The major blocking high pressure area over the south-west of the country continued to generate very warm and dry conditions for our region for most of the first three weeks of December. A significant atmospheric river system is forecast to impact Southern California on 23rd-26th December. While precipitation volumes and timing remain somewhat uncertain for the San Jacinto mountains, the bulk of the system will be relatively mild, with a high freeze level, and snowfall largely above about 9000 ft, before the freeze level drops, with snow possibly as low as 6500 ft, by late on 26th. Considerable rainfall (2.5-3.5 inches across four days) is expected throughout mid elevations. Unsettled conditions, with possibilities for further light precipitation (snow in the high country, rain at mid elevations) may persist for the last three days of the year and the first three days of January.
Since the minor snow storms that impacted the region for nine days in mid November – discussed in detail in a prior Report linked here – temperatures generally well above seasonal have led to very rapid snow melt for the time of year (photos below).
The air temperature of 52.2°F (11°C) that I recorded at San Jacinto Peak on Thursday 11th December 2025 shattered (by 3°F) the previous high temperature knowingly recorded at the Peak in the month of December.
Once temperatures drop markedly from 23rd December onwards, hikers must be prepared for temperatures below freezing at high elevations, and potentially far below freezing when considering wind chill effects, with strong winds (>30 mph) forecast on many days. See the Weather section below for my recent observations from San Jacinto Peak.
The conditions forecast for 24th-25th December are similar to those on 15th November which resulted in multiple significant hypothermia cases in the San Jacinto high country (the overlap with a holiday period adding a further complication) to which I briefly alluded in a prior report linked here. Hikers – most notably those from the Tramway where such conditions are rarely anticipated – may be ascending through rain, before encountering snow, strong winds, and frigid windchills at the highest elevations. Being fully prepared for the challenging combination of both genuine winter conditions and very wet weather will be critical (at a minimum, having fully wind- and waterproof clothing, plus multiple dry layers, hats, and gloves stored in a truly waterproof pack system, is very strongly advised). A clear recognition of when turning around is the safest option in such conditions is also invaluable.
Details are given below under Trail Conditions, but most hikers will find that carrying spikes remains advisable in areas above about 9000 ft, although experienced hikers will find they are generally no longer needed on established trails even well above that elevation. Spikes tend to be especially helpful for descending, even when they seem to be of limited use for ascending.
Current snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given near the foot of this posting. Note that these are expected to change starting Wednesday 24th. Also note that snow depth itself is rarely indicative of the difficulty (or ease) of hiking a particular track or trail. For example a firm, well-compacted track across snow feet deep is often much easier hiking than traversing across just a few inches depth of, for example, angled virgin icy snow. Conversely, just a one inch covering of icy snow at mid-elevations (where there have been many freeze-thaw cycles) can be among the most treacherous surfaces to hike.
Black Mountain Road (4S01) closed to vehicle traffic in mid November at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. Despite being clear of snow for most of December it is now expected to remain closed for the winter season, per Forest Service.
Daily survey hikes by the Trail Report year-round in the San Jacinto mountains include multiple routes to the highest peaks including San Jacinto Peak typically at least twice every week (and even more frequently during stormy weather), Tahquitz Peak and area at least once per week, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.
WEATHER
Temperatures have generally been well above seasonal since the last week of November (with the brief exception of 1st-4th December). They are forecast to remain far above seasonal until 22nd December, after which the current “blocking” high pressure system is forecast to move east, allowing a storm system flow to return (perhaps only briefly) to Southern California.
Significant rainfall is expected at mid elevations, with about three inches of rain forecast between 23rd and 26th December at 5000-6000 ft. Rainfall will be heaviest and probably continuous on Wednesday 24th, but lighter and more intermittent on 25th-26th.
Snowfall predictions for the high country have varied significantly, but most recent forecast models suggest 12-20 inches of snow are possible around the highest peaks of the San Jacinto mountains, largely on Wednesday 24th but continuing into the 25th. Regardless of precise snow volumes, the system is expected to be relatively warm, at least initially, with freeze levels largely remaining above 8000 ft, and hence little (or possibly even no) snowfall expected at mid elevations. It is most likely that any snowfall in the mid elevations will accumulate as the coldest part of the storm system moves through late on Friday 26th, when 1-2 inches are possible at the higher elevations of Pine Cove and Fern Valley.
Further waves of unsettled weather are tentatively forecast almost daily between 29th December and 3rd January, with light rainfall (mid elevations) and very light snowfall (highest elevations) possible on some or even all of those days. Currently the timing and volume of precipitation on those days is uncertain, but will become clearer over the course of the next week.
The second, third, and fourth storm systems of winter 2025/26 all impacted the San Jacinto mountains in quick succession, on 14th-16th, 17th-18th, and 20th-22nd November, respectively. All three storms were relatively mild, with high freeze levels and very limited snow below 7000 ft. The storm sequence and precipitation outcomes were described in detail in an earlier Report (linked here).
At San Jacinto Peak (10,811ft/3295m) on Monday 22nd December 2025 at 0845 the air temperature was 39.9°F (4°C), with a windchill temperature of 27.5°F (-2°C), 26% relative humidity, and a stiffening SW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 20.3 mph.
At the Peak on Thursday 18th December 2025 at 0840 the air temperature was 44.3°F (7°C), with a windchill temperature of 34.5°F (1°C), 44% relative humidity, and a fresh NW wind sustained at 10 mph gusting to 15.6 mph.
At the Peak on Monday 15th December 2025 at 0830 the air temperature was 40.4°F (5°C), with a windchill temperature of 34.5°F (1°C), 22% relative humidity, and a very light due North wind sustained at 2 mph gusting to 5.5 mph.
At the Peak on Thursday 11th December 2025 at 0830 the air temperature was 52.2°F (11°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 48.4°F (9°C), 15% relative humidity, and a barely discernable SE wind sustained at 2 mph gusting to 3.5 mph. This is the first time I have ever recorded an air temperature exceeding 50°F in December at the Peak, and this is undoubtedly a record high for the month at that location.
TRAIL CONDITIONS
Trails above about 9500 ft remain largely snow-covered (details below), especially on the less-exposed western slope trails. With above seasonal temperatures almost continuously since 24th November, melting has been unusually rapid for the time of year, especially on sun-exposed slopes. This melting will continue with warm temperatures forecast to persist until 22nd December.
Spikes can be useful above about 9000 ft, locally as low as 8500 ft, as established trails have become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergone freeze-thaw cycles. They are especially useful for descending parts of heavily traveled tracks where the snow persists (most notably uppermost Deer Springs Trail). Snow depth and condition is no longer suitable for snowshoes, even for off-trail travel at the highest elevations.
Devil’s Slide Trail [updated 22nd December] is now clear of icy snow. A few tiny, persistent, icy snow patches remain above 7700 ft, but most are so dirt-covered at this time that underfoot traction is rarely a concern. Spikes are no longer required.
There is a well-traveled, compacted track on the PCT south from Saddle Junction to Chinquapin Flat/PCT Mile 178 [updated 18th December]. Snow cover has dropped markedly this week, to about 40%.
The section of South Ridge Trail from Chinquapin Flat to Tahquitz Peak [updated 20th December] has a very well-traveled track to follow through increasingly patchy angled icy snow. These icy slopes on the north side of Tahquitz Peak are notoriously treacherous, and see so little direct sunlight in December and January that conditions change slowly at this time of year. That said, some cleared patches have appeared this week, especially at the Chinquapin Flat (northern) end. Spikes are recommended for most hikers, but even then parts of the route may not be comfortable for all (photo above).
South Ridge Trail south of Tahquitz Peak [updated 20th December] is now clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak, with a few tiny icy patches remaining above 8500 ft (switchback 9).
The Strawberry Trail (PCT Miles 180.8-183) is functionally clear of snow, other than patches that persist for 0.1 mile at its eastern end, and in a handful of forested sections nearer Strawberry Junction.
Willow Creek Trail [updated 18th December] averages less than 10% thin snow cover to Hidden Divide.
There are well-traveled and compacted tracks on Round Valley Trail through Long and Round valleys to Wellman Divide, and on the “Sid Davis” route, the latter emerging at the Peak Trail near 10,000 ft [updated 15th December]. Both routes are starting to have extensive bare patches appear in their most exposed sections.
The PCT north from Saddle Junction [updated 22nd December] is now clear of snow to 9000 ft elevation, with just a few small icy snow patches persisting on this very sun-exposed south-facing slope. From 9000 ft, where the trail enters forest, to Annie’s Junction, has cleared dramatically in the past few days, and now averages only 10% snow cover. Most hikers will find spikes are not required.
The Wellman Trail [updated 22nd December] averages less than 10% snow cover, concentrated in the forested section at its southern end (closest to Annie’s Junction). Spikes are not required.
The Peak Trail [updated 22nd December] has a rapidly diminishing 30% cover of softening and generally thin snow, largely confined to the sheltered section around 10,000 ft, and then above 10,400 ft. There is a split in hiker traffic – as is traditional in winter – near Miller Peak at 10,400 ft. The East Ridge route is a somewhat meandering (but well-compacted) route through 90% continuous snow cover to San Jacinto Peak. The Peak Trail itself above 10,400 ft now has a heavily-traveled track to follow through 80% snow cover. Trails just below San Jacinto Peak proper have largely consolidated into 3-4 alternate routes, all of which ultimately reach the peak. Spikes are no longer essential on this trail for those with extensive experience of snow hiking. Snow cover on the exposed south- and east-facing slopes around San Jacinto Peak is now only 30%, and averages just 1-2 inches in most places, with drifts to 10 inches.
Deer Springs Trail [updated 15th December] is clear of snow to 8500 ft (just 0.4 mile south of the Marion Mountain Trail junction). Although snow cover still averages about 90% thereafter all the way to San Jacinto Peak, lengthy bare patches are starting to appear even as high as 10,500 ft in the most sun-exposed areas, and these will expand steadily over the next week. After the Marion junction, the track is well-traveled and compacted to Little Round Valley, almost entirely following the trail route accurately (spikes useful for descending). Above Little Round Valley there are myriad posthole track options, but the most heavily traveled now almost entirely follows the actual trail route. The other, more direct tracks, are now harder to follow as they encounter rocks and vegetation in the rapidly expanding snow-free areas.
Marion Mountain Trail [updated 15th December] is now largely clear of snow to the junction with the PCT/Deer Springs Trail. Nevertheless, two sections of persistent icy snow sections remain, one for about 0.4 mile in the central (most sheltered) portion of the trail, and the other the final 0.1 mile closest to the PCT. Some hikers will find that spikes remain very useful, especially for descending, as some of the icy snow patches are treacherous. The Trail Report removed one new blowdown from the lower trail on 9th, but there is another significant one about 0.7 mile from the top (with a fairly easy workaround).
Seven Pines Trail [updated 15th December] has no tracks to follow through the patchy snow on its uppermost section.
Fuller Ridge Trail (PCT Miles 185.5-190.5) [updated 15th December] has a lightly traveled but accurate posthole track to follow through the remaining 20% snow cover in its most sheltered sections. Sun-exposed areas (notably Miles 186-186.6 and 187.5-188.5) and those closest to Black Mountain Road (north from Mile 189.5) are now clear of snow.
Black Mountain Trail (2E35) was functionally clear of snow by 3rd December, with just a few tiny icy snow patches near the top. Four medium-sized treefall hazards include three within 0.1 mile of one another about 1.5 miles up from the trailhead, plus another just below the top of the trail, but all have easy workarounds. The climbers trail section that continues from the top of the trail to the fire lookout still has about 20% icy snow cover, as does the uppermost access road to the tower.
SNOW DEPTHS
Snow depths measured on 22nd December 2025 (most locations) and 15th December (Deer Springs Trail) are as follows. Current total depth is the first number given, followed (in parentheses) by the total measured in November following the most recent storms. Altitudes and PCT mileages are approximate.
San Jacinto Peak (10811 ft): 0-3 inches (was 17 inches on 24th November)
Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 4-5 inches (was 15-18 inches in late November)
Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0 inch (was 11 inches on 24th November)
Annie’s Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9020 ft): 0 inch (was 12 inches on 24th November)
Fuller Ridge Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail/PCT Mile 185.5 (8900 ft): 2-3 inches (was 10-12 inches in late November)
Long Valley (8500 ft): 0-1 inch (was 8 inches on 24th November)
Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 0 inch (was 8 inches on 24th November)
Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183 (8050 ft): 0 inches (was 6 inches in late November)
Devil’s Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0 inch by 24th November.
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