Wind slab on Jake's Peak

Location Name: 
Jake's Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Mon, 04/12/2010 - 13:40
Location Map: 
United States
38° 58' 1.9812" N, 120° 7' 2.7516" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
dry,slab,
Slope: 
38degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
1 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Weak Layer: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Width: 
40ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
9 160ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
150ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
1
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Several skier-triggered sluffs occurred on 35+ degree terrain below treeline on Jake's Peak today. One skier reported triggerring a small soft slab avalanche that carried her for about 50 ft on a steep slope in below treeline terrain. Poor bonding existed between the new snw and the crusts below it at all elevations. Up to 8800' "dust on crust" conditions existed. Above 8800' in the more wind-loaded terrain the crust did not seem as widespread and much deeper snow existed. Shooting cracks started to occur in the more wind-loaded areas at these elevations. A ski cut on a NE facing, wind loaded, 35-38 degree slope near the top of Jake's Peak released the avalanche descibed and pictured above.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: