For those that are unclear, the Skyline Trail is the first segment of the C2C (Cactus to clouds) from Palm Springs up to Grubbs Notch (Long Valley). 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. (For readers who are unclear, Skyline Trail forms the lower two-thirds of the Cactus-to-Clouds [C2C] route.) They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. BEST SELLER. Florian Boyd kindly reported this morning that snow has dusted down to 4500 ft on the lower (open) section of Skyline Trail. A short video giving a feel for current snow conditions at San Jacinto Peak is available here on YouTube. 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. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 22nd-27th December 2022 are as follows. On Mount San Jacinto, the conditions just arent good for avalanches with the slopes and amount of trees we have, he said. I put on my Kahtoola microspikes to descend from the Peak, ultimately leaving them on most of the way down Devils Slide Trail. At the Peak on Wednesday 9th November 2022 at 0820 the air temperature was 14.5F (-10C), with a windchill temperature of -7.8F (-22C), 100% relative humidity, and a sharp due West wind sustained at 20 mph gusting to 30.5 mph. potentially dangerous) windchill temperatures. The trail is clearest above immediately above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Webcams. Ernie Maxwell Trail [checked 23rd and 26th January] has good tracks to follow along its entire length, through the shallow icy snow (still >90% snow cover). See their announcement here. Sadly this phenomenon has become much more of a factor in the past 5-10 years with freezing rainfall (rather than snow) occurring at higher elevations at higher frequency with much warmer weather systems. To see more years, view this page on a wider screen. However, Holden said that the one place where avalanches can sometimes happen is that north face. South Ridge Trail [updated 24th December] has about 30% icy snow cover from the top of South Ridge Road to Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous and have been an area of multiple hiker fatalities in winter conditions in recent decades. However subsequent light snow on Sunday 1st improved the depths by another couple of inches. 16 F. 432. IMPORTANT UPDATE Friday 13th January: back-to-back Pacific storm systems are forecast to impact the San Jacinto mountains this weekend, the first on Saturday 14th, immediately followed by another Sunday 15th-Monday 16th January. From near Miller Peak I put in a track up the East Ridge, rather than continuing on the Peak Trail round to Summit Junction. The intensity of snowfall at San Jacinto Peak this afternoon is the best Ive seen since late 2019. 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. Early on Wednesday 18th January I barebooted up Devils Slide Trail (which I had broken to Saddle the previous morning). Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, possibly lower in places. On 24th the road had about 30% patchy ice cover. Some hikers will find spikes preferable. Palm Springs South-West: Idyllwild-Pine Cove. Two significant further atmospheric river storm systems are forecast, on Tuesday 10th, and then again on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th. There is precipitation forecast from Wednesday 28th into the first week of 2023. I descended via Deer Springs Trail, breaking trail through virgin powder all the way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak has no steps to follow through the steeply angled ice with overlying deep snow. With another storm imminent tomorrow, I do not plan a thorough update until Wednesday 15th. Altitudes are approximate. Yesterday afternoon we checked Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park, and measured an average snow depth of 26 inches. Lamentably this latest storm was again very mild, with rain falling as high as the elevation of San Jacinto Peak see photos below all morning on Tuesday 10th, until finally turning to light snow in the early afternoon (at about 1330 in Long Valley). At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) 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. From there to the top of Marion Mountain Trail the route is a lightly-traveled posthole track. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and/or icy patches (depending upon time of day). Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, are required for the uppermost switchbacks (see photo below). The first number is the current total snow depth, followed in parentheses by the storm total for this latest storm 11th-12th December. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds there has been drifting, often particularly accumulating in the trails. There is the possibility that this will end abruptly with a minor storm on Monday 28th November, with 1-3 inches of snow possible above 10,000 ft. Thankfully it was relatively straightforward in crampons as the underlying snow was very solid due to freeze/thaw cycles, and the overlying powder was generally shallow. San Jacinto State Park locations where self-issued permits are available 24/7: Idyllwild Ranger Station, 25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549 (located on a permit desk in front of office) . Hikers should expect to encounter new treefall hazards due to the enormous weight of ice from freezing rain currently in the trees and the high winds associated with the storm. 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. The number given is the current average total snow depth. 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. This is a summary of conditions following the tenth and eleventh Pacific storms of winter 2022/23 to impact the San Jacinto range, that were basically a double atmospheric river event spread across 14th-17th January. They tend to be especially useful for descending trails. Temperatures on the morning of 15th were the lowest of this winter, and among the lowest of the past decade. These concerns may steadily increase over the next few weeks with rising then falling temperatures, seasonally stronger insolation, and highly variable snowmelt. 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. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and icy patches. Bear in mind that half the winter total, 26 inches, have fallen in the past five days! 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. 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. 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. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 10-12 inches (12-14 inches on 12th December), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 9 inches (10-12 inches on 12th December), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 2-4 inches (7 inches on 12th December), Annies Junction/approx. Every year seems to have its unique challenges, and it is already clear that 2023 will be no exception. All trails above about 5000 ft are currently lightly (or above 8000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. All have been reported to US Forest Service. Spikes are not required. The advice above should be used with this in mind, and if in any doubt carry the necessary traction devices that you will be most comfortable using. Thank you for taking the time to read this. The rainfall totals at mid elevations were unremarkable, especially compared to those of the storm in early November (discussed here). There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. 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. UPDATE Wednesday 22nd: the first of four storms expected over the next eight days, the sixteenth storm of this winter, produced a very light snowfall but bitterly cold conditions in the San Jacinto mountains overnight. Altitudes are approximate. Snow at all elevations will become increasingly firm and icy following multiple freeze-thaw cycles, and compaction by increasing hiker traffic in places, and I cannot overemphasize the importance of having both appropriate equipment and the right skill set for the terrain. Strap on your snowshoes and head into the stillness of the winter forest at the top of the Tram. The second system may be more substantial, with precipitation expected most of the day and night of Saturday 31st December into Sunday 1st January. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter at weekends and holidays then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Cautious navigation remains required for those who do not have significant experience of hiking this trail. 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. Every year seems to have its unique challenges and 2022 has been no exception. Please check this page for periodic updates throughout the storms (the most recent is at the top). They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, potentially mixed with slushy and/or icy patches (depending upon time of day). Currently crampons, always with an ice axe, and thorough knowledge of how to use this equipment, are essential. Big Bear Mountain Resort. I have typically postholed barebooting to 8900-9200 ft before putting on crampons. Ernie Maxwell Trail has good tracks to follow along its entire length, through the continuous snow cover a few inches deep. Spikes at least, but preferably crampons, plus an ice axe (and thorough knowledge of how to use it) are currently required for traversing these slopes. Seven Pines Trail has not been traveled since the early November storm, at least not in its uppermost section, and there is no track to follow through the snow. This will continue to be the case for at least a week, given fresh snowfall expected. 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. My Alpine start meant that all layers remained firm throughout the ascent. Currently the snow is relatively powdery; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 23rd January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. 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. A few minor patches exist close to the top. I was very happy to find no new treefall hazards down on Spitler Peak Trail. The PCT from Snow Creek south to at least Saddle Junction (roughly Miles 207-179) has a clear track to follow. No, it wasn't snowfall in the Santa Cruz Mountains or at Mt. California , United States , 33.81N 116.68W, 3047m asl. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate or higher angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying powder. However they will remain valuable for off-trail travel at elevations above about 9500 ft for the foreseeable future. As discussed above, multiple additional snowfalls forecast for 14th-18th January will further complicate the trail conditions. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. A major warming trend will significantly change conditions on the trail system in the next week or two. However avalanche risk may become significant over the next week if we receive a major wind-loaded snowfall on top of the deep, hardened base of snow currently in place. Spikes are not required. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular track or trail. A very mild system with rain to 9000 ft elevation (and consequently very icy conditions), and one inch of fresh snow above about 9000 ft elevation, increasing to 1.5 inch above 10,000 ft. ON NOW. Spikes are not essential, but many hikers may find them useful depending on their comfort level hiking on thin icy snow. A mixed assortment of weather is possible for the remainder of November. Altitudes are approximate. The Peak Trail has about 90% cover of icy snow to 9900 ft elevation, and then >95% cover to San Jacinto Peak. Thank you for taking the time to read this. 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. 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). 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