Precipitation along the Southern California sections of the Pacific Crest Trail is 57% of normal for the year, based on National Weather Service Data from four locations near the PCT.
| Location | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Total | % Avg |
| Lake Cuyamaca | 1.02 | 1.48 | 5.9 | 2.12 | 1.05 | 11.57 | 52% |
| Lake Henshaw | 0.26 | 0.82 | 4.19 | 2.13 | 2.18 | 9.58 | 54% |
| Big Bear Fire Station | 0.07 | 0.83 | 2.38 | 1.49 | 2.18 | 6.95 | 51% |
| Mount Wilson | 0.54 | 3.5 | 8.03 | 5.23 | 1.59 | 18.89 | 70% |
| Average | 0.47 | 1.66 | 5.13 | 2.74 | 1.75 | 11.17 | 57% |
Totals and averages are from October through February.
Locations were chosen due to their proximity to the Pacific Crest trail.
- Lake Cuyamaca is three miles west of PCT mile 60
- Lake Henshaw is seven miles SW of Warner Springs, PCT mile 110
- Big Bear Lake Fire Station is 3 miles south of PCT mile 277
- Mount Wilson is 9.5 miles southwest of PCT mile 403
Rainfall totals are calculated for “water years,” the twelve months from October 1st to September 30th. Southern California typically receives about 90% of it’s rainfall from October through April.
Hikers should consult the PCT Water Report, a crowdsourced compilation of water information for Southern California at www.pctwater.com for the latest information. Print out a copy just before your next trip. When you return home, send in your water updates to [email protected].
Source: National Wether Service, California Nevada River Forecast Center