Unconsolidated snow and a lack of wind slabs on Jake's Peak

3-5 inches of soft new snow existed above 7500 ft. on Jakes Peak today. This new snow did not display any slab characteristics even in areas where wind slabs typically form. Some small sluffs did occur as a result of ski cuts on steep test slopes on N-NE aspects above 7500 ft. A subtle density change did exist within this new snow; however, multiple snowpit tests, ski cuts on test slopes, and general observations did not reveal any signs of unstable slab conditions resulting from this density change. On the northerly aspects an eroding rain crust does still exist about 6-10 inches below the surface. Below this layer a softer layer of snow remains. Tests on this layer also did not indicate unstable results. 

On SE-S aspects sun on the new snow had made the snow surface wet and sticky. Some wet roller balls and point releases did occur on these aspects near exposed rocks. Loose wet snow sluffs also occurred as a result of ski cuts on these aspects. 

None of the loose snow instabilities observed today involved enough snow to bury a person.

Photo 1: A skier triggered sluff on a NE facing 37 degree aspect at about 9100 ft. Photo enhanced to show the sluff in more detail.

Photo 2: Small roller balls coming off of exposed cliffs on a SE aspect at about 8600 ft.

Video: ECTN on a N aspect at about 8900 ft.