san gorgonio trail conditions

The Fish Creek Trail is a great route. Hiked the South Fork trail to Dry Lake where we camped for the night. On Monday 13th I also postholed the entire hike, as I was able to ascend barebooting to about 9200 ft before putting on crampons. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area. Through and below Little Round Valley, my track almost entirely follows the established trail. On the mountaintop, the ice continues to stay, and if hikers continue going up there, we're going to continue to have problems." Gary Suttle's book lists it as 8.4mi. Similarly, Long Valley (8600ft) added about two inches overnight for a storm total of about seven inches and a current total depth of about 15 inches. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular track or trail. Some hikers may continue to find spikes useful for some of the minor icy patches but they are no longer required. In addition, there is the possibility of minor snow storms on Thursday 19th and around Sunday 29th January. 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. 71729 San Gorgonio Road, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 is a single family listed active at $939,000. 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. 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. 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). Estimated Distance: 17 miles. Spikes are recommended. These conditions are expected to change significantly over the next ten days due to the highly unsettled weather forecast into early January. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 4 inches (storm total 3.5 inches), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 3.5 inches (storm total 3.5 inches). Currently trails above about 7500 ft (lower in places) are largely obscured by moderate to deep snow. Hikers should be prepared for temperatures 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). 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). Just no way this is accurate. San Gorgonio Climbing notes shared by Mountain-Forecast users. 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. However they are not required, depending on your comfort level with postholing in drifted snow of moderate depth. By dusk today it had rained 0.68 inch in Idyllwild, and Long Valley had 1.5 inches of fresh snowfall. Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers will find them useful at least for descending the uppermost section. As we are limited to 6-person crews, it will be a little harder on the personnel but if you are out on the trail during the week, you might see us hard at work. From the top of Marion, the route is well-traveled but pretty uneven, up into Little Round Valley. Ernie Maxwell Trail [checked 2nd February] has a heavily traveled track to follow along its entire length, through the increasingly patchy icy snow. If closed in the early hours of the morning, you must park in the lower overflow lot. Were so happy to be back! Reliable tracks are in place (at least) for Devils Slide Trail. Devils Slide Trail is functionally clear of icy snow to about 7700 ft (about 1.7 miles up) although some dirty icy patches remain below that. South Ridge Road itself is now functionally clear of ice and snow. 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 holiday weekend had temperatures far above seasonal until Tuesday 27th. On 2nd, 5th, and 6th we barebooted to San Jacinto Peak on well-traveled and compacted tracks through increasingly patchy light icy snow. UPDATE Friday 20th January: Overnight Idyllwild had a very light dusting (<0.25 inch) of snow, but the high country was above the cloud so existing tracks should be unaffected. San Bernardino Peak : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost Remarkably Tropical Storm Kay did not add any new treefall hazards to this trail. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. Conversely in places scouring by the wind means the depths can be well below the average. Nice postcard view of Dry Lake covered in untouched snow. Every year seems to have its challenges and 2022 has been no exception. Given the importance of this trail for the safety of northbound PCT hikers in particular, it is one of several trails adopted by the Trail Report. Check out this 25.0-mile point-to-point trail near Forest Falls, California. The table also shows that with another few inches, this could be the biggest snow season since the 1940s! A less intense but slow moving multi-storm system is forecast for Friday 16th-Wednesday 21st. Every year seems to have its unique challenges, and clearly 2023 will be no exception. However I was surprised to find almost all of this had melted by the time I hiked to San Jacinto Peak on 31st December. 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. This trail is just under a half mile long and runs from the junction with the San Bernardino Peak Trail 1W07.2 and the Sky High Trail 1W07.2 to the summit box, offering a unique view of the Sand to Snow National Monument. At home at 5550 ft in Idyllwild we recorded 10.9F (-12C), the lowest temperature we have recorded there in nine winters. Winds decreasing (severe gales from the W on Mon morning, fresh winds from the WNW by Wed night). Snow cover is shallow up to about 7000 ft, but relatively heavy above 8000 ft. Melting on sun-exposed slopes is already well underway, e.g., on lower Devils Slide Trail, South Ridge and Deer Springs trails. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. 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. He had taken ice climbing equipment he'd been given for Christmas, but had never used it before, authorities said. San Gorgonio Mountain (5.8km) Lake Peak (6.7km) Jepson Peak (7.3km) Charlton Peak (7.3km) . There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. Often spikes are especially valuable for descending even when they are no necessarily needed for ascending. On the south east side of the 15. Four Hikers On The Summit Of San Gorgonio Mountain 1900-1915 Cali - Old Traveling Luck for Middle Fork Jumpoff California, United States The Fish Creek trail is probably the least used and is aprox. Self-issue permits aren't always available - they oftentimes run out, or get stolen. San Bernardino National Forest is closed to all public recreation activities due to extreme snow conditions. 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. http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sbnf/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3846020. 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. 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. Seven Pines Trail has one set of hiker tracks through the snow since the storm in early November 2022. It was very disturbing to see. more We were heading NB from Horsethief Canyon to the Interstate 15. Despite recent sunshine, 'It's just a sheet of ice up there,' a rescue official says. Deer Springs Trail has a posthole track to follow along its entire length. Be aware of your surroundings trails look different in the snow and are sometimes are hard to find. (909) 382-2682 (Voice) 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 next comprehensive Report update is not expected before Wednesday 18th January. The Ernie Maxwell Trail is clear of snow. Data are provisional and require verification. 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 Thursday 5th. View details, map and photos of this single family property with 2 bedrooms and 2 total baths. 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, snowshoes will become increasingly useful as conditions warm sufficiently for snow to become soft above about 8000 ft, especially on sunny slopes and afternoons. You don't hike alone. Current road and parking lot condition for South Fork Trailheda. Forsee via Jackstraw 15.18 miles, 4,702' gain. My posthole/glissading track between LRV and San Jacinto Peak is very direct and steep, and of limited help to an ascending hiker. Take a look here . Only five of these require cutting, and I was able to remove three by hand last week. Currently few major trail routes have been traveled and even those may become partially obscured by drifted snow and fresh icefall. As discussed above, multiple additional snowfalls forecast for 14th-18th January will further complicate the trail conditions. Conversely in some places scouring by the wind means the depths are well below the average. Spikes are not essential but will be useful for most hikers, especially for descending. 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. Snowshoes will remain valuable anywhere off trail above about 8000 ft for the foreseeable future. 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. If there are Road Closed signs further down as was often the case last winter then those nine spaces are also unavailable for legal parking. Spikes are currently usefulthroughout the trail system above about 5000 ft, potentially lower in places. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. but ideal for snowshoes, which I used from Saddle to San Jacinto Peak and back. Long Valley (8600 ft) has added about two inches, where it continues to snow gently this morning. Storm total at San Jacinto Peak is about 14 inches for a current total depth of 36+ inches (but very heavily drifted). There is a compacted, well-traveled track on continuous light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. 1629 Sams Cyn, Beaumont, CA 92223 | MLS #EV23032625 | Zillow Very cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are all options. The second week of January is expected to be relatively warm and sunny, so extensive melting will start, especially at mid elevations. 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). All in all, I found the Fish Creek Trail to be a great way to go. Temperatures will be below seasonal for December for at least the next week, with many days cloudy or at least partly cloudy. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Friday 6th January 2023 at 0930 the air temperature was 25.7F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 14.7F (-10C), 44% relative humidity, and a chilly NNW breeze sustained at 5 mph gusting to 10.6 mph. 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. The top ten snowfall totals by winter for Idyllwild are as follows: While many hundreds of hours of time and labor are volunteered annually, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover modest operating costs. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. All trails above about 7500 ft remain lightly snow-covered. One major treefall hazard is across the trail almost exactly midway between the trailheads at Humber Park and Tahquitz View Drive. Perhaps more significantly, we have received the most snow in a winter since 1963/64, a span of 59 years. Currently the snow is relatively powdery and benign; this will steadily change over the next few days and weeks. At the Peak on Wednesday 11th January 2023 at 0915 the air temperature was 24.0F (-4C), with a windchill temperature of 5.8F (-15C), 74% relative humidity, and a bitter NNW wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 24.5 mph. "Especially on the north-facing slopes, it has remained extremely cold up there," he said. 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. The first number is the current total snow depth, followed in parentheses by the greatest depth of the winter to date following the latest storm on 11th-12th December. Additional moderate snowfall is tentatively forecast for 28th February-1st March. 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). Darren Goodman of the sheriff's search-and-rescue team. PM me if you are interested. Skyline Trail has a good track to follow through very thin icy snow above 7000 ft (the Traverse to Grubbs Notch). 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. On 19th the cold icy early morning snow had good bite for grippy boots and I barebooted all the way to San Jacinto Peak. UPDATE Tuesday 10th January: Another minor and relatively warm storm is passing through our mountains today. But I'm worried about him." Locations in Pine Cove up to 6500 ft were reporting 3.1 to 3.8 inches of rain by 0500 today. Snowshoes are currently not required on the established trail system, which is now too heavily traveled and compacted for snowshoes. Fresh snow at San Jacinto Peak now measures 3-4 inches, snow in Long Valley (8600 ft) at three inches, and rainfall in Idyllwild since 0700 this morning at 0.6 inch. 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. 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. The next comprehensive update to the Report will hopefully be tomorrow evening, Friday 6th. 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). A weather system, possibly in two waves across a broad time window between 2nd and 5th December, is currently forecast to produce light precipitation at all elevations, including a possible dusting of snow in the high country [update 1st December: no precipitation is now expected from these storms passing to the north of us]. RESCUES IN THE WILDERNESS CAN BE AVOIDED. The snowfall of this 20th storm of the winter brings the seasonal total here to 71.8 inches of snow, which is 233% of the average water year snowfall for Idyllwild. 2020 San Gorgonio: Type of Hike: Overnight: Trailhead: South Fork: Hiking Companions: Hiked with a group: Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles: Bug Status: No bugs: Snow Conditions: Trail snow-covered at times - Gear and expertise recommended: Trail Conditions: Obstacles on trail: Hiked up to Dry Lake and set up camp for an early . Early on cold mornings, the icy snow is grippy, and I did not find spikes necessary on 5th. Thank you for taking the time to read this. It turned to occasional light snow at about 1500, but less than 0.5 inch has accumulated so far (at 5550 ft). I postholed barebooting to 8900 ft before putting on crampons. Between the dustings of snow yesterday and today, high country tracks are becoming obscured and cautious navigation is strongly advised. These icy slopes are notoriously treacherous. 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). 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. Authorities were able to locate and rescue two 17-year-old hikers who were lost for several days on the Pacific . 6. SGWA is testing a new interactive trail map! Please check this page for periodic updates (the most recent is at the top). However the remaining snow patches are icy in the morning. Above that elevation, icy snow is largely continuous to Saddle Junction. 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. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 3 inches (4 inches on 12th December), Devils Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0-1 inches (3.5 inches on 12th December). Multiple atmospheric river storm systems are forecast to bring very unsettled weather to the San Jacinto mountains starting Tuesday 27th December, lasting well into the first week of January. San Bernardino Nat. Sadly it is looking increasingly likely that neither storm will significantly impact the San Jacinto mountains. San Gorgonio Winter Backpacking Trip (South Fork Trail to Dry Lake) San Bernardino National Forest Near Angelus Oaks, California. By Lance Pugmire and Janet Wilson Times Staff Writers January 22, 2004 With four Southland hikers dead since New Year's Day and two more missing, authorities on Wednesday closed a popular Mt. If full, drive down to bottom entrance area where there is an overflow parking lot. 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. United States. 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. Note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or otherwise) of hiking a particular trail. San . San Bernardino National Forest - San Gorgonio Mountain Trail 1E02 Dcouvrez les photos et les conseils d'autres randonneurs et trouvez toutes les promenades autour de Sand To Snow National Monument qui . 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). [UPDATE 1st December 2022: the double storm system that looks likely to bring significant precipitation to northern and central California appears to be missing the San Jacinto mountains, despite optimistic forecasts over the previous week. We have had an excellent start to 2023 regarding the water and snow situations in the San Jacinto mountains. The intensity of snowfall at San Jacinto Peak this afternoon is the best Ive seen since late 2019. 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. Spitler Peak Trail has a very visible boot track through light snow in its upper switchbacks to the PCT. Be trail aware Watch your surroundings, the trail looks different when you are coming back down. Palm Springs Desert Sun. Badge Workshop: Between Earth and Sky Journey (Daisy) 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. While these are expected to bring significant precipitation throughout the state, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding timing and precipitation amounts for Southern California. 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. There are two new treefall hazards to pass on the upper trail. (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. Free shipping for many products! 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. "He's a pretty smart dude and a great physical man at 6-2, 240 pounds. 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. Even when the gate is closed there are nine legal parking spaces this side of the locked gate (near the upper Ernie Maxwell trailhead). on official, secure websites. San Bernardino Nat. Forest, San Gorgonio Wilderness, San Jacinto The San Bernardino Mountains are unique in that they have an eastwest orientation, making them transverse to the general northsouth orientation of most of California's coastal mountains. 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. Waterproof or highly water resistant footwear is recommended. At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) 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. The high-pressure, bright, sunny weather system in recent weeks has created icy conditions with no snow covering it." All trails above about 4500 ft are snow-covered. 3 Beds. He said Kumm had hiked to 6,500 feet a week earlier with his girlfriend. 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. A San Bernardino County Superior Court jury has found two brothers guilty of killing a man at his 2019 wedding reception in Chino.. Joe Melgoza's widow said she wants justice for her husband's . 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). This is a popular trail for backpacking, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Although the flakes are small, it has been steadily accumulating at an inch per hour, with about six inches fresh powder so far today, for a Peak area total of about 30 inches. Currently, and increasingly as snow conditions change, spikes are strongly recommended for the foreseeable future everywhere above about 7000 ft, lower in places. There are no significant changes to snow/ice conditions, and advice below basically spikes recommended throughout the high country remains valid. Some publications list the elevation as 11,502 feet. The storm expected on 28th November failed to materialize, producing only below average temperatures, wind, and spectacular clouds (photos below). Go Hiking Trip Reports San Gorgonio Wilderness-California. Seven Pines Trail has not been traveled since the early November storm, at least not in its uppermost section, and there is no track to follow through the snow. There is a well-traveled track on light icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide. The latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and conservative decision making. 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). Long Valley added about 4-6 inches of snow overnight, and a little less than that during the day today. From there the Peak Trail was easy going, having been well-traveled by hikers coming up the Tram. The other bonus was an immaculate set of fresh Mountain Lion tracks in the trail (photos below), with sign that the lion had crossed back-and-forth across Devils Slide in multiple locations further up also. STAY SAFE!RESCUES IN THE WILDERNESS CAN BE AVOIDED.FOLLOW A FEW SIMPLE RULES, Be prepared Carry Flashlight, Map, Food, Water and Clothing. 0:57. Potentially dangerous cold is currently forecast for the highest peaks for 14th-23rd January at least. 41082 Cheyenne Trail, Beaumont, CA 92223 Property Records All trails above about 5500 ft are largely snow-covered (wholly snow-covered above about 7000 ft). This is the flattest portion of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains, and snow depth currently averages about 13 inches. Donate via PayPal using the link below. 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). Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and far below freezing when considering wind chill effects (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak). Cautious navigation is strongly recommended everywhere. Note that South Ridge Road (5S11) is closed to vehicle traffic. Hikers going above the snow line should carry ice axes and boot spikes and know how to use them. The high country added only another couple of inches of snow overnight. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Ernie Maxwell Trail [checked 23rd and 26th January] has good tracks to follow along its entire length, through the shallow icy snow (still >90% snow cover).