderness due to the weather conditions, as described on their website here. 2; 2; 1 month, 1 week ago. The number given is the current average total snow depth. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently snow-covered, and partially snow-covered above 5500 ft. Discover your local Girl Scout council: about Girl Scouts, what they do, what activities are available locally, and how to contact us. My Alpine start meant that all layers remained firm throughout the ascent. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and considerable powder there is extreme drifting. You can check out the latest hike logs from San Gorgonio here. On the plus side, as I had hoped, the cold meant that the exposed snow slopes from 9200 ft and above were largely firm and icy (example photo below). 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. Prior to that Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) had received 1.04 inches of rain, with a little hail and sleet mixed in. 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). I would like to ski San Gorgonio. The South Fork Trailhead (officially known as South Fork Trail 1E04) lies about 2.5 miles off of Rt 38, close to the town of Angelus Oaks. At least two further minor storm systems are forecast, overnight into Tuesday 3rd January, and then again all day on Thursday 5th January, as described in more detail in the Weather section below. Comments Off on Updated El Dorado closure area. The table also shows that with another few inches, this could be the biggest snow season since the 1940s! Nevertheless, the snowfall so far in winter 2022/23 in Idyllwild would place it seventh in recorded history (reliable data collection started in 1943). At the Peak on Saturday 31st December 2022 at 1650 the air temperature was 24.9F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 4.8F (-15C), 62% relative humidity, and a bitter WSW wind sustained at 18 mph gusting to 30.1 mph. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. March 2 - Marion Mountain to San Jacinto and return same route. If closed in the early hours of the morning, you must park in the lower overflow lot. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. My blogging throughout the storms gave more day-to-day detail and is available here. Both days I put spikes on at the Peak for the descent, on 24th keeping them on until about 8000 ft on Marion Mountain Trail, and on 28th until about 9900 ft on the Peak Trail, roughly one mile north of Wellman Divide. This was discussed in, Minor snow storm in the early hours of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 then turned to rain all day. No longer required at all the San Gorgonio Trailheads - only South Fork, Vivian, and Momyer still require it. In fact on my hike to San Jacinto Peak on Monday 13th through steady morning snow I could barely tell the difference in snow depths from the previous week, as the few inches of fresh snow had almost exactly replaced the few inches of depth that had melted over the previous week. I agree. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. There is a compacted, well-traveled track on continuous light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. San Bernardino County authorities have rescued at least six other hikers since Jan. 1. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 1st January 2023 are as follows. Overall, melting is proceeding somewhat faster than expected but this holiday weekend trails will remain very icy. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout, snow cover is 90%. Although the snow is not currently particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and has an ice layer underneath the fresh powder. Currently only one major trail route has been traveled and even that is partially obscured by icefall, melting and drifted snow. 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. With the light fresh powder the previous evening, accompanied by very strong winds causing extensive drifting, prior tracks, including my own from 13th, had been totally erased everywhere so I was again breaking trail the entire way. WEATHER UPDATE Thursday 26th January 2023: Wild Santa Ana (north-east) winds today in the San Jacinto mountains have included gusts of 69 and 73 mph early this morning at automated stations at each end of Bonita Vista Road. The New-York based artist's work is now found at San Gorgonio Street and Bubbling Wells Road in Desert Hot Springs. Current road and parking lot condition for South Fork Trailheda, 11/5/2022- First 3 miles of the Forsee Creek Trail, Trail report Momyer up Falls Creek up Dollar to San G and down Viv. Trails above about 7500 ft currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow (more continuous above about 9000 ft). Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through very thin icy snow above 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). Length 19.0 miElevation gain 5,492 ftRoute type Out & back. . In Palm Springs, artist Lauren Bon displays The Smallest Sea with the Largest Heart. FOR SALE $699900 1629 Sams Cy Beaumont, CA 92223 - MLS #EV23032625 | 2 BedsTotal 3.00 Baths! Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. This is a summary of conditions following the second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto mountains. 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. Snow expected in the high country in the early hours of Wednesday 28th is not expected to be sufficient to obscure some of the higher elevation trails and complicate navigation. Clearly conditions are expected to continue to change over the next week or two, so this summary is intentionally brief. The forecasts remain wildly inconsistent for the potential storms next week but it is looking increasingly likely that the systems will miss us to the north.]. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Get involved with local programs, from participating in the Cookie Sale and attending Girl Scout camp to registering for in-person and virtual programming on digital storytelling, aviation, and more! Temperatures are forecast to remain near or below seasonal averages for at least the next week, with freezing conditions every night above about 4000 ft elevation. The San Bernardino Mountains are unique in that they have an eastwest orientation, making them transverse to the general northsouth orientation of most of California's coastal mountains. Snowfall in Long Valley (8600 ft) has been steady until largely stopping by 1600, with close to 10 inches added since yesterday for a total accumulation there of nearly three feet. The South Fork Trail is over 10 miles one-way. There is a decapitated boar head hanging from the fence by its teeth about half a mile south of hikertown on 1/30/23. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover costs. Elevation Gain: 5,449 feet. If there are Road Closed signs further down often the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Mountain Conditions. On the morning of Wednesday 15th February I ascended via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge routes), descending the western side via roughly Deer Springs Trail. Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks (see photo below). On the morning of Monday 12th a further 2.5 inches of snow settled in Idyllwild. 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. The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek. At the Peak on Monday 21st November 2022 at 1610 the air temperature was 36.5F (3C), with a windchill temperature of 28.0F (-2C), 9% relative humidity, and a steady WSW breeze sustained at 6 mph gusting to 9.2 mph. Nearby homes similar to 641 Avenida Vaquero have recently sold between $2,480K to $2,480K at an average of $1,060 per square foot. Qu'il s'agisse de randonnes pdestres ou vlo, il y a beaucoup d'endroits voir et visiter autour de Yucaipa. Alternatively snowshoes could have been used for much of the hike. 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. South Ridge Road itself is now functionally clear of ice and snow. Three significant trees are now down across the trail, including two major hazards (one new in gale force winds on 26th January) that are not easy to hike around both roughly halfway along the trail. Hendley described his friend as always well-prepared for a hike. Temperatures will be below freezing (max 28F on Mon night, min 25F on Wed morning). UPDATE Monday 13th February: the first of two consecutive minor storms came through this morning, and produced more snow than was generally forecast. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Generally the San Jacinto mountains have just caught the southern edge of these systems, with nothing like the dramatic precipitation being reported from further north. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. The cloud largely dissipated on my descent, affording some spectacular vistas. San Gorgonio Peak via Vivian Creek Trail Directions: Most significantly in terms of snow conditions daytime temperatures at all elevations will be well above freezing for about a week starting 20th. 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. Thank you so much for your support. 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. Although I made a concerted effort to put in a track as faithful to the trail routes as conditions permitted, wild winds and spindrift powder on all the exposed slopes rendered that fairly pointless. However excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place for almost all major trails (details below). They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. Spikes are not needed yet, but that will change soon with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. At 11,499 feet, San Gorgonio Mountain is the highest peak in California south of the Sierra. Be aware of your surroundings trails look different in the snow and are sometimes are hard to find. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. Map showing recreational areas. Be prepared for trails above about 8000 ft (possibly lower in places) obscured by moderate snow, and even fresh tracks being erased by spindrift snow in places. Devils Slide Trail has a well traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. The 20th storm of winter 2022/23, the second of two storms across three days, is currently impacting the San Jacinto mountains. Just wanted to note your elevation source for 11,490' lists the elevation @ 11,499'. This makes for less than perfect snowshoeing conditions, but still preferable to postholing. San Gorgonio Mountain is the highest peak in California south of the Sierra at 11,499 ft. 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). Given cold temperatures for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to slow (or largely stop in the high country). Devils Slide Trail has an excellent compacted track to follow to Saddle Junction. I put spikes on at the Peak for the descent and ultimately kept on my Kahtoola microspikes until about 9000 ft, one mile north of Saddle Junction. 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. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. Trail conditions are updated below. As mentioned above, the focus is on heavy snowfall expected over the next 5-6 days (and potentially again on 28th February-1st March). 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. Even around the 10,000 ft peaks temperatures are expected to fluctuate either side of freezing for at least the first half of February, which will lead to freeze/thaw cycles and likely icy conditions in the mornings followed by soft, challenging snow in the afternoons. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 40% icy snow cover. This may change after the weekend. 602 S. Tippecanoe Ave. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. If the Report is useful to you in any way, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Because of the 18K+ acre Lake Fire (which is still burning as of 6/24/15), a large section of the San Gorgonio Wilderness including all trails to the summit of San Gorgonio Mountain will be CLOSED until October 1, 2015 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).