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NE SLOPES | JAKE'S PEAK | LAKE TAHOE BASIN | CALIFORNIA | UNITED STATES

NE SLOPES
NE SLOPES
Date Created: 12/24/2008
Last Updated: 12/24/2008
Ranking:Good
Skiable Vert:2400 ft
Climbing Vert:2350 ft
Top Elevation:9,180 ft
Trailhead Elevation:6,840 ft
Ascent Mileage:1.75
AVG Ascent Time:1.75 hrs
Ascent Type:Skin, Easy Crampon/snow axe
Trees:Nicely Spaced
Slope Aspect:Northeast
Steepest Section:35-45 Degrees
Slope Type:Ridge, Bowl, Chute, Face
Exit:Clean
First Descent:
Nearest Town:South Lake Tahoe
AVG Snowfall:500
Snowpack:Tahoe typically receives a creamy maritime snowpack known to settle into stability quickly, hence the nickname "Sierra Cement". Occasionally in the early season, at high altitudes cold and dry snow can accumulate causing stability concerns later on. The good news is that the sheer weight and thickness of 400-500" of annual snowfall compresses early season depth hoar, and protects the snowpack from extreme temperature gradients.

Highlights

If you can find your way, the NE section offers 2 hour laps up an established skin track, ending right back at your vehicle. Most of these slopes are a safer bet for the more avalanche-prone days, and the few slide paths tend to be obvious. When you are able to see through your powder face shots, a great view of Lake Tahoe is framed between the large Sierra redwoods.

Ascent

The established NE skin track begins at the plowed pull-off immediately south of the D.L. Bliss State Park entrance. Being a local favorite, proper trail etiquette is essential; meaning snowshoers please stay off the skin track, and if the established skin track is too steep then please drive north a bit to less steep Rubicon Peak, instead of tracking out the goods. The established skin track remains consistently placed throughout the years and offers a safe and direct path to the summit.

Descent

Beautifully spaced tree runs exist from the summit to the parking lot, while steeper chutes and faces can be accessed by hiking a bit further north along the summit ridge. Avoid following any ravines near the bottom, as trees tend to be denser in these areas.

Access/Permits

Parking is very limited to about 8 vehicles at the trailhead, and no legal alternate parking options exist; so the only solution is to arrive early.

Photos

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Vert Tracker

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Jeffdostie: March 4, 2011 Uphill: 4,600 ft. | Downhill: 4,600 ft.

...[view]
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Jeffdostie: January 31, 2011 Uphill: 3,800 ft. | Downhill: 3,800 ft.

Finally, more pow!!...[view]
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10,410
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Brennanlagasse: December 15, 2010 Uphill: 6,200 ft. | Downhill: 6,200 ft.

Absolutely UNREAL Day in Tahoe today. Up to 2 feet of light, dry, epic blower throughout the day. So good to rip with Alpenglowsports! When he dropped the knee he'd disappear, only to reamerge in a cl...[view]
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9,549
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Brennanlagasse: April 3, 2010 Uphill: 9,500 ft. | Downhill: 9,500 ft.

Had a pretty sizeable day out on Jakes today with 4 top to bottom 2400' laps. The winds that came in the previous day did leave their mark on the snowpack as just about everything showed some effect, ...[view]

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