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Wind slab on Jake's Peak

Location Name: Jake's Peak Region: West Shore Area Observation Date & Time: Thursday, February 23, 2023 - 13:30
Location: 38.972267, -120.115755 See map: CalTopo	Is this an Avalanche Observation?: No Conditions Alerts: Other Signs of Instability (cracking, whumpfing, collapsing) Other Signs of Instability (cracking, whumpfing, collapsing)›Shooting Cracks Recent Loading Recent Loading›Blowing Snow Recent Loading›More Than a Foot of New Snow Recent Loading›Snowfall Rates of More Than 1 in/hr

Observation made by: Public

Tabs

Observation

Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions:

Switchback ski tests resulted in shooting cracks in wind slab forming on S-SE slopes near the plateau at the base of the shorter, more northerly avalanche path on Jake's main (E/NE) face. The slabs were 10-20+ cm thick. I thought this was interesting because while clouds above the ridgetop were moving west, winds at ground level at 8000' were E/SE, with potential for wind-affected snow higher on Jake's most popular aspect. Winds were moderate.

Approx 20cm+ wind slab cracking with switchback test.

Terrain Details

Terrain: elevations:

Below Treeline

Terrain: aspects:

Weather Details

Elevation of Observation:

8000 - 9000 ft.

Blowing Snow:

Moderate

Wind Direction:

East

Wind Speed:

Moderate

Sky Cover:

Overcast - Cloudy - 8/8 covered

Highest Precipitation Rate:

Moderate Snowfall (S2 = 2 cm /~1 in per hour)

Precipitation:

Snow

Air temperature:

Below Freezing

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Wind slab on Jake's Peak

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Wind slab on Jake's Peak

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