[Checked 18th January by Anne and Anabel. Although not essential in the moderate depth powder, spikes are strongly recommended and many hikers will find them useful especially for descending. High freeze levels may mean rain and/or freezing rain at the highest peaks at times, and icy or mixed snow/ice conditions at all elevations. Both Mt. There was thin patchy snow at the trailhead (4900 ft) and then it was largely continuous above 5800 ft. Palm Springs Desert Sun. Currently only two major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. 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. The high country may be above the cloud for some of that storm, as only 2-3 inches are forecast for the high country. 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. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. If the Report is useful to you in any way, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Final totals for Idyllwild for the three day storm event were 6.5 inches of snow, plus an impressive 5.06 inches of rain. February is forecast to be somewhat more settled than the very eventful January. This was discussed in, Minor snow storm in the early hours of Tuesday 3rd January 2023 then turned to rain all day. Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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. Map showing recreational areas. The Trail Report has adopted Seven Pines Trail as a priority for maintenance work as the trail has had a disproportionate number of lost hiker rescues in the past decade. Early on Monday 23rd January I ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails) that I had broken last Wednesday 18th, and descended the west side via (more-or-less) Deer Springs Trail. 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. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is functionally clear of icy snow, although a few minor patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. Included in the re-opening were hiking trails outside of the burned area. Precipitation on Sunday 4th into the early hours of Monday 5th is significantly less likely in the latest models. Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. Rescuers typically are called out about 90 times a year, but rarely in such close succession. It is especially obscure 0.1-0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious near Caramba. Snowshoes are no longer required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. FOR SALE $699900 1629 Sams Cy Beaumont, CA 92223 - MLS #EV23032625 | 2 BedsTotal 3.00 Baths! 0:57. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. San Gorgonio Climbing notes shared by Mountain-Forecast users. Phone is 909-382-2882 or you can request a permit via fax at (909) 794-1125. contact San Bernardino National Forest, San Gorgonio Ranger District, 34701 Mill Creek Rd., Mentone, CA 92359 909-382-2882 or fax (909) 794-1125.Current Trail Conditions. According to "tarol" Adventure Passes are now required at only the Vivian, Momyer, and South Fork Trailheads - the other SG Wilderness Trailheads are free. Broadly speaking it is clear that snowfall has become much more variable in the past decade, ranging from extremely dry (<10 inches) to, obviously, very snowy. 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). Currently trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) are largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. Temperatures are expected to remain below average for January for the remainder of the month in Strawberry Valley (Idyllwild area), but are forecast to swing well above average (above freezing) for the highest elevations on 21st-26th January. We talk about his top SoCal mountains, tips & advice for long day hikes and newbie hikers, salsa dancing up Half Dome, redemption on San Gorgonio, disappearing on Ontario Peak, completing the Six Pack of Peaks challenge in one month, Cactus to Clouds vs Iron Mountain, summit cypher, dance origins, and the one hike he would re-live all over again. However, forecast models suggest anywhere from 6-20 inches of snow above 10,000 ft elevation spread across at least two of the three days, and the possibility of several inches of snow at mid elevations (e.g., 2-4 inches in Idyllwild). Started by: MikeH. If there are Road Closed signs further down at the junction with Forest Drive sometimes the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also theoretically unavailable for legal parking. Spikes are generally not required. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and generally far freezing when considering wind chill effects. An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. Authorities urged all hikers to travel with a companion, tell a friend or family member of their exact hiking path, stick to it if at all possible, know the weather forecast, dress warmly and understand that there are many mountainous pockets where cellphones don't work. 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. View more property details and sales history on Xome. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. This is frankly grossly misleading and in reality both trails no longer exist and are so completely overgrown I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them. Snowshoes are no longer required on the established trail system, which is now too compacted for snowshoes. 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). Girl Scout Daisies will earn the Between Earth and Sky Journey. It's a beautiful hike through pines, cedars . 9.1 miles one-way. 2 night trip - SB Peak Trail to Limber Pine, Trail Fork Springs and back. Indeed the final third of December may be one of the warmest on record for the holiday period. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are closed for the season. It is a very popular mountain with several trails that lead to the summit. See closure notice link below for more details. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout its length, snow cover is about 80%. 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). I think some of the switchbacks above High Creek Camp may have been lengthened in recent history to make the route longer. Many people are lost leaving the San Gorgonio Summit because they miss the trail going back to Vivian. There had been an additional six inches of snow (plus an unknown amount of rain) since my measurement two days earlier, for a current total snow depth of about 21 inches at Saddle Junction. At the Peak 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. Free shipping for many products! United States. 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. Through LRV and up to San Jacinto Peak, there are at least three tracks (two posthole, one snowshoe), none of which attempt to follow the trail route, and all are steep and very direct. The trailhead is reached by turning east off Highway 38 to Forest Falls, then continuing until the road ends at the top and east end of Big Falls Picnic Area. San Gorgonio, located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area. Spikes are recommended but not required depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow. San Gorgonio Peak via Vivian Creek Trail Directions: For driving directions, the trailhead address is: Vivian Creek Trailhead. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending. The finally push to the summit from Sky High trail was relatively easy. May 20th is the Erie Zoo Earth Day Celebration and they've invited the Girl Scouts to the party. Between November 2021 and May 2022, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared. WATCH: Rare Southern California Avalanche Caught On Camera Surreal scene out of Southern California where an avalanche was captured on video crashing down the north face of the San Jacinto Mountains after a recent storm. Steady melting of snow, especially on sun-exposed slopes, and freeze-thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain. Willow Creek Trail remains a relatively slow, messy hike for a couple of miles. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 0-1 inch (was 3 inches on 9th November), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0 inch (was 2.5 inches on 9th November), Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (was <1 inch on 9th November). Most significantly in terms of snow conditions daytime temperatures at all elevations will be well above freezing for about a week starting 20th. 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. (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. The first couple of days early next week (20th-21st) may warm slightly above seasonal, before promptly dropping well below average again, accompanying another unsettled period of multiple consecutive storm systems on 22nd-28th. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 19th December (east side) or 15th December (west side) 2022 are as follows. A well-traveled snowshoe track is in place up to Strawberry Junction. 602 S. Tippecanoe Ave. Dutch Flat, at about 5600 ft elevation between Idyllwild and Pine Cove, recorded 0.86 inch of rain by 1300. I measured an average of about four inches of snow at Old Lookout Flat, although with some deeper drifts in the trail. Thank you so much for your support. That is expected to change, with up to several inches of snow forecast both in the high country and at mid elevations tonight. All Rights Reserved. Easily the most popular San Gorgonio hike route, the Vivian Creek Trail is an iconic adventure up to the highest point in SoCal, at 11,503 feet. Every year seems to have unique challenges and 2023 is already proving to be no exception. 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. In general temperatures are expected to warm to above average into next month at all elevations, especially at the highest elevations in the first week of February. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting, often accumulating in the trails. 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. 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. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is clear of snow. Despite warmer temperatures on some days, hikers should be prepared for temperatures near freezing in the high country, and generally below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). but ideal for snowshoes, which I used from Saddle to San Jacinto Peak and back. Trails remain very icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles and compaction from hiker traffic, so spikes are recommended throughout the trail system above about 8000 ft (lower in places). The lower half of the trail in particular is very icy. Many thanks to Florian Boyd for bringing this to my attention. Devils Slide Trail is almost clear of icy snow to about 7700 ft although some extended dirty icy patches remain below that. 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. 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). There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) 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 light WNW wind sustained at 5 mph gusting to 9.9 mph. The East Ridge Trail (from near Miller Peak to San Jacinto Peak) has a handful of tracks through the continuous snow, though none (including mine) accurately follow the trail route. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. There is also a Little Round Valley campground which is on the . All trails above about 5000 ft are currently snow-covered. South Ridge Road is clear of ice and snow. On 15th I barebooted (i.e. The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek. San Bernardino 9 Peaks Traverse. The table also shows that with another few inches, this could be the biggest snow season since the 1940s! 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. With such strong Santa Ana winds on Thursday 26th causing extensive drifting, and a light snowfall early on 30th, by the 30th prior tracks had been thoroughly erased and I was once again breaking trail the entire way from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak, largely through relatively shallow powder. Currently the snow is relatively powdery and benign; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. For closure information, please visit . Some hikers will find spikes are useful at least for descending. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. 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. 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. There are several campgrounds in and around the area and at several of the trailheads. I barebooted to Saddle, and then snowshoed back down to help consolidate the track. The second week of January is expected to be relatively warm and sunny, so extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations. My Time: 9 hours 17 minutes (moving), 11 hours 37 minutes total. 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. 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. Seven Pines Trail has one set of hiker tracks through the snow since the storm in early November 2022. 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. Spikes are generally not required for ascending, but most hikers find them useful at least for descending. 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. Snowshoes are not currently advisable on these slopes due to the angle of the underlying ice. Put on snowshoes and went up to the base of San Gorgonio . It leaves the Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction (0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning), descending largely on established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek just upstream from the old Laws Camp. Devils Slide Trail has a well traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. Estimated Time: 9-12 hours. However, snowshoes may become increasingly useful if conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 9000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. Thank you for taking the time to read this. In addition to snowshoes, and as conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 6000ft. For locations measured on 23rd January, these measurements are still useful, as the new recent snow depth is roughly offset by melting over the past week. However the route is now well-traveled and compacted. The total snow accumulation was ultimately very close to that forecast in the days immediately prior to the storm. Map Information. The rain has becoming heavier in the past hour or so. 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. From the top of Marion Mountain Trail icy snow cover is about 90% to Little Round Valley, although there are a few lengthy clear areas on sun-exposed sections. 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. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations for the foreseeable future. Be prepared for trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) obscured by moderate to deep snow, and even fresh tracks being erased by spindrift snow in places. Reserve and check availability on the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association website: Group size limited to 12 people and 8 pack/riding animals per group. This rain produces huge masses of ice in the trees, including many chunks I have estimated as weighing 40-100 lb this winter, which can dislodge dramatically once direct sunlight warms the trees. Lost Creek Trail via Dry Lake 12.9 miles, 5,182' gain This is followed by steady moderate to heavy snowfall starting in the afternoon of Wednesday 22nd and continuing into the early hours of Sunday 26th February. 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. Visitors can call our Mill Creek Visitor Center (909) 382-2882 and our staff will help plan any enjoyable trip to the forest." Very shallow snow is often icy and potentially perilous, while deeper powder can actually be much safer, albeit slow-going for most hikers. Snowshoes can be used for ascending the highest peaks, but with considerable caution. As of the afternoon of Sunday 1st, the only tracks that I saw and that are known to be in place are my snowshoe track between Humber Park and San Jacinto Peak (using Devils Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails). They tend to be especially valuable for descending trails. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying shallow powder. Altitudes are approximate. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. This was a very mild system, producing 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 >10,000 ft). The forecast for the last ten days of December differs radically from what was predicted just a week ago, and a major warming trend is expected rather than another cold Pacific storm. "Sunshine lulls people into a false sense of security. No tracks had made it as far as Chinquapin from Saddle Junction at that time. Initially a cold system that brought 2-3 inches of snow to elevations between 4500 ft and 9000 ft. A short video summary of what we found when we broke trail up Devils Slide that morning. My route down to Little Round Valley will not be especially helpful to ascending hikers, as I made the most of conditions to take a direct glissading route. (For readers who are unclear, Skyline Trail forms the lower two-thirds of the Cactus-to-Clouds [C2C] route.) Underlying the fresh snow is in places a thin layer of ice and/or icy snow remaining from the previous storm in early November. Winter conditions exist in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th February 2023 are as follows. 3 Beds. Schedule a showing for 251 Broadriver Trail in Beaumont, CA. South Ridge Road (5S11) is also currently closed to vehicle traffic. It turned to occasional light snow showers at about 1430, with just 0.5 inch settled so far. There was a further 0.5 inch dusting of snow above 8000 ft on Thursday 29th (as I describe in this video). They will be especially valuable on well-consolidated tracks over the coming 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. Estimated Distance: 17 miles. Spikes are recommended at least for descending, and will become increasingly important with increasing compaction and freeze/thaw cycles. 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. Currently there is about 1.5 inches of fresh snow at San Jacinto Peak, on top of the very patchy and icy 2-4 inches remaining from early November. Currently the snow is relatively powdery; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. Altitudes are approximate. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. Map Information, Forest Headquarters Note that averages are given; due to strong winds and considerable powder there is extreme drifting. (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. Crampons are recommended for the traversing slopes. Hiking Mount San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek Trail is quite the challenge. Crampons (or perhaps spikes or snowshoes on some days) are recommended. San Gorgonio. Currently the snow is relatively powdery and benign; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. UPDATE Thursday 23rd: Idyllwild woke up to about four inches of fresh snow overnight, and it snowed fairly consistently today (averaging 0.75 inch/hour), adding six more inches by late afternoon. Deer Springs Trail (surveyed 8th December) is functionally clear of ice to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft). 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 slowly melting inch of patchy icy snow (photo below from 30th November). I was surprised to find that no one had made it through on the Wellman Trail over the weekend, so I postholed somewhat over my snowshoe tracks from 15th until Wellman Divide. Coldwell Banker. Storm total at San Jacinto Peak is about 14 inches for a current total depth of 36+ inches (but very heavily drifted). Spitler Peak Trail (last surveyed 18th November) is clear of snow. Above that elevation, icy snow is largely continuous to Saddle Junction. 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 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.

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