I hiked up Devils Slide to the PCT & then traversed around to Deer Springs trail yesterday.
Currently, the plateau above Idyllwild (ie from Red Taquitz to Saddle Junction is buried under 3-5 feet (8000’ elevation) Around 9000’ (below Wellman Cinega) the snow depth is around 6’. Between Saddle junction & Deer Springs, about 70% of the trail is burried. The 30% that is exposed is on South facing slopes. From Deer Springs all the way to Black Mountain Road the Trail is mostly snowbound. The top three hundred feet of the Devils Slide Trail are snowbound & exptremely difficult (very steep) in the morning hours when the snow is frozen.
I have no idea when all the snow will melt. but I would guess that by early May, most of it will be gone. The conditions are very similar to '05.
Here’s an update on a alternate/detour route for hikers who do not want to attempt the snowbound sections:
I would highly recommend buying the Tom Harrison San Jacinto map ($10). It shows the roads & is the best trail map for this area. YOu can get it at the Outfitter here in Town or at Forest Service offices.
NOBO on PCT on Desert Divide:
(1) SPitler Peak Trail (not listed or mapped on PCT Wilderness Press Guidebook, but on Harriso map) down to Apple Canyon RD
(2) Apple Canyon RD to Bonita Vista RD (this is a private road that weaves through private property - follow the mountain bike tracks through here to stay on course… kinda like the PCT 
(3) Bonita Vista to May Valley RD (there is a forest service gate with a waggon wheel on Bonita Vista - although this looks like you’re entering private property, you’re really entersing National Forest Land)
(4) May Valley Rd to Saunder Meadow RD (paved) This road will drop you down off SOuth Ridge to the Idyllwild Elemertary School, just .75 south of Town.
(5) Saunders Meadow Road to HWY #243 & Town
(6) HWy 243 to Black Mountain Road (243 is least busy during week between Rush hours according to the locals) this is the only nasty road walk. But its only about 6 miles. Very little shoulder to be sure to face traffic and hop off the road when the RV’s/trucks pass by.
(7) Black Mountain Road to PCT @ the end of Fuller Ridge.
Other than #243, this alternate is mostly on good dirt roads with no traffic & great views & water. I actually enjoyed the walk into town from the South & I HATE road walks
Happy Trails,
freebird
freebird