Spikes are not required. 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. Three significant trees are now down across the trail, including two major hazards (one new in gale force winds on 26th) that are not easy to hike around both roughly halfway along the trail. Spikes are generally not required for ascending, but most hikers find them useful at least for descending. Snowshoes are very strongly recommended for any trails in, or leading to, the high country. Hopefully someone will update the trail description with respect to the total miles. The State Park cut about a dozen trees on the section of trail under their jurisdiction in late July. Many people are lost leaving the San Gorgonio Summit because they miss the trail going back to Vivian. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Spitler Peak Trail has a very visible boot track through light snow in its upper switchbacks to the PCT. Ft. 3919 Calle Andalucia, San Clemente, CA 92673. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Forecasts are increasingly confident of a moderate storm on Sunday 11th, with up to 1.5 inch of rain at the elevation of Idyllwild, turning into 1-3 inches of light snow on Sunday night, while 8-14 inches of snow are forecast for the high country. Fish Creek 10.1 miles 3,342' gain My posthole/glissading track between LRV and San Jacinto Peak is very direct and steep, and of limited help to an ascending hiker. 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. If camping overnite anywhere within the San Gorgonio Wilderness a permit is required. Official websites use .gov A .gov The holiday weekend had temperatures far above seasonal until Tuesday 27th. Rescuers typically are called out about 90 times a year, but rarely in such close succession. Note that there are about a dozen stream crossings and sections of the trail with water flowing in them, at times for tens of feet. There I generally put on Kahtoola microspikes for the descent. All in all, I found the Fish Creek Trail to be a great way to go. There is a section of the PCT that is also locally known as the camp Cajon Kauder more Join us in thanking these generous businesses for their support of the Pacific Crest Trail. 3 Beds. Skyline Trail closed on 26th January due to dangerous weather conditions above the State Park boundary (5800 ft elevation). On 24th the road had about 30% patchy ice cover. My track 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. Spitler Peak Trail had 10 new treefall hazards, almost all in the upper switchbacks. Every year seems to have its challenges and it is clear already that 2023 will be no exception. Icy snow cover is 60% overall, becoming increasingly patchy below about 7000 ft, and again in the sun-exposed areas above 8000 ft. Spikes are useful, especially for descending. no traction device) to 9000 ft on a lightly traveled and lumpy posthole track through thin icy snow. Trip Report. Jeff H. Keymaster. Idyllwild received 2.75 inches, and I measured five inches at San Jacinto Peak on my hike through the storm this morning, with 3-4 inches at locations in between. 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). If there are Road Closed signs across Fern Valley Road at its junction with Forest Drive likely the case at least on weekends and holidays when significant snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. 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. It does not accurately follow the established trail route in significant sections but is navigable. Length 19.0 miElevation gain 5,492 ftRoute type Out & back. This is also the parking area for the Big Falls Trailhead. 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). 805-579-1116 evolverealtyca@gmail.com. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Spikes could potentially be used to ascend to the highest peaks at this time, although crampons are certainly safer for traversing. However they will remain very valuable for off-trail travel at elevations above about 9000 ft (potentially lower in places) for the next week or two at least. Steady heavy snow started in Idyllwild at about 0830 but stopped at about 1400. San Gorgonio is located 82 miles east of Los Angeles, just south of Big Bear. The trail design is excellent, with the grade perfectly balanced for ascent and descent. (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. Sadly this phenomenon has become much more of a factor in recent years with freezing rainfall (rather than snow) occurring at higher elevations at higher frequency with much warmer weather systems. On South Ridge Trail spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks. 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. The areas reopened include all campgrounds in the Barton Flats and Heartbar areas, including Jenks Lake picnic area. 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. Although excellent tracks are now in place and clearly visible for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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. Major snowfall months have also occurred recently, in winters that did not otherwise end up with exceptional annual totals. Give yourself plenty of time if taking this route as the snow adds much effort. (800) 735-2922 (TDD/TTY), Offices may be closed on select federal holidays, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sbnf/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=74247&actid=51. For example, although Long Valley currently has about 5 feet of snow, publicly available records for the 1970s show that Long Valley averaged 119 inches (almost 10 feet!) 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 hike up to San Jacinto Peak it started snowing gently at 1025 in the high country. The Old fire, which started in San Bernardino, and the deadly flood that ravaged a campground in Devore were blamed for establishing the brittle ground that gave way when Jones fell to his death. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all now options. The flow of atmospheric river storm systems continues unabated across California. Some publications list the elevation as 11,502 feet. In Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) it started raining at 1100, where it has been relatively slow to accumulate so far, with 0.4 inch by 1500. A San Bernardino County Superior Court jury has found two brothers guilty of killing a man at his 2019 wedding reception in Chino.. Joe Melgoza's widow said she wants justice for her husband's . These mileages were all recently revised by the USFS and SGWA: Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through very thin and patchy icy snow above about 7200 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). View San Gorgonio Image Gallery - 231 Images. South Ridge Road is now clear of ice and snow. The snow quickly turned into semi-melted slush. Monday 5th was the first day since the snow storm in early November that I did not use spikes for descending, as the icy snow in the high country was crisp and grippy in cold, cloudy conditions. Potentially dangerous cold is currently forecast for the highest peaks for 14th-23rd January at least. I kept those on for the rest of the ascent, and almost all of the descent, finally removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. These data only reflect snowfall measurements, and do not incorporate rainfall totals. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Favorite hiking regions include the San Gorgonio Wilderness, Eastern Sierras, Channel Islands and San Gabriel Mountains . South Fork via Dry Lake 11.34 miles, 4,622' gain Seven Pines Trail has not been traveled since the storm in mid December, at least not in its uppermost section, and there is no track to follow through the snow. Water source "miller . The highest peaks appeared to add slightly less snow than some lower locations, probably because they were above the cloud for some of the precipitation events. As forecast, the storm came in two main waves, with the bulk of the precipitation falling for most of the daylight hours of Sunday 11th, followed by a remarkably calm and clear night, and then a much less intense period of snowfall between about 0800-1300 on Monday 12th. However the snow conditions may not be suitable for snowshoeing on certain slopes, depending on the ice conditions below the surface due to multiple freezing rain incidents this winter. Although the snow is not currently particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and has at least one ice layer underneath the fresh powder. Forecasts are currently predicting 30-50 inches of snow for the highest peaks of the San Jacinto mountains (>10,000 ft) mainly between 23rd and 25th February, and about 18-30 inches for the Idyllwild area (5000-6000 ft elevations). San Bernardino Nat. Although excellent tracks are now in place for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended. Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak. The first number is the current total snow depth, followed in parentheses by the storm total for this latest storm 11th-12th December. Photos (5,382) Directions. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Once we reached the point where the Mineshaft trail beings it's long series of switchbacks (around 10,500' ) the trail was completely covered, forcing us to go direct - straight up the snow + a bit of rock scrambling up a large scree rock slid.. The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and the steepest route to the summit of Mt. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. 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. This can't be correct. From there to the top of Marion Mountain Trail the route is a lightly-traveled posthole track. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Baldy. There was no evidence of hiker tracks on Fuller Ridge Trail or Seven Pines Trail as of Monday 23rd January. Altitudes are approximate. 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 currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 6000 ft, potentially lower in places. 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. The high winds forecast did not materialize, although gusts up to 35 mph have been enough to cause very heavy drifting. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. 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. Amrhein spoke at the command post at the closed Vivian Creek hiking trailhead, where weary search-and-rescue teams fanned out on a foot of fresh snow atop sheer ice, looking for Eugene Kumm, 25, of Seal Beach, missing since he set out alone for San Gorgonio peak Saturday. 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. There are several campgrounds in and around the area and at several of the trailheads. The atmospheric river of moisture from lower latitudes was weaker than the storm in early November, although snowfall was ultimately slightly greater in this storm than in November, perhaps in part due to the colder temperatures. Many hikers will nevertheless find spikes useful in places, especially for descending. Very shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for most hikers. http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/CABDF/2015-06-17-1915-Lake-Fire/picts/2015_06_24-16.53.57.084-CDT.pdf, As of July 16th 2015: Stone Creek campground had also closed, then reopened for Thanksgiving weekend. San Bernardino National Forest Near Angelus Oaks, California. As described above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently ideal everywhere above about 9500 ft. Use this trailhead address: South Fork Trail 1E04, 40800-40894 Jenks Lake Rd W, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305. This makes for less than perfect snowshoeing conditions, but still preferable to postholing. Although my original track accurately followed the trail above Little Round Valley, there are now a fair number of alternate shortcut tracks across this slope, so cautious navigation is advised. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Generally considered a challenging route. Two moderate snow storms in the next ten days or so are expected to have a major combined impact on the San Jacinto mountains. 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. This will likely continue to be the case for several weeks, given fresh snowfall expected. In Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) additional light rain this morning has added up to 0.1 inch. Currently crampons, always with an ice axe, and thorough knowledge of how to use this equipment, are essential. MLS# EV23025164. There is an excellent snowshoe track to follow on the Wellman Trail and the Peak Trail up to San Jacinto Peak. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and generally far freezing when considering wind chill effects. There are layers of hard ice and firm icy snow beneath the fresh powder, and crampons are ideal at present everywhere above 9000 ft, potentially lower in places. potentially dangerous) windchill temperatures. The powder was lovely and soft, and overlying a firm icy layer (from all the freezing rain). Back-to-back Pacific storm systems already the tenth and eleventh storms of this winter are forecast for Saturday 14th and then from late Sunday 15th January to the early hours of Tuesday 17th January. The State Park has closed the wilderness due to the weather conditions, as described on their website here. Other Info. Very fine snow fell briefly this evening. 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). Although I carried snowshoes it would have been risky to try to use them on the icy traverses. 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. Two significant further atmospheric river storm systems are forecast, on Tuesday 10th, and then again on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th. 3407 Calle Sin Rival is a 2956 square foot property with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. In the high country temperatures will be 10-20F above seasonal and, more significantly regarding snow/ice conditions, well above freezing for at least a week. Go right and continue for 4.5 miles to the Falls Recreation Area, past the town of Forest Falls. Terms & Conditions; Advertising; ABOUT US; Highways into Idyllwild were closed today and may well be for some or all of tomorrow. With a rapidly changing climate in the region in recent years, it has become increasingly common for there to be little or no difference in snow quantities at mid and higher elevations, often because the high country remains above the cloud, and this system was no exception. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. At the Peak on Monday 19th December 2022 at 0920 the air temperature was 31.3F (0C), with a windchill temperature of 20.7F (-6C), 9% relative humidity, and a gentle WNW wind sustained at 5 mph gusting to 9.9 mph. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. 2nd-3rd December). New treefall hazards on several major trails have been reported, and those on Spitler Peak Trail have already been cleared by the Trail Report. On 22nd for example I wore spikes down to about 7500 ft on Marion Mountain Trail, while on 27th I wore spikes down the Peak and Wellman trails and PCT down to 9000 ft. 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. This may continue for several weeks, or could change given further fresh snowfall forecast. I kept those on for the rest of the ascent, and almost all of the descent, finally removing them most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. Great snowshoeing in the Winter. 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. And as a reminder, self-issue permits are only good for that day. So we recommend getting your permit in advance! With at least two further snowfalls expected in the next few days, and strong winds in the high country expected for the next week causing substantial daily drifting of snow, much of the trail system will remain largely obscured by light to moderate snow until the second week of January. Weather near Middle Fork Jumpoff Last report from Apple Valley, CA 26.7km away Temperature: 18C / 64F Wind: . I hope to provide a more thorough Report tomorrow. In several places the trail itself was buried by up to 5 feet of snow making it very slow-going. San Gorgonio Peak via Vivian Creek Trail Quick Facts: Elevation: 11,503 feet. The first storm system comes through overnight on Tuesday 27th, with precipitation continuing into the morning of Wednesday 28th. Mt. Given colder temperatures for the foreseeable future, melting is expected to slow (or almost stop in the high country) and spikes will remain recommended well into December at least. 5; 12; 2 months, 4 weeks ago. The snow continues unabated, although the pace has slowed somewhat in the past hour. Share sensitive information only SNOW DEPTHS measured on 12th November 2022 are as follows (measured on 15th for Deer Springs Trail locations). Nevertheless, snowshoes will be valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000ft for the foreseeable future, and on trail where tracks have not yet been broken. The second week of January is expected to be relatively warm and sunny, so extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations. Forecasts for snowfall have varied greatly in both timing and volume, the latter ranging from inches to feet. Please allow at least 72 hours for processing of permits.And as a reminder, self-issue permits are only good for that day.Also, Mill Creek RS phone number is now 909-382-2882 and they are closed Tues/Wed. Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. 2020 San Gorgonio: Type of Hike: Overnight: Trailhead: South Fork: Hiking Companions: Hiked with a group: Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: No bugs: Snow Conditions: Trail snow-covered at times - Gear and expertise recommended: Trail Conditions: Obstacles on trail: Hiked up to Dry Lake and set up camp for an early . Current expectations are only for 1-2 inches of snow at mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild) and not much more at higher elevations, perhaps 2-3 inches with each storm. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. While many hundreds of hours of time and effort are volunteered every year, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover modest operating costs. From there I put in a direct ascending track roughly following the old East Ridge Trail to the Peak. Spikes are expected to remain extremely useful over the next few weeks given the unpredictable weather. There is a very well-traveled track through increasingly patchy thin icy snow from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. I measured 1.5 inches of fresh snow at Saddle Junction early this morning, with about one inch at Humber Park, and 0.8 inch of snow (following 0.7 inch of rain) at 5550 ft in Idyllwild. Currently, and increasingly as snow conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft, lower in places. Altitudes are approximate. Caming is allowed. Search and Rescue advises always hike with someone, and not leave your group. San Gorgonio Peak via Vivian Creek Trail Directions: SGWA lists the elevation gain from momyer creek trailhead to SG summit as 6,062'.