Jakes Peak Snowpack Observations

Location Name: 
Jakes Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 01/05/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 58' 8.1372" N, 120° 6' 57.2652" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Rapid settlement of recent storm snow was noted in this area based on settlement cracks around trees. Our party and another party we spoke to both reported triggering large collapses in this area between 7,900' and 8,800'. As the morning progressed, snow surface cracking materialized and became widespread on the main NE aspect between 7,900' and 8,700'. Digging out one of these cracks revealed that the crack went all the way down to the depth of the Dec 15 facet layer. This is the same failure layer for the two nearby deep slab avalanches in slightly steeper terrain.

Blowing snow and new stiff wind slabs were noted along the summit ridge.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
West