Large Surface Hoar on Jakes Peak

Intact surface hoar existed up to the summit of Jakes Peak on any open or partially open NW-N-NE aspects as of 4pm this afternoon. The surface hoar ranged in size from about 3mm at the lower elevations to 15mm at the upper elevations. It was also present above 8600 on E-SE aspects albiet at a smaller size (5mm at the upper elevations). It had melted away from the lower elevation sun exposed E-SE aspects. This surface hoar will likely be buried in some areas as snow falls tonight.

Snowpit tests, ski cuts on steep test slopes, and general observations indicated that the recent snow continues to consolidate and settle and bond to itself and the old snow below it. These observations did not reveal any signs of instability or old persistent weak layers buried in the snowpack. Ski cuts and tests on wind loaded test slopes near the summit of Jakes also did not reveal any lingering instabilities in regards to the wind slabs. 

Photo 1: Large 15mm surface hoar near the summit of Jakes at 9000 ft. on a NE aspect.

Photo 2: Smaller surface hoar below 8000 ft. on a small opening in the trees on a NE aspect

Video: Surface hoar near the summit of Jakes collapsing with the addition of a handful of snow. My apologies for the poor focus. The camera was having trouble focusing on the surface hoar.