Snow is coming!

[Blooty]

Just read this on the CA weather alerts:

THE HEAVY SNOW FALL AMOUNTS EXCEPTED... THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF AVALANCHES FOR AREAS LOCATED BELOW THE STEEPER SLOPES OF THE HIGHER SAN BERNARDINO AND SAN JACINTO MOUNTAINS.

Everyone please be careful after these storms hit next week.

[halhiker]

According to a report I heard on KCRW on the way home from work the San Jacinto Mountains are expecting over FOUR FEET with the snow level over 6.000 ft.

Let's hope so!

[Kevin]

Just read this for the southern Sierra:

Snow levels will rise and fall with each individual system... but
in general will be between 5000 and 6000 feet. Preliminary
estimates of new snow for the southern Sierra... from Monday
through Friday are around 10 feet. People planning travel into the
southern Sierra Nevada next week should prepare for winter driving
conditions... and consider postponing your travel. By Tuesday
night... snow may begin accumulating on the higher elevations of
the Walker Pass... affecting travel between Bakersfield and the
Indian Well Valley on Highway 178.

[halhiker]

Forecast for Mount San Jacinto

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

[r_usmc]

Hi. We were planning on coming into town on Friday 22nd with plans to spend the night then head towards the peak Sat via Devils Slide Trail equipped w/ snowshoes, crampons, and all the appropriate winter gear. What difficulties do you foresee? Been up that route multiple times during the summer. Only been once in the snow but turned back early. Welcome all words of advice. Thanks!

[Nick-SJM]

This next week is likely to bring a lot of snow in the area you are heading. There is a very good chance that the trail will not be broken (previous hiker). Navigation skills may be critical. You can expect to be on snowshoes most of the way. The travel will be very slow. Just getting up Devil's Slide will be tough and sap your strength. Allow yourself a very large margin of safety as far as time and difficulty. It should be beautiful up there, but be careful. Be prepared to spend the night if need be.

[EMan]

Forgive me for this post. I am not intending to disparage or minimize your wilderness skills. And I'm not pretending to be an expert. However, this looks like some real serious weather is a'coming.

FWIW, be prepared to not recognize any visual cues from your prior trips. It will be exponentially more difficult breaking trail after the expected dump.

Due to the energy you will be expending, regulating your body temperature is paramount! If you get overheated and then chilled, you won't be a happy hiker at best... Be prepared to spend the night if you do decide to go. A shovel and avy gear are essential.

Please re-evaluate your plans before venturing out.
A BUNCH OF US SEASONED SAN JAC VETERANS INDEPENDENTLY TURNED AROUND DURING THE LAST STORM in spite of our familiarity with the mountain! We all decided to leave our ego at home.

[Nick-SJM]

Eman- As I read your above posting, I absolutely agree. I was not strong enough in my above post. Next weekend should be limited to very basic, close in, snow play and practice in winter skills. Don't push it. The condition Eman describes as overheating and cooling can easily result in hypothermia and death.

[r_usmc]

EMan / Nick - No worries it's not personal. Your insight and advice is much appreciated. By no means are my partner and I experts. We have talked things over and will take it easy. While we have all the appropriate layers, crampons, etc we do NOT have avy gear. Looks more like we are going to work on skills, stay close, and enjoy the snow. Thanks again guys.

[Cy Kaicener]

When the snow comes and you are at home, think of what's happening in Scotland where ski resorts are closing because of too much snow
http://planetski.eu/news/1252