Jakes Peak Observations

Location Name: 
Jakes Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 01/01/2011 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 58' 2.3412" N, 120° 7' 1.884" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

6'' of new snow on Jakes this morning with 8-10'' in the most wind loaded areas in the higher elevations.  There was a consistent storm snow instability just above the old snow/new snow interface.  This caused wide spread loose snow avalanches/sluffing large enough to carry a skier on a ride on any terrain, N-E, steeper than 35 degrees.  The upper snow above this weakness was unconsolidated and did not have the cohesion to form a slab.  There was a slight density change within the storm snow, with a lighter layer at the old snow/new snow interface and slightly heavier density snow above that due to warming temps and the wind loading.  There was some isolated cracking right off the summit area with loose snow running downslope.    

 

Photo#1:  Some cracking around skis

Photo#2:  Skier triggered sluffing in 35-38 degree trees

Photo#3:  Skier triggered sluffing  

Photo#4:  Wind loading on mid mountain

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

Jakes2011 01 01 008

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Snow showers were in and out through the morning into the early afternoon and then tapering off.  Moderate SW winds and swirling winds were moving snow, wind speeds seemed to slightly increasing throughout the day.