San Jacinto Peak - ice/snow?

[63ChevyII]

Is the peak clear of ice/snow? I'm wondering if I should carry my microspikes or not.

[davenose]

Yes. I climbed via the Marion Mountain trail Saturday 12/8, and there was no snow/ice on the trail. Great weather; cloudless with gusts of only 5 mph on the summit.

I climbed Devil's Slide 3 weeks prior, and there was a thin layer of ice periodically above 10,400 ft or so, making the scrambling at the top just a bit tricky.

Looks like some storms may be moving in this weekend, so pay attention!

-Dave

[63ChevyII]

Thanks for the reply. I actually did C2C on 12/8 and carried microspikes just in case.

Looks like it may have been the last weekend to hike SJ dealing with lots of ice/snow.

[Hikin_Jim]

Looks like it may have been the last weekend to hike SJ dealing with lots of ice/snow.

Quite possibly.

SEVERAL INCHES OF SNOWFALL ARE LIKELY IN THE MOUNTAINS ABOVE 5000 FEET...WITH POSSIBLE LIGHT SNOW AMOUNTS DOWN TO 4000 FEET.

[matthest]

Trying to do SJ peak this weekend with some friends. We don't currently have any gear. I checked the weather conditions, and it says there's a 20-30% chance of snow Friday night and Saturday. Will we still be able to make it to the top without equipment?

Looking to do Marion Mountain Trail.

[tramtim]

It is looking like we are going to finally get some snow tonight and Thursday, by the sat view it looks like it might pull some moister from the south so we might get 4-12 inches or more. But this is moving fast and I seen it many time blow by with 1-2 inches only or less. If anything the peak will get the most of the snow and cold, making the trail icy if nothing else.

check on the Tram's weather page for temp Tramcams.
[url][url]http://www.pstramway.com/weather.html[/url]

Tim

[matthest]

Thanks Tim. Hopefully it'll be conquerable with just a pair of tennis shoes. Maybe I'm being naive. We did the hike up Marion Mountain back in October as well... it was so beautiful, we just have to go back. This is the only time that works for the 5 of us, so hopefully the weather gets in on it too.

[Hikin_Jim]

Keep your eye on the trail conditions as you go. Just be prepared to turn around if you have to.

Oh, and it can get really nippy out there. I was out there 3 or so weeks ago, and it was about 32F on top. I had all my clothing on and I was comfortable, just comfortable. If it had gotten any colder or I had gotten stuck out, I might have been in trouble.

HJ

[matthest]

Thanks Jim. We'll definitely bundle up if we go. Just checked the Palm Springs Tram webcam and it looks so nice, but I'm sure it's bound to change by Friday.

Just hope there won't be too much ice. Our plan is to drive up Friday afternoon, get dinner and then go to sleep. Wake up at 1AM, hike up for the sunrise. Hopefully all that hiking and bundles of clothing will keep us warm enough.

[davenose]

I'm going to try C2C to the peak for my first time this Sunday (going with someone who's done it a few times before).

I've been unsure of what gear to bring with the incoming weather. At the moment I'm leaning towards bringing just crampons (I don't have spikes) and leaving the snowshoes behind. I've climbed to the peak in Feb before so I know what it can get like up there. Worst case, I make it to the tram and take the easy ride down.