likely conditions in mid April?

[eeyun]

Hi there,

I'm wondering what the likely snow situation will be on San Jacinto in mid April. I will be down from Vancouver BC for a conference in San Diego, and would like to climb the mountain on my way up to LA to visit a friend. I will likely stay overnight on the mountain, and will probably just take the tourist trail from the tram.

I'm wondering what footwear will be appropriate. I presume I will be able to leave my plastic boots and snowshoes at home, so I'm stuck deciding between my approach shoes and my boots, which basically hinges on whether crampons will be a necessity (and along with them, an axe).

What say you wise and learned SoCal hikers?

Since I'm travelling for work, I'd prefer to keep the bulk down and ditch the boots and axe, but if needed, I will bring them.

[lipbiter]

eeyun,

you really need to check the weather conditions the week of your trip. trying to predict the snow "situation" on San J four weeks in advance is like trying to predict whether Britney Spears will be in rehab. very unpredictable. we've had raging snow storms as late as May before.

try querying again in April.

[Hikin_Jim]

You may already know, but you do need a permit to stay out overnight. The Park's home page has some info and a permit application: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=636. Some of the more popular locations (Round Valley, Tamarack) do book up.

[eeyun]

Thanks for the heads up guys.

I'll keep a bead on the conditions, and keep an eye out for trip reports coming in the next month. If worst comes to worst, I will just bring the boots, pons, and axe to make sure I can get up it.

Thanks for the advice about the permit, I'll make sure to book in advance.

Cheers

[Perry]

... trying to predict the snow "situation" on San J four weeks in advance is like trying to predict whether Britney Spears will be in rehab. very unpredictable. ...

That's one of the funniest things ever posted here. Perhaps the funniest?...

[eeyun]

Hi all,

Well I have been checking conditions and recent reports, and I have decided to bring my crampons to ensure I'm able to get up and around the peak.

My only remaining question is to whether there is a more efficient way to obtain a wilderness permit than by mail. I put it off until now assuming that there would be an online method of securing a camp spot and obtaining a permit, but I have yet to find it. I would like to stay on the mountain somewhere, either at the Round Valley or Little Round Valley sites.

Is snail mail the only way? If so, I'll need to post it off post-haste!

[Perry]

You can walk into the ranger station and get a camping permit, with space available. After hours, they leave permits outside that are valid only on that night. If you go up on Sunday through Thursday night, chances are there are permits outside. Friday and Saturday nights are popular, especially in the summer. Since it's only April, I would call the Idyllwild office (State Park, not USFS) to see if any large groups have already reserved camping on Friday and Saturday. If not, chances are you're good to go...

[eeyun]

You can walk into the ranger station and get a camping permit, with space available. After hours, they leave permits outside that are valid only on that night. If you go up on Sunday through Thursday night, chances are there are permits outside. Friday and Saturday nights are popular, especially in the summer. Since it's only April, I would call the Idyllwild office (State Park, not USFS) to see if any large groups have already reserved camping on Friday and Saturday. If not, chances are you're good to go...

Thanks Perry,

I will be there on a Wednesday night, so I was hoping it would be a little less busy. I will cross my fingers and hop that I can snag a spot at one of the sites up on the mountain then.

Cheers!

[tinaballina]

... trying to predict the snow "situation" on San J four weeks in advance is like trying to predict whether Britney Spears will be in rehab. very unpredictable. ...

That's one of the funniest things ever posted here. Perhaps the funniest?...

This was pretty good i have to give you that.