Brief trail update 15th February 2021

[For information specific to the Pacific Crest Trail, please see the dedicated PCT report, best used in conjunction with the most recent general update.]

A brief rain and snow storm passed through on Friday 12th February. We hiked to Tahquitz Peak throughout the duration of the storm, and recorded this brief video report there.

Although the high country only received 1-2 inches of fresh powder, strong winds since (including today) have caused extensive drifting which has obscured well-worn tracks especially above 9000ft. On my ascent of San Jacinto Peak this morning up and down the east side trails via Devil’s Slide, again under spectacular cloudy skies, I had to break a few short sections of trail where drifting had been particularly extensive.

There was no sign of fresh tracks coming up to San Jacinto Peak from Little Round Valley on Deer Springs Trail, nor up from Round Valley to Wellman Divide. State Park law enforcement notified me that there are still no tracks emerging from Skyline Trail into Long Valley (a situation that will likely change soon with the reopening of the Tramway on Thursday 18th).

With temperatures recently at or slightly below average, plus several cloudy days, overall trail conditions are not substantially different from last week’s report. Please see that report for general conditions on the trails. The next ten days will see dramatic warming and much sunnier conditions, which will combine to cause rapid, widespread melting. This will be especially striking below 9000ft, and on sun-exposed slopes at all elevations. Due to warm temperatures and direct sun, snow conditions will deteriorate later this week and next weekend, likely becoming soft and sloppy.

Spikes are recommended on all trails above about 7000ft (lower in places), especially for descending, as established trails become increasingly consolidated by hiker traffic and freeze-thaw cycles. Snowshoes are recommended for off-trail travel anywhere above about 8000ft, and for trails that have yet to be traveled since the most recent snowfalls.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, currently closed due to the coronavirus crisis, is scheduled to reopen on 18th February, with reduced days, hours, and capacity. See their website for details.

The Idyllwild ranger station of Mount San Jacinto State Park reopened on 6th February, and the adjacent campground reopened on 12th February. Wilderness camping in the State Park has also reopened, see the State Park website for further information.

WEATHER Temperatures at or slightly below seasonal continue until Thursday 18th, after which temperatures quickly rise to well above seasonal for the remainder of February, under clear, sunny skies.

At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) today, Monday 15th February 2021 at 0855 the air temperature was 30.1°F (-1°C), with a windchill temperature of 12.9°F (-10°C), 69% relative humidity, and a gusty NNW wind sustained at 14 mph gusting to 26.1 mph.

At the Peak on Tuesday 9th February 2021 at 0900 the air temperature was 29.2°F (-2°C), with a windchill temperature of 11.6°F (-11°C),34% relative humidity, and a sharp SW wind sustained at 17 mph gusting to 28.5 mph.

SNOW DEPTHS measured at east side locations on 15th February 2021 are as follows. Note that average depth is given first. For west side locations, data are for 9th February as indicated, still relevant as melting has been minimal in the past week. Recent measurements are followed (in parentheses) by the greatest depth of this winter recorded on 31st January. Altitudes are approximate.

San Jacinto Peak (10810ft): 30 inches (40 inches on 31st January)

Little Round Valley (9800ft): 23 inches on 9th February (32 inches on 31st January)

Wellman Divide (9700ft): 10 inches (31 inches on 31st January)

Annie’s Junction/approx. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070ft): 14 inches (29 inches on 31st January)

Deer Springs Trail at Seven Pines Trail junction (8700ft): 17 inches on 9th February (26 inches on 31st January)

Strawberry Junction (8100ft): 3-4 inches on 9th February (24 inches on 31st January)

Saddle Junction/approx. PCT Mile 179.9 (8070′): 10 inches (29 inches on 31st January)

Deer Springs Trail at Suicide Rock Trail junction (6950ft): 0-2 inches on 9th February (16 inches on 31st January)

Devil’s Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550′): 0-1 inches (22 inches on 31st January)

Idyllwild (at 5550′): 0 inches (18 inches on 31st January)

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