West Shore Observations

Location Name: 
Jakes Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 03/03/2012 - 09:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 58' 7.932" N, 120° 7' 2.568" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Rapid warming
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

The recent storm snow received this past week has now settled into 1 large cohesive slab ranging from 2-4'.  This large cohesive slab sits on the old buried January crusts and facets that are found in this area on NE-NW aspects.  There are a couple lingering storm snow instabilities that are gaining strength.  The faceted snow also appears to be gaining some strength.  Stability tests are getting harder, more variable or non existent on the buried faceted layer.  With that said, there are still stability tests that indicate that propagation is likely if you can initiate this weak layer. 

Many wet loose snow avalanches observed in this area before 11am, skier triggered and natural.  Nothing observed that was related to the January crust/facets weak layer on NW-NE aspects in the Jakes area and looking out to Desolation Wilderness. 

Photo:  Rapid warming occuring by mid morning.  Small natural roller ball activity starting at 9:30 am on SE aspects, 8600'.  Much larger skier triggered wet loose avalanches by 11am observed on East aspects.

Video #1:  ECTP-30 Q2 down 59cm on density change.

Video #2:  PST 40/100 END down 90cm below January crust on facets

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

jakes2012-3-3 001.avi

jakes2012-3-3 002.avi

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
East
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Light east winds in the early morning hours tapering as the day progresed.  Near or at freezing temps for the low with mountain inversions and temps rising rapidly throughout the day.