Jakes Peak Observations

Not quite the snow quality we have been getting used to the last week through the weekend.  Buried rain crust up to 7900’ with high density snow on top, anywhere from 5-10’’ of new snow with more in wind loaded terrain.  Upside down snowpack on the whole mountain with moist heavy storm snow on top of our lighter old snow from the weekend.  On the very top, 9200’ in more wind loaded terrain the new snow layer was 1f hard and had a distinct hollow sound to it.  Jumped and ski kicked some short steep slopes in this area with no results.  Just off the top we had some collapsing in the snowpack as the upper heavy storm snow was overweighting the lighter old snow surface.  Above 8000’ there were 2 layers that were reactive with hand pit tests and CT’s-the old snow surface/storm snow interface and another density change within the storm snow.  Below 8000’ the rain layer was present and CT’s were showing easy results just below the rain crust and slightly above the rain crust.  Again, none of these layers were showing any propagation with the ECT or ski cutting/test slopes.  Light snow throughout the morning/midday with light SW winds, roller balls occurring below 7500’ while skiing.  Did not see any natural or human triggered avalanche activity today though visibility was limited.        

Video #1:  ECT at 8600’ on Jakes Peak NE aspect

Video #2:  ECT at 7800’ on Jakes Peak NE aspect