san gorgonio trail conditions san gorgonio trail conditions

Does anybody have accurate GPS or other reading of the actual total elevation gain? Vehicles not parked in these spaces may be ticketed and/or towed. 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. Most significantly in terms of snow conditions daytime temperatures at all elevations will be well above freezing for about a week starting 20th. Spitler Peak Trail (surveyed 18th November) is clear of snow. Although my original track accurately followed the trail above Little Round Valley, there are now a fair number of alternate shortcut tracks across this slope, so cautious navigation is advised. South Ridge Road (5S11) remains closed to vehicle traffic. While many hundreds of hours of time and effort are volunteered every year, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover modest operating costs. A strong and bitterly cold NNE wind made conditions interesting, with large parts of the broken tracks filling in overnight with spindrift (and wind blown ice blocks), so I found myself breaking lengthy sections of trail yet again. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 15th February 2023 are as follows. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. 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. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 22nd-27th December 2022 are as follows. 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). Length 19.0 miElevation gain 5,492 ftRoute type Out & back. The route does not follow the established trail for the most part, and steepens considerably as it nears Wellman Divide. Deer Springs Trail [updated 15th December] now has an accurate snowshoe track to follow all the way to San Jacinto Peak as I broke trail the entire way down to the Suicide Rock Trail junction on the afternoon of 15th. 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. The cloud largely dissipated on my descent, affording some spectacular vistas. Spikes are strongly recommended. Spitler Peak Trail had 10 new treefall hazards, almost all in the upper switchbacks. South Ridge Road (5S11), Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail), and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) are currently closed to vehicle traffic, as is Black Mountain Road at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. Please report trail conditions. Altitudes are approximate. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 19th-20th February (east and south side locations) and 15th February 2023 (west side) are as follows. Distance : 17.3 miles. See their announcement here. but her friend Joyce Schwartz took some short videos from which this still image is taken. Marion Mountain Trail (surveyed at least weekly in past month) has a very well-defined track to follow. RESCUES IN THE WILDERNESS CAN BE AVOIDED. San Bernardino National Forest Near Angelus Oaks, California. I agree. My posthole/glissading track between LRV and San Jacinto Peak is very direct and steep, and of limited help to an ascending hiker. They are not currently recommended for traversing moderate or higher angle slopes above 9000 ft that have challenging ice underlying powder. Steady heavy snow started in Idyllwild at about 0830 but stopped at about 1400. These data only reflect snowfall measurements, and do not incorporate rainfall totals. "He's a pretty smart dude and a great physical man at 6-2, 240 pounds. 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. Snowshoes are likely to become useful (even essential in early January), at least above about 9000 ft, if there is significant snowfall during the coming week or so as forecast. For day use a permit is required on any of the trails in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. 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. There is a very well-traveled track on the lowest section of Deer Springs Trail continuing out to Suicide Rock. Trails down to 5000 ft elevation currently have patchy shallow snow cover. 2-3 inches on 9th), Saddle Junction/approx. 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. Days are short and nights are very cold. Snowshoes are recommended everywhere with snow above 4000 ft, potentially lower in places, and spikes are invaluable anywhere that has been cleared or compacted. Cloud cover started to envelop the mountains early this morning. Wore pants and gators expecting brush and my usual snake friends but both were absent. Note however that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. Two significant further atmospheric river storm systems are forecast, on Tuesday 10th, and then again on Saturday 14th-Sunday 15th. Forecasts are currently predicting 30-50 inches of snow for the highest peaks of the San Jacinto mountains (>10,000 ft) mainly between 23rd and 25th February, and about 18-30 inches for the Idyllwild area (5000-6000 ft elevations). Pack your camera and your taste buds for this delicious adventure to see the sights and explore the food of Southern Italy! This information will be updated daily over the next week as details are changing significantly with every new forecast. 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). UPDATE Sunday 1st January 2023: A moderate overnight storm produced 1.53 inches of rain in Idyllwild (at 5550ft). 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. An informal use trail to Laws is much more direct and avoids all of the very challenging bushwhacking of the former trails (local hikers Charles Phelan and Mark Gumprecht kindly nicknamed it the King Trail when I established the route in 2019). Per "Tarol" 6-21-2011The Vivian Creek route is the most popular, South Fork is #2If you want a permit for Vivian for a dayhike on the weekend in the summertime, you must get it 3-4 weeks in advance. This is expected to be a seasonal closure until next year. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. No campfires allowed. 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. Note that tracks discussed here may become obscured by heavy drifting of snow from strong winds combined with extensive ice fall from trees overhead. As discussed above, additional light snowfall on 3rd and 5th January will further complicate the trail conditions. Although some treefall hazards from Red Tahquitz to Antsell Rock (PCT Miles 172.5-175) were cleared in June 2021 prior to the rockslide removal work, the situation has badly deteriorated since. Personally I would not currently venture above 9000 ft elevation without crampons (always with an ice axe) and snowshoes, due to the current complexity and challenges of the icy snow slopes above that elevation. Trip Report By. All trails above about 5000 ft are currently snow-covered. UPDATE Tuesday 13th December 2022: This morning Anabel and I broke trail up South Ridge Road and South Ridge Trail to Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). Extremely cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. SGWA lists the elevation gain from momyer creek trailhead to SG summit as 6,062'. San Gorgonio Mountain lies at the easternmost extremity of the Transverse Ranges.The mountain is a heavily eroded, partially dissected plateau.. Big Bear Lake, California is the largest city near San Gorgonio, and hosts two major ski resorts; it is also used for summer recreation.. Geology. While the snow was not especially deep, it still took about double the time of a completely dry ascent. An additional six inches of accumulation today brings the total in Idyllwild since 21st February to 20.5 inches. Currently the USFS gate at Humber Park is closed. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. 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. Share. San Diego County Trail Map Sale Price: $13.88 . Elevation Gain: 5,449 feet. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area. Most major trails now have a track through the snow to follow, details have been updated below. This morning Anabel and I broke trail up Devils Slide Trail to Saddle Junction. I recorded a short video at the Peak late morning on the 13th, available here on YouTube. FOR SALE $699900 1629 Sams Cy Beaumont, CA 92223 - MLS #EV23032625 | 2 BedsTotal 3.00 Baths! Spikes will likely become more increasingly useful over the next few days as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. Strong winds expected on 11th-12th February, and again on 14th, will likely obscure many tracks with spindrift. Moderate snow has continued for the past few hours at San Jacinto Peak, with a storm total so far of about 7.5 inches. United States. From the 10 freeway (coming east or west), you'll take Highway 38 through Forest Falls to get to the trailhead. Fish Creek 10.1 miles 3,342' gain The San Gorgonio Campground provides access to a variety of recreational opportunities, as well as a beautiful location in which to enjoy nature. 0:04. Provisional forecasts suggest the later storm systems, around 25th-27th February, could produce much more significant snowfall, potentially 10-12 inches in Idyllwild and 24+ inches at the highest elevations. On the plus side, as I had hoped, the cold meant that the exposed snow slopes from 9200 ft and above were largely firm and icy (example photo below). It stopped snowing at about 0800. 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). Please report trail conditions. UPDATE Tuesday 10th January: Another minor and relatively warm storm is passing through our mountains today. The Vivian Creek Trail is definitely more than 7.8mi. Winter conditions Be prepared for all weather conditions. Go right and continue for 4.5 miles to the Falls Recreation Area, past the town of Forest Falls. San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 10-12 inches (12-14 inches on 12th December), Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 9 inches (10-12 inches on 12th December), Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 2-4 inches (7 inches on 12th December), Annies Junction/approx. All have been reported to US Forest Service. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter especially at weekends and holiday periods after fresh snowfall then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. San Gorgonio Mountain (5.8km) Lake Peak (6.7km) Jepson Peak (7.3km) Charlton Peak (7.3km) . On 24th and 28th we barebooted to the Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through light icy snow. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. Searchers planned to be back out this morning looking for both men. At the Peak on Sunday 1st January 2023 at 0830 the air temperature was 17.9F (-8C), with a windchill temperature of -2.3F (-19C), 100% relative humidity, and a sharp WSW wind sustained at 11 mph gusting to 21.1 mph. I hope to provide more information on the high country situation on Sunday 26th, depending on conditions/weather. If there are Road Closed signs further down at the junction with Forest Drive as is often the case at weekends and holidays when snow is present then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide, and for the entire Deer Springs Trail. Vivian Creek is popular because it's the shortest and most accessible route, but it's also the steepest, so expect a good workout on your way to the summit. In general most hikers will likely prefer to use spikes at least for descending down to about 10,000 ft (or lower). website belongs to an official government organization in the Long Valley (8600 ft) has added about two inches, where it continues to snow gently this morning. Dan Hendley, a colleague of Kumm's at Kiewit Industries in Long Beach, said he was surprised to learn that his friend had taken on the 11,500-foot-high mountain by himself. The lower half of the trail in particular is very icy. Snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. San Gorgonio Wilderness Association; Google Search for 'San Gorgonio Wilderness' Lots of useful links. There is a very well-traveled track through increasingly patchy thin icy snow from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak. After some early sleety drizzle it has been snowing in Long Valley (8600 ft) since late morning with 0.75 inch accumulating so far. She was driving on Interstate 10 (and had to concentrate on the road!) There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. Remarkably Tropical Storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards to this trail. We surveyed the PCT where it crosses Highway 74 (approx. Marion Mountain Trail [updated 15th] has a mix of snowshoe and posthole tracks all the way up to its junction with Deer Springs Trail. Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin are now closed for the season. Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (3.0 inches on 12th December). Dark Canyon Road (4S02, the access to Seven Pines Trail), and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) also closed to vehicle traffic for the season on 7th November 2022. whitebark 300 Hiked May 4, 2008. However they are not required, depending on your comfort level with postholing in drifted snow of moderate depth. Aminian's body was found Jan. 14. So we recommend getting your permit in advance! The fourteenth and fifteenth storm systems of winter 2022/23 impacted the San Jacinto mountains back-to-back on 13th and 14th February, as discussed in the previous Report available here. 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. 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). On my ascent I put crampons on at Wellmans Cienega (9300 ft) and they were more-or-less essential for traversing the icy slopes of the Peak Trail. Rain started overnight in Idyllwild, and by late this afternoon (at 1550) totals 1.22 inch. Snow depths are currently suitable for snowshoeing everywhere above about 8000 ft, possibly lower in places. "On Mount San Jacinto, the conditions just aren't good for avalanches with the slopes and amount . Although the snow is not currently particularly deep (10-12 inches) it is heavily drifted and has an ice layer underneath the fresh powder. Best, Official websites use .gov A .gov Forecasts are currently indicating about 30-40 inches of snow for the highest peaks of the San Jacinto mountains (>10,000 ft) between 21st and 25th February, and about 18-30 inches for Idyllwild (5000-6000 ft elevations). The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT and Tahquitz Peak [checked 20th January] has no steps to follow through the steeply angled ice with overlying deep snow. 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. Thank you so much for your support. Prior to that Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) had received 1.04 inches of rain, with a little hail and sleet mixed in. Please take the time after your hike to fill out the form your feedback will help local managers improve services and provide valuable trip planning information for other visitors. Snowshoes are no longer required anywhere on the established trail system, where snow is now too shallow, icy and compacted. Spikes are recommended especially in the morning as the snow is now hard, compacted and very icy in places. 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. 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. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through increasingly patchy, very thin, icy snow above about 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). On the south east side of the 15. June 20, 2017 at 7:59 pm #387136. Further strong winds and blowing powder had eliminated much of these tracks again by Wednesday, and I again largely re-broke trail that day too. Once it stopped snowing, the mountain was shrouded in thick foggy cloud, such that visibility was as low as 100 feet on the exposed slopes of the Peak 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 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. The rainfall totals at mid elevations were unremarkable, especially compared to those of the storm in early November (discussed here). Fengguikou. Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. A light overnight snowfall, which produced another three inches in Idyllwild, finally stopped at 0700 this morning. While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to cover costs. 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. Between the dustings of snow yesterday and today, high country tracks are becoming obscured and cautious navigation is strongly advised. Note that temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing are forecast for both mid and upper elevations for the foreseeable future. However excellent well-traveled and compacted tracks are now in place for almost all major trails (details below). The USFS gate at Humber Park remains closed. 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). The second significant Pacific storm of winter 2022/23 is currently impacting the San Jacinto mountains. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. 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. [Checked 18th January by Anne and Anabel. For those interested in a detailed statewide discussion of this dramatic weather event, I recommend reading the excellent analysis on Weather West (linked here). 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. 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. Three significant trees are now down across the trail, including two major hazards (one new in gale force winds on 26th January) that are not easy to hike around both roughly halfway along the trail. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. All trails above about 5500 ft are largely snow-covered (wholly snow-covered above about 7000 ft). 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. My Alpine start meant that all layers remained firm throughout the ascent. For about one mile north of Saddle Junction, snow cover is only a patchy 30% on the sun exposed slope (Angels Glide) and then averages about 50% on the Wellman Trail, but then icy snow cover is about 95% on the Peak Trail to San Jacinto Peak. On the morning of Friday 6th January, getting an Alpine start, I broke trail the entire way from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak via Devils Slide, PCT, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails. The State Park boundary is not marked but is near the site of the old Florians Cache, below Flat Rock. Hikers who have an ice axe (and know how to use it) may find it useful in places on this short section of trail. Mountain Conditions. Todays rainfall total has passed an inch in Idyllwild, and various locations in Pine Cove (5800-6500 ft) were reporting 1.1 to 1.3 inches two hours ago. SNOW DEPTHS measured on 1st January 2023 are as follows. And he said he doesn't have any doubt that his friend is still alive. Note that tracks discussed can be obscured quickly by drifting of snow from strong winds, sometimes in days or even hours. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. Mu Zhi Mountain gives great scenery over Taipei and the surrounding area, including Taiwan's tallest building, Taipei.