Storm Slabs on Jakes Peak

Location Name: 
Jakes Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Thu, 01/19/2017 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 58' 7.3812" N, 120° 7' 0.5088" 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
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Dry
Slab
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Numerous storm slab avalanches throughout this area today.  These storm slab avalanches were occurring naturally and also human triggered and all were small in size (D1).  The main storm slab failure was occurring within the new storm snow that fell this morning and most avalanches were 4 to 6'' deep and growing throughout the day.  These avalanches were very reactive and propagating in most terrain over 35 degrees.  There was a rain crust up to 7200' where rain levels briefly climbed last night before cooling back off.  At 8800' 2 ECT's showed propagation on the upper 4-6'' deep weakness and also showed propagation possible down deeper (1.5' deep) above a density change that occurred last night when temperatures warmed. 

N38.972779 W-120.109019 at 7750' on NE aspect had 18'' of new storm snow.  Higher up at 8800' had 25'' of new storm snow.

Avalanche Photos: 
Avalanche observation video: 

MVI 3378

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour