Jake's Peak

We chose to ski Jake's Peak with the hope of finding NSF to ski on. The snow at the beginning of the ascent was mostly supportable and had small amounts of new snow (less than 1 cm) on them at 6:45 am. As we ascended, we found a combination of NSF and new snow on top of supportable snow. We dug and recorded a full pit profile at around 8,100ft on a NE aspect.

In our pit, we observed the NSF that we were seeking, as well as the crust/facet combination that has been discussed on the SAC website. The snowfall rate at the time was S-1 with rimed precipitation particles. The weakest facet layer (4F hard) was around 2' deep. We performed a column test and recorded results of CT18 @ 104cm Q3 (Break) and CT28 @ 58cm Q1 (Sudden Planar). We were unable to perform an ECT due to time constraints.

As we departed our pit location and began to ascend again, the precipitation rate picked up to S1 with stellar crystals (not rimed) being the predominant particle. When we gained the summit at 9:30 am, we found light winds from the SW with light blowing snow, an air temperature of -4.5 degrees Celsius, and a snowfall rate of S1 or possibly S2. 

Our descent was generally on N and NE facing terrain, and we found great skiing conditions above 7,000ft. We noted minor surface instabilities (sloughing) on steeper terrain under our skis. 

Picture 1: A view of our pit as we begin to record a profile.

Picture 2: Snowfall rates beginning to increase as we ascend the well-established skin track.

Picture 3: We noted minor surface instabilities and sloughing. This is a picture of a small slough pile below steeper terrain.