Does tram operate when it snows?

[unclear]

Hello,

A small group of guys and I are planning to hike C2C this Saturday, despite the weather. Does anyone know if the tram generally operates even when it snows? We would definitely want to ride it down.

Jake

[recordalley]

they never close the tram for weather unless it snows so much at the bottom station that sometimes they have to close the road. It is rare that it snows at the bottom station, maybe once every 5 years.

[bluerail]

They do however, close it for high winds.

[Feeel]

Hi Jake. I am planning to slog up c2c as well on Saturday. What time is your group starting the hike? I wouldn't presume to join you, but it would be nice to know when you are on the trail for safety's sake, what with the weather and all.

[hwstock]

They do however, close it for high winds.

Like, for 30 mph gusts?

Thanks.

[Hikin_Jim]

Hello,

A small group of guys and I are planning to hike C2C this Saturday, despite the weather. Does anyone know if the tram generally operates even when it snows? We would definitely want to ride it down.

Jake

Ascending into a storm is seldom a good idea. Just sayin'.

HJ

Point weather forecast for the vicinity of the tram

[Ellen]

Howdy All,

I initially planned to do the Snow Creek PCT hike to the tram this weekend but changed to tomorrow due to the weather. I am a polar bear and have no qualms about cold weather and being snowed upon -- actually enjoy both.

My primary concern was the potential for a white out and losing the trail.

Weekend weather forecast for San Jacinto summit:

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.ph ... it=0&lg=en

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Breezy, with a southwest wind between 20 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.

Saturday: Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. Windy, with a southwest wind between 25 and 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy and windy, with a low around 24. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Sunday: A 40 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy and windy, with a high near 29. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Sunday Night: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy and windy, with a low around 17.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

PS Thanks to HJ for the tram weather link

[Zé]

the mountain will always be there

[Feeel]

I can't speak for the others heading up on Saturday, but this storm is an opportunity for me to practice moderately difficult route-finding in inclement conditions at low altitude, where the risk of frostbite and hypothermia are relatively low (if adequately prepared).

However, in light of the forecast, perhaps Sunday is a better day.

[Ellen]

Howdy Feeel

Skyline to the tram should not be a problem provided you have appropriate clothing. I've been rained on and snowed on Skyline. Enjoyed both since I was warm. In May this year it started snowing at the 5 K level. In Nov several years ago, the rain started at 5 K and turned into snow at 7 K.

From HJ's link to the tram weather, it appears you're likely to get rained on both days. From the tram to the summit, you're likely to get snowed on.

Recommend checking Lightgy's trip report for the May Skyline. I was ahead of his group and they followed my tracks through the snow to the tram. Point being, if you don't know Skyline, trying to find the trail in the snow can be difficult.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen