san gorgonio trail conditions
-san gorgonio trail conditions
Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 3.5 inches (total 3.5 inch). At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) 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. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through increasingly patchy, very thin, icy snow above about 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). On the north side, a location just south-east of Banning in San Gorgonio Pass recorded a gust of 92 mph. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. This will likely continue to be the case for several weeks, given fresh snowfall expected. Donate via PayPal using the link below, Viewing 15 topics - 1 through 15 (of 533 total), Overnight Whitewater Preserve- 1/28/2023. Only 2.5 inches of snow fell at San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft) decreasing to 0.25 inch in upper Fern Valley (at approximately 6000 ft). PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 2-3 inches (5.5 inches on 12th December), Marion Mountain Trail at junction with PCT (8700 ft): 3-4 inches (6 inches on 12th December), Long Valley (8600 ft): 1-2 inches (5-6 inches on 12th December), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0-1 inches (4 inches on 12th December), Saddle Junction/approx. The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek. By comparison, approximately 42 inches were recorded in February 2023 (provisional data). 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. (For readers who are unclear, Skyline Trail forms the lower two-thirds of the Cactus-to-Clouds [C2C] route.) Some hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending. While we have to be grateful for any precipitation received given our rapidly warming mountain climate, it was not the significant snow-producing storm that had been generally forecast in recent days. However they are not required, depending on your comfort level with postholing in drifted snow of moderate depth. I postholed barebooting to 8900 ft before putting on crampons. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. 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. They are strongly recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, at a minimum on the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, the Wellman Trail, Deer Springs Trail above Little Round Valley, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, and on both flanks but critically on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. San Gorgonio is the tallest mountain in Southern California, and a rite of passage for serious hikers in the area. 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). For closure information, please visit . Although our perceptions may have been skewed by some extremely dry winters in the past decade, major snowfalls are not as rare as many current residents might think. Nevertheless Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the relatively wide, bare, and obvious routes of, for example, Devils Slide or Marion Mountain trails. Eventually with compaction of the trails caused by increasing hiker traffic and freeze/thaw cycles snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country well into February. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. 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). 2020 San Gorgonio: Type of Hike: Day hike: Trailhead: Vivian Creek Trail: Hiking Companions: Hiked with a partner: Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: Bugs were not too bad: Snow Conditions: Snow free: Trail Conditions: Trail in good condition: Long day hike, bugs were bearable, trail was dry. Highways into Idyllwild were closed today and may well be for some or all of tomorrow. Please allow at least 72 hours for processing of permits.And as a reminder, self-issue permits are only good for that day.In addition to the wilderness permits an Adventure Pass is required for each vehicle. There is a relatively well-traveled track on the Round Valley Trail from Long Valley through to Wellman Divide. The freeze level has remained around 7500 ft for most of today, but is forecast to drop overnight closer to 6000 ft. For water information, please visit the PCT Water Report. There is a very well-traveled track through increasingly patchy thin icy snow from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. While the snow quantities are forecast to be 1-2 inches at most, they may be much colder systems than have been typical so far this winter, with freeze levels below 5000 ft. 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. I barebooted to Saddle, and then snowshoed back down to help consolidate the track. 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. So don't be fooled into thinking you are going for 16 miles. (21 ), Google Search for 'San Gorgonio Wilderness', http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/, Bear Flat, C2C, Vivian Creek: SoCal Triple Crown, The Hard Way, A Sleepless Winter Night On Top San Gorgonio, Southern California County Highpoints Tour, Cactus to Clouds, 9 Peak Traverse, and Baldy for the SoCal Triple Crown, Ascent of San Gorgonio - snowboarding down, My Personal "San Bernardino Mtns Trail Marathon", Spring Ascent of San Gorgonio's North Face. This is the third time this century that Idyllwild has surpassed 60 inches of snow in a winter (62.8 inches in 2000/01, and 62.4 inches in 2010/11), so 60+ inch winters might be considered to occur roughly once every decade. Trail Conditions Map; Wilderness Trip Planner . per winter back then. With compaction of the trails over the next few days, snowshoes will become less useful on-trail, however they will remain valuable for off-trail travel at the highest elevations for the foreseeable future. The story so far.. A minor storm on the night of Tuesday 21st (sixteenth storm of the winter) produced little snow just an inch in Idyllwild but severe cold and severe winds, erasing all tracks with wild drifting. New phone # 909-382-2882If you want a permit for Vivian for a dayhike on the weekend in the summertime, you must get it 3-4 weeks in advance. whitebark 300 Hiked May 4, 2008. 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. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. Authorities were able to locate and rescue two 17-year-old hikers who were lost for several days on the Pacific . SNOW DEPTHS measured on 18th January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. 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. Official websites use .gov A .gov Temperatures may be mild enough to produce rain at mid elevations, for example totaling less than 0.25 inch in Idyllwild, while snow accumulation above 10,000 ft elevation is currently forecast to be a dusting, perhaps few inches at most. Black Mountain Road also closed on 7th November to vehicle traffic at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. ABC7 reports the . 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. Thank you so much for your support. Weather conditions for different elevations in the San Gorgonio Wilderness are at: www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/San-Gorgonio/forecasts/3505. Recent hikes have included the high peaks (>10,000 ft) 2-4 times per week by various routes, Tahquitz Peak and area 1-2 times per week, South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Marion Mountain trails, and May Valley Road and Indian Mountain Truck Trail. I switched to crampons and then finished breaking the Peak Trail through to near Miller Peak (photo below). MikeH. Although excellent tracks are now in place for almost all major trails cautious navigation remains recommended. 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). Mu Zhi Mountain gives great scenery over Taipei and the surrounding area, including Taiwan's tallest building, Taipei. "If he's not hurt, he's on the move somewhere. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate or higher angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying powder. However it is thinning rapidly everywhere, and will look radically different in a week or so. 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. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. My tracks from today (Friday 6th January) from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak and back will be largely visible but will be somewhat obscured in places. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 6000 ft, potentially lower in places. (406), Comments Current known total accumulations are 4 inches in Idyllwild, 6 inches at Devils Slide Trailhead, 9 inches at Saddle Junction, and 8 inches at Long Valley. Both Mt. Spikes are generally not required for ascending, but most hikers find them useful at least for descending. Sadly it is looking increasingly likely that neither storm will significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains. The high-pressure, bright, sunny weather system in recent weeks has created icy conditions with no snow covering it." Spikes will likely become increasingly useful over the next few days and weeks as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. Note that generally the maximum depths so far this winter were immediately following the major storm sequence on 14th-17th January 2023 (details of those depths available here). 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. New treefall hazards on several major trails have been reported, and those on Spitler Peak Trail have already been cleared by the Trail Report. I just moved to southern california and want to be back out doing what I love. Devils Slide Trail is functionally clear of icy snow to Saddle Junction. 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. This information will be updated daily over the next week as details are changing significantly with every new forecast. WEATHER UPDATE 23rd December: forecasts have been shifting dramatically in recent days. Thank you so much for your support. The total snow accumulation was ultimately very close to that forecast in the days immediately prior to the storm. The lower half of the trail in particular is very icy. That's suicide." Comments Off on Updated El Dorado closure area. I was very happy to find no new treefall hazards down on Spitler Peak Trail. Very shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for most hikers. 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). Snow cover is a patchy 20% from Strawberry Junction north for about 1.5 mile (roughly 8600 ft). Best, 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. 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. San Bernardino Peak : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost The natural traction was superb, and I barebooted all the way to just above Wellman Divide (9700 ft) before finally putting on Kahtoola microspikes, accompanied by an ice axe. 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. After a relatively benign day, it started snowing gently at 1340, and has become steady with large wet flakes in the past hour or so. 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). San Jacinto Trail Report - Snow, weather, and trail conditions for the South Ridge Trail [surveyed 10th Feb] is largely snow free until Old Lookout Flat at 7600 ft (c.15% snow cover). Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. Melting on sun-exposed slopes is already well underway, e.g., on lower Devils Slide Trail, South Ridge and lower Deer Springs trails. You must be logged in to create new topics. As always after storms in the San Jacinto range be aware of considerable ice fall from overhead trees. Conversely on the afternoon of Tuesday 6th the ice was distinctly more watery, and I wore spikes from San Jacinto Peak down to Wellman Divide (9700 ft). Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. I recorded a brief video at San Jacinto Peak at about 0930 on Friday 6th (available here on YouTube) which discusses conditions at that time. potentially dangerous) windchill temperatures. Currently few major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. Be prepared for ice and deep snow, bring crampons and /or snow shoes and above all do not hike past your limits. Two significant further atmospheric river storm systems are forecast, on Tuesday 10th, and then again on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. The Peak Trail still has about 90% cover of icy snow to San Jacinto Peak. San Gorgonio trail and issued strong warnings to those who choose to hike the region's rugged mountains in treacherous conditions. Round Valley is the campsite along the trail to San Jacinto from the Long Valley ranger station. Total Wages: Total wages reported by the employer from Box 5 of the W-2, with some exceptions, and Elected Officials who received pay reported on IRS Form 1099. Devils Slide Trail has a well traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. San Bernadino Peak Trail Conditions. Overnight in Idyllwild we had three inches of snow, the first notable snowfall of this latest storm series, but temperatures actually warmed during the night (presumably with the arrival of the latest atmospheric river) and before dawn it was raining on top of the 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 Thursday 5th. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 22nd December] has a well-defined but lumpy posthole track throughout. 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. Chung Hun "Charles" Koh, 53, of Buena Park left home New Year's Day to hike on Mt. This storm is expected to have two periods of precipitation, one each on 11th and 12th. At this time there is no further significant precipitation forecast prior to mid February. Temperatures will climb steadily this week and be well above seasonal for at least 21st-28th December. Often spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. From the 10 freeway (coming east or west), you'll take Highway 38 through Forest Falls to get to the trailhead. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations. The cloud largely dissipated on my descent, affording some spectacular vistas. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. Snowshoes are not currently advisable on these slopes due to the angle of the underlying ice. STAY SAFE!RESCUES IN THE WILDERNESS CAN BE AVOIDED.FOLLOW A FEW SIMPLE RULES, Be prepared Carry Flashlight, Map, Food, Water and Clothing. These positions are for the after-school program. This can't be correct. The next full update will likely be on the afternoon of 25th. This is crowdsourced and depends on your contributions. 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). This was discussed in, Minor snow storm in the early hours of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 then turned to rain all day. San Gorgonio Peak via Vivian Creek Trail Quick Facts: Elevation: 11,503 feet. San Gorgonio Wilderness Association; Google Search for 'San Gorgonio Wilderness' Lots of useful links. Here's the closure order: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/4302/25275/ The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. 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. Altitudes are approximate. Time: ~10 hours. Conditions are currently excellent for avalanches on specific terrain in the San Jacinto high country, as proven below. A major change to the weather might occur next week (see Weather section below) with forecasts suggesting a possible double storm system impacting the San Jacinto mountains, and cold temperatures at all mountain elevations for a week at least. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. Great snowshoeing in the Winter. Conditions prior to this storm had been unsettled for several days, with a minor storm overnight on 27th-28th December. Even when the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (near the upper Ernie Maxwell trailhead; these nine space still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent). On 15th I barebooted (i.e. March 2 - Marion Mountain to San Jacinto and return same route. This western side of the mountain was better protected from winds and drifting snow, and this track should largely survive until the weekend. Very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Early on Wednesday 18th January I barebooted up Devils Slide Trail (which I had broken to Saddle the previous morning). San Bernardino 9 Peaks Traverse. Hikers will encounter new treefall hazards due to the enormous weight of ice from freezing rain associated with the early November storm, followed by recent Santa Ana winds, and since the passage of Tropical Storm Kay in September.