Observations from Jakes Peak

Location Name: 
Jakes Peak
Region: 
Desolation Wilderness Area (including Emerald Bay)
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 03/31/2017 - 10:00
Location Map: 
United States
38° 58' 5.754" N, 120° 6' 57.1896" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Widely variable conditions encountered on Jakes Peak. A strong and cold north east wind was blowing and moving snow. Above treeline near the summit at 9000 feet winds were gale force (and we quickly retreated to the trees below). 

Dust on crust conditions were encountered down low. Surface conditions alternated between refrozen old snow and 1-2 cms of new snow, which was just enough new snow to make skinning challenging on top of the firm old snow. Above 8000 snow depth increased. Wind slabs on NE slopes were widely observed in open areas below the summit. These slabs were observed up to about 4 inches deep but cracking and propagation was not observed to travel beyond the length of ski. 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Northeast
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: