On Friday 20th I broke South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. Although I carried snowshoes it would have been risky to try to use them on the icy traverses. Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers will find them useful at least for descending the uppermost section. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. Hard 4.7 (4326) San Gorgonio Wilderness. 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. The freeze level will again start very high, but is forecast to fall lower, with the possibility of a light dusting of snow down to about 5500 ft. Another inch of rain is forecast for mid elevations, but a heavier snowfall is expected in the high country, with predictions ranging from 8-20 inches above 10,000 ft. Further precipitation is tentatively forecast for 3rd-6th January, but amounts, timing, and freeze levels remain uncertain this far ahead. With another storm imminent tomorrow, I do not plan a thorough update until Wednesday 15th. (909) 382-2682 (Voice) I put in a posthole track the entire way up, but crampons (with an ice axe) were essential at that time on the upper switchbacks above about 8300 ft due to the typical steeply angled ice obscured underneath 6-12 inches of powder (photos below). The kiosk entrance gate is open during the daytime hours for parking up above at the trailhead. All trails above about 6500 ft are currently snow-covered, and partially snow-covered above 5500 ft. Spikes at least are required, but preferably crampons, both best used with an ice axe, specifically for the uppermost switchbacks, but traction is useful for descending much lower also. 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). 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. I descended via Deer Springs Trail, breaking trail through virgin powder all the way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction. Currently the snow is relatively powdery; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. Please report trail conditions. Temperatures on the morning of 15th were the lowest of this winter, and among the lowest of the past decade. I would like to ski San Gorgonio. This may change after the weekend. Altitudes are approximate. 71729 San Gorgonio Road, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 is a single family listed active at $939,000. Devils Slide Trail has an excellent compacted track to follow to Saddle Junction. Sign Up; The avalanche was an unusual occurrence on Mount San Jacinto, RMRU President Eric Holden said. Devils Slide Trail has a well traveled and compacted track to Saddle Junction in place already. An official website of the "Warning, Extreme Icy Conditions Do Not Hike Alone," stated fliers handed out with hiking permits in the San Gorgonio district of the San Bernardino National Forest beginning Wednesday. However a couple more inches of snow are expected this afternoon, and also on 2nd and 5th January. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. 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. Altitudes are approximate. U.S. Forest Service personnel were preparing similar advisories to be given to hikers who buy parking and hiking permits in the San Bernardino, Cleveland, Angeles and Los Padres national forests. Strong winds expected on 11th-12th, and again on 14th, will likely obscure many tracks. 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. 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. Eventually with compaction of the trails caused by increasing hiker traffic and freeze/thaw cycles snowshoes may steadily become less useful, however they will likely remain valuable for off-trail travel in the high country into February. The Peak Trail track is also partially disappearing under fresh spindrift (photos below). (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 USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Winter conditions exist in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Devils Slide Trail is almost clear of icy snow to about 7700 ft although some extended dirty icy patches remain below that. San Gorgonio is the tallest mountain in Southern California, and a rite of passage for serious hikers in the area. Stone Creek campground had also closed, but I saw that it had apparently reopened for Thanksgiving weekend. Obviously these depths are expected to change dramatically over the next few days. Melting is expected to be steady and start to accelerate into February, but freeze/thaw cycles, compaction, and refreezing overnight may ultimately combine to produce very icy conditions. 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). 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. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 28th November 2022 at 0855 the air temperature was 26.2F (-3C), with a windchill temperature of 8.8F (-13C), 11% relative humidity, and a sharp due West wind sustained at 17 mph gusting to 24.6 mph. MLS # EV23032625 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. DM, The correction has been changed. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. Such warm conditions will soon be a distant memory. 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. Trailhead directions: The trailhead is located on Jenks Lake Road, 2.5 miles from Highway 38. The Caramba Trail from near Reeds Meadow through Laws Camp and on to Caramba, and the Cedar Trail from Willow Creek Trail to Laws, are described by the Forest Service as not maintained. Note however that snow depth is rarely indicative of the challenge (or otherwise) of a given trail. No tracks had made it as far as Chinquapin from Saddle Junction at that time. Whether you're a Girl Scout, a volunteer, or a family member, decide what you'll do next in your Girl Scout experience. I think some of the switchbacks above High Creek Camp may have been lengthened in recent history to make the route longer. At about 10K feet we began seeing our fist snow obstructing the trail. Trail Conditions. Deer Springs Trail [updated 22nd December] has an accurate 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 15th December. single family is a 3 bed, 2.0 bath unit. Conditions are forecast to remain very unsettled for the first week of January. With storms accompanied by strong west winds, the slopes above about 9500 ft on the east flanks of San Jacinto and Jean peaks may develop a snow structure with minor to moderate avalanche risk by the weekend of 25th-26th (as last seen on these slopes in early 2017). It climbs just fast enough to avoid being frustrating on the ascent, but is gentle enough so as to not be pounding on the descent. By 619jeffry. 2 Baths. Such unseasonably warm temperatures led to rapid snow melt everywhere, despite the low sun angle at this time of year, while in many areas freeze/thaw cycles have resulted in icy trails and roads especially in the early mornings. Contact the San Bernardino National Forest, San Gorgonio Ranger District, 34701 Mill Creek Rd., Mentone, CA 92359 (909) 794-1123 or fax (909) 794-1125. These storms are currently forecast to each produce at least ten inches of snow at the highest elevations and an inch or more of rain at mid elevations (e.g., in Idyllwild). San Bernardino, CA 92408 March 2 - Marion Mountain to San Jacinto and return same route. Spikes are not required. The main track is clearest just above LRV and again close to the Peak junction. 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.. Snow accumulation was initially slow but has been an inch per hour recently, with 2.5 inch added at San Jacinto Peak since late this morning (on top of about 24 inches remaining from prior storms). For closure information, please visit our official PCT closures page. San Gorgonio are popular peaks year-round with Southland hikers, and receive snowfall above roughly 7,000 feet in winter. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. However the remaining snow patches are icy in the morning. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Four Hikers On The Summit Of San Gorgonio Mountain 1900-1915 Cali - Old Photo at the best online prices at eBay! While expected to be relatively mild at first with rain above 9000 ft, overall this next sequence of storms may prove to be colder than most of the recent systems. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 30th January 2023 (unless otherwise indicated) and checked again on 1st February are as follows. A few minor patches exist close to the top. A fourth and final minor system is expected on 28th February-1st March. 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. 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. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 19th December (east side) or 15th December (west side) 2022 are as follows. All trails above about 5000 ft are currently lightly (or above 8000 ft, moderately) snow-covered. Pack your camera and your taste buds for this delicious adventure to see the sights and explore the food of Southern Italy! Spitler Peak Trail has a very visible boot track through light snow in its upper switchbacks to the PCT. Forsee Creek, San Bernardino Peak, Momyer, and Vivian Creek trailheads offer a great opportunity to create through hikes that include the popular San Bernardino and San Gorgonio peaks, said Deputy Forest Supervisor John D. Exline. Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. As described above, crampons (always in conjunction with an ice axe) are currently recommended on certain moderate and higher angle slopes, at a minimum on the Peak Trail above Wellman Divide, the Wellman Trail, and uppermost South Ridge Trail, on both flanks but especially on the north face of Tahquitz Peak. "US Forest Service officials re-opened portions of the area closed during the Lake Fire today. I measured 15 inches of snow during a check of Devils Slide trailhead (6520 ft) at Humber Park this morning. Nearby homes similar to 641 Avenida Vaquero have recently sold between $2,480K to $2,480K at an average of $1,060 per square foot. For closure information, please visit . The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping panoramic views from the top of Mt. Deer Springs Trail has a posthole track to follow along its entire length. Despite recent sunshine, 'It's just a sheet of ice up there,' a rescue official says. 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: You will enter San Gorgonio Wilderness as the trail begins to gentle down. Comments Off on Vivian Creek Trail Maintenance, STAY SAFE! Also, Mill Creek RS phone number is now 909-382-2882 and they are closed Tues/Wed. Momyer 13.2 miles, 6,062' gain 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!) 1629 Sams Cyn, Beaumont, CA 92223 | MLS #EV23032625 | Zillow 3407 Calle Sin Rival, San Clemente, CA 92673 | Redfin Altitudes are approximate. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 1st January 2023 are as follows. Other than that the trailhead is a 30 minute drive over a sometimes rough road from the highway, I found little reason this should be the least popular route. The fresh snow overnight could have covered any tracks or other signs of a campsite, but "if he's still moving, we'd be able to see his footprints clearly," Amrhein said. An additional 5.5 inches of snow fell in Idyllwild overnight, rather more than forecast, meaning we had to dig out yet again this morning. 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. (16), Additions & Corrections On the morning of Monday 6th February I ascended San Jacinto Peak for the fifth time in the past two weeks, this time via the east side (Devils Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails), descending the same way. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all now options. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 22nd December] has a well-defined but lumpy posthole track throughout. 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. All seasonal and ephemeral streams were running strongly, and the current water conditions are the best for four years, since the great Valentines Day flood event of 2019. Many hikers will nevertheless find spikes useful in places, especially for descending. 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. 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. Current road and parking lot condition for South Fork Trailheda, 11/5/2022- First 3 miles of the Forsee Creek Trail, Trail report Momyer up Falls Creek up Dollar to San G and down Viv. Visitors can call our Mill Creek Visitor Center (909) 382-2882 and our staff will help plan any enjoyable trip to the forest." 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. 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. United States government. scotchybob. 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. The State Park wilderness was also closed a couple of days ago (see earlier Trail Report or State Park website). The northerly wind was bitter at the Peak and got stronger throughout the morning as we descended. Aminian's body was found Jan. 14. Bring extra food, flashlight, and warm clothes. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. Conditions will remain very unsettled well into the third week of January. Reservation Rules. 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. shawnsisler. The open section of trail below 5800 ft is clear of snow. 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. 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. Such unseasonably warm temperatures mean that snow melt will be rapid everywhere while in many areas freeze/thaw cycles will result in icy trails in the early mornings above about 7000 ft. By late morning snow conditions will become poor for hiking (soft, slippery, and even slushy) especially in sun-exposed areas. Here's the closure order: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/4302/25275/ The Most days will be at least partly cloudy. Relatively little snow is therefore expected throughout the mid elevations including Idyllwild. Forecasts indicate we will get a few more inches of snow overnight on 2nd-3rd January, and again on Thursday 5th January. Although the snow is not currently particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and has an ice layer underneath the fresh powder. There was thin patchy snow at the trailhead (4900 ft) and then it was largely continuous above 5800 ft. Trails remain icy due to daily freeze/thaw cycles and compaction from hiker traffic, and spikes are useful throughout the trail system above about 9000 ft (lower in places). Hiking San Gorgonio Peak - Vivian Creek Route - christopherkhoitran 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. Average snow depth around the peak was 24-25 inches, but heavily drifted. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are now closed for the season. 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. Note that averages are given; due to strong winds accompanying storms there is extensive drifting. 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 icy snow. It has stopped snowing both in Idyllwild (current storm total 0.75 inch snow plus 1.14 inches of rain) and at San Jacinto Peak (9 inches snow). When the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (which still require an Adventure Pass or equivalent to be displayed). Three significant trees are now down across the trail, including two major hazards that are not easy to hike around both roughly halfway along the trail. Basically, now would be a nice time to go to the beach." In addition to snowshoes, and as conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 6000ft. Thank you for taking the time to read this. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 2nd-5th December 2022 are as follows, with depths after the only significant storm of this winter to date (on 9th November) for comparison in parentheses where known. Consequently I put on crampons at Wellmans Cienega, keeping them on all day until low down on Deer Springs Trail. There are several campgrounds in and around the area and at several of the trailheads. 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. Early on Wednesday 18th January I barebooted up Devils Slide Trail (which I had broken to Saddle the previous morning). I recorded a short(ish) video report from San Jacinto Peak late morning on Monday 30th (available here on YouTube) that gives a feel for the conditions in the high country at that time.
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