san gorgonio trail conditions

These concerns may steadily increase over the next few weeks with (eventually) temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing, seasonally stronger insolation, and highly variable snowmelt. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 15th February 2023 are as follows. Amrhein said searchers had seen "not a thing, not a thing." Be trail aware Watch your surroundings, the trail looks different when you are coming back down. Current road and parking lot condition for South Fork Trailheda. Altitudes are approximate. There I generally put on Kahtoola microspikes for the descent. Trails down to 5000 ft elevation currently have patchy shallow snow cover. The twelfth storm system of winter 2022/23 impacted the San Jacinto mountains with a minor snow storm on 29th-30th January. Although good tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below), cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. However a brief frigid interlude on 5th-6th February included a very light overnight snowfall at all elevations above 5000 ft, with 0.75 inch in Idyllwild, increasing to 1.5 inch at San Jacinto Peak. Also, they don't necessarily share the same parent. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 4-5 inches (5.5 inches on 12th December), Marion Mountain Trail at junction with PCT (8700 ft): 4-6 inches (6 inches on 12th December), Long Valley (8600 ft): 3-4 inches (5-6 inches on 12th December), Strawberry Junction (8100 ft): 3 inches (4 inches on 12th December), Saddle Junction/approx. March 11 - San Gorgonio via Jepson Bowl and return same route. Some hikers may continue to find spikes useful for some of the minor icy patches but they are no longer required. 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. The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek. In recent days we have also surveyed trails around Tahquitz Peak, South Ridge, Spitler Peak, and Deer Springs, among others. However the high country has been largely above this precipitation, with the sun even trying to peek out at times in Long Valley, and only about another inch of snow was added there this morning. Still one of the most scenic trails in San Gorgonio, Now is the time to do this hike before the weather changes. There were no visible hiker tracks on Marion Mountain, Seven Pines, or Fuller Ridge trails, as of 15th February. Although the snow is not currently particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and has at least one ice layer underneath the fresh powder. Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 45 inches (30 inches snow in latest storms) but heavily drifted here, Annies Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9070 ft): 45-48 inches (about 30-32 inches snow in latest storms), Long Valley (8600 ft): 24 inches (16 inches in latest storms), Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 21 inches (13 inches snow in latest storms), Devils Slide trailhead at Humber Park (6550 ft): 5-6 inches (all from latest storms, four inches of snow on top of ice). Marion Mountain Trail [updated 22nd December] has a well-defined but lumpy posthole track throughout. on official, secure websites. The intensity of snowfall at San Jacinto Peak this afternoon is the best Ive seen since late 2019. Map showing recreational areas. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending trails. View 18632 Deer Trail Rd, Banning, CA 92220 property records for FREE including property ownership, deeds, mortgages, titles & sales history, current & historic tax assessments, legal, parcel & structure description, land use, zoning & more. Thanks. The system was generally very mild, with the freeze level near 8000 ft, but this is expected to drop overnight, by which time the precipitation will have largely passed. 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 makes for less than perfect snowshoeing conditions, but still preferable to postholing. 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. And as a reminder, self-issue permits are only good for that day. Snowshoes are not required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. They tend to be especially useful for descending trails. Forecasts remain more uncertain about the second wave of stormy weather on 16th-18th January. Although I carried snowshoes it would have been risky to try to use them on the icy traverses. 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). Note that tracks are being obscured very quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in hours or even minutes (see photo below). Current Trail Conditions Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, potentially lower in places. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. I think some of the switchbacks above High Creek Camp may have been lengthened in recent history to make the route longer. And he said he doesn't have any doubt that his friend is still alive. The previous Report (available here) summarized the conditions following the multiple storm event of 14th-17th January. It is a difficult hike, to say the least, and is recommended only for hikers who have adequate experience. Hiking Trails. If full, drive down to bottom entrance area where there is an overflow parking lot. 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. Every year seems to have its challenges and 2022 has been no exception. Spikes are recommended. 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. 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. They are now invaluable on heavily traveled, compacted, icy tracks (before they clear of snow in the coming weeks) such as Devils Slide, Ernie Maxwell, and Deer Springs trails, at least, especially mornings when conditions tend to be most icy, and for descending. Current forecasts suggest that there may be significant snowfall on Sunday 29th-Monday 30th January at all elevations, but some warming and steady snow melt likely on either side of that date. They are not however required, depending upon your comfort level hiking on shallow variable snow, mixed with slushy and icy patches. Snowshoes are no longer required on the established trail system, which is now too compacted for snowshoes. 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. Section B. Warner Springs to I-10/San Gorgonio Pass. 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. Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. Melting on sun-exposed slopes is well underway, e.g., on lower South Ridge and Deer Springs trails. This rain produces huge masses of ice in the trees, including chunks as large as a small microwave weighing 40-80 lb, which then dislodge as soon as direct sunlight warms the trees. Long Valley (8600 ft) has added about two inches, where it continues to snow gently this morning. Altitudes are approximate. Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio offers an opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of girls and young women. The freeze level was above 7000 ft for most of the storm, with freezing rain plastering the vegetation as high as 10,000 ft. 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. This is the flattest portion of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains, and snow depth currently averages about 13 inches. All Rights Reserved. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0-1 inch (0.5 inch hail/sleet plus 1.04 inch rain on 5th). If the Report is useful to you in any way, please consider using this link to the Donate page. 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. So we recommend getting your permit in advance! This storm is expected to have two periods of precipitation, one each on 11th and 12th. 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. However, relatively well-traveled tracks are now in place for most major trails (details below). 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. Pack your camera and your taste buds for this delicious adventure to see the sights and explore the food of Southern Italy! At the Peak on Sunday 15th January 2023 at 0750 the air temperature was 17.8F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -5.6F (-21C), 100% relative humidity, and a wild SW wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 30.2 mph. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations starting in a few days time. The latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and conservative decision making. The areas Im reporting are within a mile or so of the McDonalds. San Bernardino National Forest Near Angelus Oaks, California. Please allow at least 72 hours for processing of permits. His body was found Saturday, nearly 1,000 feet below a spot where a partner thought he had fallen. Mountain Conditions. 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). This may change after the weekend. Sold: 251 Broadriver Trail, Beaumont, CA 92223 | 2 Beds / 2 Full Baths They are now invaluable on heavily traveled, compacted, icy tracks (before they clear of snow in the coming weeks) such as Devils Slide, Ernie Maxwell, and Deer Springs trails, at least, especially mornings when conditions tend to be most icy, and for descending. 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). 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. The route is blessed with views first of Fish Creek Meadows, then the Ten Thousand Foot Ridge and Grinnell Mountain, and then Dry Lake while traversing Lake Peak. Altitudes are approximate. While my snowshoe track continues from Saddle Junctions through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, this may rapidly become obscured by additional light snowfall and/or drifting snow from strong winds. The fourteenth and fifteenth storm systems of winter 2022/23, both of them minor but having a significant effect in combination, impacted the San Jacinto mountains back-to-back on 13th and 14th February. 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. 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. San Gorgonio : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost Aminian's body was found Jan. 14. According to "tarol" Adventure Passes are now required at only the Vivian, Momyer, and South Fork Trailheads - the other SG Wilderness Trailheads are free. 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. Length 19.0 miElevation gain 5,492 ftRoute type Out & back. San Bernardino Peak : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost Accumulation so far of about 0.5 inch in Idyllwild, and one inch at Long Valley. Spitler Peak Trail has a very visible boot track through light snow in its upper switchbacks to the PCT. At the Peak 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. A double storm has been forecast as a possibility between Monday 28th November and Sunday 4th December. 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). All in all, I found the Fish Creek Trail to be a great way to go. At 11,499 feet, San Gorgonio Mountain is the highest peak in California south of the Sierra. At the Peak 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. Between November 2021 and May 2022, 61 downed trees were removed and almost the entire trail thoroughly trimmed and cleared. It was closed Wednesday both because of hazardous conditions and because rescuers did not want hikers disturbing any footprints or other clues that might have been left by Kumm. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. San Gorgonio Winter Backpacking Trip (South Fork Trail to Dry Lake) This will make trail conditions more complicated, and if in any doubt whatsoever carry and use traction devices accordingly (see discussion in introduction above). Spikes are expected to remain extremely useful over the next few weeks given the unpredictable weather. Currently spikes at a minimum, and ideally crampons, with an ice axe, are strongly recommended. Every year seems to have its challenges and it is clear already that 2023 will be no exception. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all now options. Tracks are in place around Skunk Cabbage Meadow, and south from Saddle Junction toward Chinquapin Flat. There are layers of hard ice and firm icy snow beneath the fresh powder, and crampons are ideal at present everywhere above 9000 ft, lower in places. The next comprehensive update to the Report will hopefully be tomorrow evening, Friday 6th. Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. In my most recent survey there were at least 82 treefall hazards between PCT Miles 170-175 including 20+ major ones, and about six more on PCT Miles 175-177. Two or more inches of rain are likely for mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild) on 27th-30th, with several inches of snow possible above 10,000 ft elevation on various days over the next week or so. United States government. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. Some hikers may continue to find spikes useful for some of the minor icy patches but they are no longer required. Generally considered a challenging route. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular track or trail. 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. My posthole/glissading track between LRV and San Jacinto Peak is very direct and steep, and of limited help to an ascending hiker. Official websites use .gov A .gov Snowshoes are not advisable due to the angle of the icy snow. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. This latest storm was again very mild, as expected from an atmospheric river system pulling moisture in from warmer latitudes. If camping overnite anywhere within the San Gorgonio Wilderness a permit is required. website belongs to an official government organization in the In general conditions in the remainder of January will be much more settled than for the first half of the month. However there was no sign of that route by 6th, due to drifting snow. There's a clear message being sent to those who go into the burn areas to be aware of your footing," said Ruth Wenstrom, a U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman. 2; 2; 1 month, 1 week ago. View 41082 Cheyenne Trl, Beaumont, CA 92223 property records for FREE including property ownership, deeds, mortgages, titles & sales history, current & historic tax assessments, legal, parcel & structure description, land use, zoning & more. March | 2023 | San Gorgonio Wilderness Association This forum has 533 topics, 1,821 replies, and was last updated No Topics by. This will likely continue to be the case for several weeks, given fresh snowfall expected. The trail design is excellent, with the grade perfectly balanced for ascent and descent. Three periods of cold, cloudy days are now expected over the next ten days, but little if any precipitation.]. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 15th] has a mix of snowshoe and posthole tracks all the way up to its junction with Deer Springs Trail. 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. Deer Springs Trail (surveyed 8th December) is functionally clear of ice to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft). Current Trail Conditions. Matthew L. Jones, 15, of San Bernardino tumbled about 400 feet to his death from a steep, burned slope near Devore on Jan. 11. The first storm system comes through overnight on Tuesday 27th, with precipitation continuing into the morning of Wednesday 28th. 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. Official websites use .gov A .gov 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. Elevation Gain: 5,449 feet. UPDATE Thursday 15th December 2022: Early this morning I hiked to San Jacinto Peak from Humber via Devils Slide, Wellman and Peak trails. The icy conditions are the third deadly threat in the mountains, which were ravaged first by fires, then flash floods late last year. Cautious navigation remains required for those who do not have significant experience of hiking this trail. Snowshoes are dangerous due to the angle of the icy snow. However a couple more inches of snow are expected this afternoon, and also on 2nd and 5th January. Hiked the South Fork trail to Dry Lake where we camped for the night. 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.