san gorgonio trail conditions
lexus f sport front emblemThrough 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. Snow depths are expected to change multiple times over the next ten days due to mixed precipitation, including even possibly loss of snow at mid elevations due to rainfall. However the route is now well-traveled and compacted. The previous Report (available here) summarized the conditions following the multiple storm event of 14th-17th January. 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). Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. Even Devils Slide Trail was largely obscured in deep drifted powder (photo below). Current road and parking lot condition for South Fork Trailheda. Although snow depths are not generally sufficient to obscure the routes of the major trails, cautious navigation is recommended everywhere for the next few days in particular until tracks through the snow are in place. Very light precipitation well before first light this morning included a dusting of snow above 6000 ft, <0.25 inch below 8000 ft and about 0.25 inch above that elevation, plus 0.03 inch of drizzle in Idyllwild. Locations in Pine Cove up to 6500 ft were reporting 3.1 to 3.8 inches of rain by 0500 today. All trails above about 5500 ft are currently snow-covered. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. Due to the very high freeze level snowfall was restricted to a light dusting above 8200 ft, increasing to one inch above 9000 ft and 1.5 inch above 10,000 ft. Impacts will be minimal on high country trails, but trails between 7000-9000 ft with pre-existing snow may be a mix of slush, snow and ice, and will require some caution. Sites that are currently available: (2) Palm Innovation Academy - 2:05 PM-5:35 PM (2) Three Rings Ranch Elementary - 3:00 PM-6:30 PM (1) Sundance Elementary 2:20 PM- 5:50 PM (2) Summerwind Trails- 2:20 PM-5:50 PM (2) San Gorgonio Middle School- 2:45 PM-6:15 PM (1) Mountain View Middle School- 2:30 PM-6:00 PM Incomplete applications and . 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. The open section of trail below 5800 ft is clear of snow. And he said he doesn't have any doubt that his friend is still alive. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 22-24 inches (includes 6 inches added on 5th January), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 15 inches (5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 5th), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 17 inches (5 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 5th), Long Valley (8600 ft): 8 inches (2 inches on 5th), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 10 inches (2 inches snow plus unknown quantity of rain on 5th), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 3-5 inches (1 inch snow plus >1.0 inch rain on 5th). South Fork camps such as Dry and Dollar Lakes are also filling several weeks in advance.If you want to hike during the week, you have a better chance of getting a permit.Self-issue permits aren't always available - they oftentimes run out, or get stolen. Many people are lost leaving the San Gorgonio Summit because they miss the trail going back to Vivian. Spikes are recommended but not required depending upon your comfort level hiking on angled icy snow. Time: ~10 hours. This will continue to be the case for at least a week, given fresh snowfall expected. United States government. Such warm conditions will soon be a distant memory. South Fork via Dollar Lake 9.8 miles 4,622' gain Underlying that powder are layers of ice (largely from freezing rain storms) which are much more perilous. At the Peak on Friday 2nd December 2022 at 1620 the air temperature was 26.2F (-3C), with a windchill temperature of 11.8F (-11C), 55% relative humidity, and a fresh WSW wind sustained at 8 mph gusting to 15.4 mph. The next full update will likely be on the afternoon of 25th. Conditions are currently excellent for avalanches on specific terrain in the San Jacinto high country, as proven below. 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 steadily melting 1-2 inches of icy snow. 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. These positions are for the after-school program. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail. . 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. no traction device) to the Peak on a generally well-traveled and compacted track through light icy snow. 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. 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. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for mid to upper elevations (at least >6000 ft) for the foreseeable future. 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. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. Comments Off on Vivian Creek Trail Maintenance, STAY SAFE! Although I made a concerted effort to put in a track as faithful to the trail routes as conditions permitted, further strong winds and blowing powder in the high country were erasing tracks within hours or even minutes. Fire lookouts at Black Mountain and Tahquitz Peak were closed for the season ahead of schedule in anticipation of the snow storm in early November. Devils Slide Trail has a well traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. Melting of snow on sun-exposed slopes and freeze-thaw cycles will combine to change trail conditions and potentially the preferred equipment for the terrain. Trails above about 8500 ft currently remain lightly covered with patchy icy snow (more continuous above about 9000 ft on the west side, 9900 ft on the east). Most of this snow had melted prior to my hike to San Jacinto Peak on 31st December. Most days will be at least partly cloudy. The second system, possible in a broad time window between 2nd and 4th December, may produce significant snow in the high country (forecasts have ranged widely from 0-30 inches above 10,000 ft!) 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. Today qualified as a day off from the incessant storms, although even then we managed a minor storm in Strawberry Valley (where Idyllwild is located), with two inches of fresh snowfall overnight and into the morning. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Just wanted to note your elevation source for 11,490' lists the elevation @ 11,499'. There is a relatively well-traveled track on the Round Valley Trail from Long Valley through to Wellman Divide. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is functionally clear of icy snow, although a few minor patches remain, especially close to Humber Park. For water information, please visit the PCT Water Report. Please check this page for periodic updates the most recent is at the top throughout the multiple day storm sequence. 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. This may mean rain and/or freezing rain as high as 10,000 ft, and challenging layers of icy or mixed snow/ice conditions at all elevations, including the possible melting of some or most preexisting snow below about 8000 ft due to rainfall. At Day Camp, girls sing songs, try their hand at science experiments, learn knot-tying skills, make arts and crafts and enjoy water activities during these fun themed weeks. Elevation gain : 5,840 ft. Current forecasts for precipitation suggest as much as three inches of rain around the elevation of Idyllwild (5000-6000 ft) between the evening of Tuesday 27th December 2022 and Friday 6th January 2023. 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. 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. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): storm total 12 inches (total depth 17-20 inches), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 8 inches (total 9 inches), Annies Junction/approx. These mileages were all recently revised by the USFS and SGWA(one-way mileages to the top of San G)Vivian Creek 9.3 miles 5,422' gainSouth Fork via Dollar Lake 9.8 miles 4,622' gainFish Creek 10.1 miles 3,342' gainSouth Fork via Dry Lake 11.34 miles, 4,622' gainAspen Grove 12.75 miles, 4,092' gainLost Creek Trail via Dry Lake 12.9 miles, 5,182' gainMomyer 13.2 miles, 6,062' gainForsee via Jackstraw 15.18 miles, 4,702' gain. Jeff H. Keymaster. Long Valley (8600 ft) has received about 1.0 inch fresh snow this morning. Forsee via Jackstraw 15.18 miles, 4,702' gain. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. Note that the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has announced they will be closed tomorrow, Saturday 25th, due to extreme weather. 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. Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail) and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) closed to vehicle traffic for the season on 7th November 2022. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail has a well-traveled track to follow throughout its length, snow cover is about 80%. The Thursday system will be significantly warmer, with a freeze level not dropping below about 7000 ft. Precipitation at the elevation of Idyllwild should therefore be rain (0.5-0.7 inch currently forecast), which may therefore largely melt and remove the snow that had fallen earlier in the week at that elevation. If full, drive down to bottom entrance area where there is an overflow parking lot. Looking for partner (s) for these tentative scheduled hikes - see my Meetup SoCal Mountain Running & Mountaineering or DM me for more info. 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. Please allow at least 72 hours for processing of permits. 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. All trails above about 4500 ft are snow-covered. 2,345 Sq. Type of Hike Day hike. 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). Give yourself plenty of time if taking this route as the snow adds much effort. UPDATE Wednesday 28th December: the overnight rain storm produced 0.73 inch in Idyllwild (measured at 5550 ft) while Long Valley (8600 ft) led San Jacinto mountain locations in rainfall with 1.01 inch. Perhaps more significantly, we have received the most snow in a winter since 1963/64, a span of 59 years. With the light dusting of fresh powder overnight, accompanied by strong winds causing extensive drifting, prior tracks had been partially obscured everywhere and almost completely erased above 8900 ft so I was again breaking trail in the high country. If closed in the early hours of the morning, you must park in the lower overflow lot. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. 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). Tracks are in place around Skunk Cabbage Meadow, and south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat. Treacherous ice is the common denominator in three of the four deaths, and the disappearances of Kumm and Barbour, said Sgt. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (no snow, 1.26 inches rain on 10th). San Gorgonio Mountain is the highest peak in California south of the Sierra at 11,499 ft. San Bernardino County authorities have rescued at least six other hikers since Jan. 1. As encouraging as that is, it should be noted that snow accumulation at San Jacinto Peak is only at about 65% of the depth in March 2019, and this winter overall remains well below the historical average for snow in the high country, despite recent events. Average snow cover is 60%, but is nearly continuous near Humber Park. Snowshoes are recommended everywhere with snow above 4000 ft, potentially lower in places, and spikes are invaluable anywhere that has been cleared or compacted. Current Trail Conditions. Days change quickly from pleasant to snow and ice. March 4 - San Gorgonio via Dobbs ridge/peak and return same route. 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. A few minor patches exist close to the top. The route largely follows the established trail, but hikers coming from Long Valley over the weekend either did not find or follow my broken trail from last week, so in sections the route is unusual. SNOW DEPTHS measured on or around 28th November 2022 are as follows, with depths after the last significant storm (on 9th November) for comparison in parentheses where known. Expect crowding. Highways into Idyllwild were closed today and may well be for some or all of tomorrow. These can be obtained from any of the ranger stations or from many of the local merchants. On the afternoon of 18th I saw posthole tracks that head down the start of the Caramba Trail, and following the PCT southbound toward Chinquapin Flat, but I have no further details at this time. Devils Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. My track largely follows the established trail routes, with some modifications for the conditions. Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail) and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) closed to vehicle traffic for the season on 7th November 2022. Currently the snow is relatively powdery and benign; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. My Actual Distance: 18.4 miles. Both storms produced more snow than was generally forecast. It turned to occasional light snow at about 1500, but less than 0.5 inch has accumulated so far (at 5550 ft). Again the freeze levels may be relatively high, with little more than an inch or two of snow likely below 6000 ft, a forecast 2-6 inches of fresh snowfall in the high country scattered across two or more days, and roughly 0.5-1.0 inch of rain (perhaps mainly freezing rain) throughout the mid elevations. Baldy. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 23rd January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. That is expected to change, with up to several inches of snow forecast both in the high country and at mid elevations tonight. Spikes are recommended. Here's the closure order: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/4302/25275/ Section D. I-15/Cajon Pass to Hwy-14/Agua Dulce. Overall, melting is proceeding somewhat faster than expected but this holiday weekend trails will remain very icy. 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). A short video giving a feel for current snow conditions at San Jacinto Peak is available here on YouTube. "He was alone and had no map. On both days I was able to ascend barebooting to about 8800 ft on 30th and to 9200 ft on 1st, before putting on crampons. Most major trails now have a track through the snow to follow, details have been updated below. Must have crampons/and Alpine boots, trails are iced and very dangerous. Spikes are generally not required for ascending, but most hikers find them useful at least for descending. Perfect weather, great trail conditions. San . 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. Snowshoes are useful in lower angle terrain with adequate snow depth above about 8000 ft, for example the Tahquitz area meadows near Saddle Junction, sections of Deer Springs Trail, and Long Valley/Round Valley. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. Thank you so much for your support. Vehicles not parked in these spaces have been ticketed and/or towed. "It's just a sheet of ice up there," said John Amrhein, emergency services coordinator for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. A light overnight snowfall, which produced another three inches in Idyllwild, finally stopped at 0700 this morning. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 0-1 inch, photo below (was 6 inches on 9th), Deer Springs Trail at top of Marion Mountain Trail (8700 ft): 1-2 inches, Tahquitz Peak (north side trail, 8700 ft): 0-1 inch [measured 26th November], Tahquitz Peak (south side trail, 8500-8700 ft): 0 inch [measured 26th November], Long Valley (8600 ft): <1 inch (was 2-3 inches on 9th), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 0 inch (was approx. Unlike the other destinations from LA on this . (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. Many hikers will nevertheless find spikes useful in places, especially for descending. Melting has already reduced the snow cover to 90% as far as Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). Momyer trailhead is now open. San Bernardino National Forest Near Angelus Oaks, California. The source is here. The Wellman Trail from Annies Junction to Wellman Divide has about 20% icy snow cover. UPDATE Tuesday 10th January: Another minor and relatively warm storm is passing through our mountains today. 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). 10 inches on 9th), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0-1 inch (was 4 inches on 9th), Annies Junction/approx. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 40-45 inches [2 inches] (45-48 inches), drifted >50 inches in places, Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 45 inches, heavily drifted, measured 23rd January, Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 40 inches [2 inches] (45 inches), Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 44 inches [4 inches] (48 inches), Tahquitz Peak (8836 ft): 25 inches, heavily drifted to 40 inches in places, measured 20th January, Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (8700 ft): 36 inches, measured 23rd January, Long Valley (8600 ft): 22 inches [2 inches] (24 inches), Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183 (8100 ft): 15 inches, measured 23rd January, Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 22 inches [5 inches] (22 inches), Suicide Rock Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail (6950 ft): 3 inches, measured 23rd January, Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 4-5 inches [4 inches] (6 inches) already melting afternoon of 30th, Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0-2 inches [3.5 inches] (3-4 inches) rapidly melting afternoon of 30th. 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. Freeze levels will be well below 3000 ft at times, and for example Garner Valley (4300-4800 ft) could receive as much as 6-12 inches of snow this week. 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. 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. 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. Access to San Gorgonio is regularly limited by use of hiking permits, with 25 to 30 people a day allowed in the area at a time. Hikers should anticipate new treefall hazards in trails we have already found one major new one on the Ernie Maxwell Trail and also that tracks in snow may have been obscured by windblown drifting powder. 9.1 miles one-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. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently snow-covered, and partially snow-covered above 5500 ft. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. For both storms snow estimates for the highest elevations range from 10-15 inches, with perhaps only an inch of snow in Idyllwild following some rainfall. 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. As mentioned above, crampons with hiking poles and an ice axe, depending on terrain are currently very useful everywhere above about 9000 ft. On the morning of Monday 12th a further 2.5 inches of snow settled in Idyllwild. This makes for less than perfect snowshoeing conditions, but still preferable to postholing. South Ridge Road is now clear of ice and snow. The areas reopened include all campgrounds in the Barton Flats and Heartbar areas, including Jenks Lake picnic area. Both of these storms are expected to be relatively mild at first with rain a possibility up to 9000 ft before freeze levels drop down to 6000 ft. Hendley described his friend as always well-prepared for a hike. At 11,503, "Old Grayback" provides an excellent high altitude training for those . February has been more settled than the very eventful January, but temperatures remain on something of a rollercoaster ride. Elevation Gain: 5,449 feet. Their arrival followed a period of several days of temperatures well above seasonal the previous week which had produced some significant melting. An excellent track is easy to follow to Little Round Valley. "He's a pretty smart dude and a great physical man at 6-2, 240 pounds. South Ridge Road (5S11) is also currently closed to vehicle traffic. Snow, weather, and trail conditions for the San Jacinto mountains. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. 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. Hard to believe being so close to the Los Angeles/Southern California area.Regarding San Gorgonio's elevation:In keeping with the standard (USGS) for determining US elevations, I have posted the height at 11,490 feet. Round Valley is the campsite along the trail to San Jacinto from the Long Valley ranger station. The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and the steepest route to the summit of Mt. When the gate is closed there are still nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (which still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent to be displayed). Minor storm overnight on 27th-28th December.
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