Conditions and Trip Report - 18 Mar 2015

[jesseahouser]

My girlfriend, Tabbatha, and I ascended the North Lykken -> Skyline -> San Jacinto Peak route yesterday, 18 Mar 2015, starting at 0430. Wildflowers were abundant, especially at low and middle altitudes. Snow coverage from the beginning of The Traverse to Grubb's Notch was 5%, and there was no need for special equipment. We had lunch at Grubb's Notch at 1230 and departed the Long Valley Ranger Station at 1300.

Past the High Trail junction at the stream, the snow coverage on the trail increased to 90% on the north-facing slope. Microspikes or similar would have been best, but since we had crampons with us, we determined it was more efficient to travel uphill without using them. After passing Wellman's Divide, the east-facing slope had much less snow coverage. Clouds, which were not present before, began to move in swiftly. We continued on since we were prepared for cold weather and precipitation. A few hundred meters past the final switchback below Miller Peak, thundersnow began. There were many lightning strikes near us, and we were already in a vulnerable position. We decided to turn around less than 100 m below San Jacinto Peak, rather than take the increased risk of being struck in the more exposed terrain above.

We found that surface conditions had changed dramatically in just a few minutes. Graupel, perhaps up to 20 cm deep in some places, had covered the trail immediately below us. We descended quickly. It was now 1600, and once we reached dense tree coverage, we decided to bypass Wellman's Divide and took a bearing eastward toward Tamarack Valley. We were thankful to be wearing gaiters. The lightning subsided by the time we reached Tamarack Valley, and we walked through lightly falling snow toward Long Valley. After some route-finding, we arrived at Long Valley at 1800.

Had I known a beer costs $8 at the tram station, I would have carried one up and cached it in the snow. <grin>

-Jesse

[Hikin_Jim]

Good TR; thanks.

There were many lightning strikes near us, and we were already in a vulnerable position. We decided to turn around less than 100 m below San Jacinto Peak, rather than take the increased risk of being struck in the more exposed terrain above.

Yeah, I'm thinking that was a good move.

HJ

[cynthia23]

Wow! I would have loved to see that storm ... but from a safe indoor location!

I agree with HJ that you definitely made the right choice.

Good TR--clear and concise. Congrats on your journey!

[K & W]

Thank you. Great report ... Sounds like you made some memories that'll stay with you!

-Ken

[jesseahouser]

You're all welcome, and thanks for your compliments on the trip report. I hope it's helpful to others considering a visit to the area in the near future.
-Jesse

[neverwashasbeen]

Glad to see that you made it down safely, I said "Hi" just below the switchback by Miller.

[jesseahouser]

Glad to see that you made it down safely, I said "Hi" just below the switchback by Miller.

On the way down, Tabbatha and I had some conversation about the general lack of preparedness of some hikers we encountered, except for the last one we saw near Miller Peak. You looked like you'd been there a time or two. Glad to meet you, even if it was brief!

Preparedness, it turns out, doesn't equate to smartness. Had we been smart, we probably would have turned around when we saw the clouds coming in. I think the lack of wind and a built-up tolerance to miserable conditions lured us onward.

-Jesse

[K & W]

Jesse, Your trip report was just what we needed to give it a go for the Skyline Trail yesterday. It went well for us. It's been warm and more snow has melted - we might have made ten strides total on snow and the biggest single patch only covered 20' or so of trail. It was a little warmer than perfectly ideal, but wanting to hike on a clear trail (no snow/ice) and in cool conditions is a case of threading a needle with a very small eye for Skyline.

Anyway, wanted to thank you again for your accurate report that assuaged my fears about snow/ice before it is truly too hot.

-Ken

[Ellen]

Howdy Jesse

It was nice to meet other folks on Skyline last week -- I was the blonde who was complaining about the humidity

I've been near the summit of San Jacinto in thunderstorms -- not fun. Also saw Neverwashasbeen's video of the hail storm. Now I'm even happier that I hiked C to B (Cactus to Bar).

As I recall, you both wanted to climb the north chutes on San Gorgonio. From the SGWA forum:

"Weekend of March 21/22. Trail dry almost all the way to Dry Lake, just the last quarter mile the trail had snow but it was hard packed. Beyond Dry Lake snowshoes a must or you will post hole everywhere. We went up the north chute to the summit with crampons, ice axe, and poles. If you start early you need the ice axe, but if you wait until it's soft poles are fine. It's not that steep. We even tried to slide down on our butts and had a hard time getting going, so it's not dangerous, but bring both. It was icy at the top though, and very windy and cold. There should be plenty of snow up there for at least the next couple of weeks I think. Plenty of water in Dry Lake, and ducks. Not much time left to enjoy the snow, better get up there! Enjoy."

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[jesseahouser]

Ken,
I'm very happy to hear you had a nice hike! I hope you had a chance to enjoy the wildflowers as well. They sure are pretty.

Ellen,
It was great to meet you, also! We thought about you enjoying the bar while we were out in the storm. Thank you for remembering our conversation about San Gorgonio, and for the information about the conditions on the north chutes. We don't have our snowshoes with us, so based on your information, I think we will try to acquire walk-up permits for Vivian Creek on Wednesday or Thursday (assuming snowshoes are not needed for that route). If you or anyone else has recommendations on yellow post or dispersed camping near the Vivian Creek trailhead (we have a 2WD car), or any other advice/alternatives to offer, we'd appreciate the information.

Cheers to all,
Jesse