Deep Slab Avalanches on Jakes Peak

Location Name: 
Jakes Peak
Region: 
West Shore Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Wed, 01/04/2017 - 16:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 58' 8.8608" N, 120° 6' 55.89" 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
Slope: 
35degrees
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
5 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Weak Layer: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Width: 
150ft.
Terrain: 
Below Treeline
Elevation: 
8 600ft.
Avalanche Length: 
700ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
1
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

2 deep slab avalanches were observed on Jakes Peak today.  Both had been partially covered up by new snow but were still visible and thought to have occurred sometime late Wednesday.  We investigated one of the avalanches at 8600', NE aspect, below treeline terrain, and 35 degrees.  Width was at least 150' and ran down through a gully system into trees at around 700' length.  5' of recent storm snow was on top of the developed facets that were on top of the 12/15 rain crust.  Facets were fist hard and storm snow ranged from 4F to F hardness throughout recent storm snow.  This avalanche occurred very near to the normal skin track up Jakes Peak. 
 

Avalanche Photos: 
Avalanche observation video: 

20170105 Crown of skier triggered deep slab. Tamarack Pk, NV

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
West