Cracked Crag
Peak · 8,750 ft · Lake Tahoe corridor
Cracked Crag is an 8,750-foot peak in the Lake Tahoe corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. A moderate climb with avalanche terrain, it sits exposed to afternoon wind and rewards early starts with stable snow and calm conditions.
Cracked Crag faces the open Sierra and catches wind funneling off the lake by mid-afternoon. Morning cold holds the snowpack firm; afternoon heating and wind gusts to 35 mph define the typical day. Head here before 10 a.m. and descend by 1 p.m. to avoid the wind spike.
Over the past 30 days, Cracked Crag averaged a NoGo Score of 43 with an average wind of 11 mph, though gusts reached 35 mph on exposed days. Temperatures hovered near 29 degrees Fahrenheit, keeping snow stable but requiring layered clothing even on 'warm' mornings. The week ahead shows typical spring variability; plan for early departures and watch the hourly wind forecast closely before committing.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Cracked Crag
Cracked Crag sits at 8,750 feet on the eastern flank of the Lake Tahoe corridor, roughly 2 to 3 hours east of Sacramento via Highway 50. The peak marks a natural reference point for ski tourers and climbers approaching from the Tahoe basin. Access requires a high-clearance vehicle in winter and spring; roads around Highway 89 and the northern Tahoe rim remain snow-blocked into May most years. The nearest reliable resupply is South Lake Tahoe, 45 minutes south. Cell service is spotty on the peak itself.
Cracked Crag sits in avalanche terrain; slopes steepen above 30 degrees on the north and east aspects. The 30-day average temperature of 29 degrees Fahrenheit and average wind of 11 mph define spring conditions here: firm morning snow giving way to wet-slab risk by afternoon. Crowding remains very light (2.0 average over 30 days), a reflection of its moderate popularity and the technical approach required. Winter through early May, snowpack instability is the dominant hazard; late May onward, rockfall and exposure become the primary concern. Summer conditions (July through September) bring clear skies, minimal snow, and afternoon thunderstorm risk above 8,500 feet.
Cracked Crag suits ski mountaineers, winter climbers, and experienced snow travelers. The approach demands avalanche literacy and the ability to read snowpack stability in the field. Parties should carry transceivers, probes, and shovels. Turnaround time is critical; the peak funnels wind off the lake by mid-afternoon, creating a hard deadline for descent. Parking at the trailhead fills on calm weekends; arrive before dawn or plan for a weekday visit. The low base popularity (0.2) means solitude is typical, but that advantage vanishes the first weekend after Highway 50 opens fully in spring.
Nearby peaks like Pyramid Peak and Round Top sit slightly lower and are more accessible from Highway 88 and Highway 89; they draw larger crowds but offer faster approaches if Cracked Crag access is snow-blocked. The Tahoe corridor as a whole is warmer and more sheltered on the western shore around Emerald Bay. Cracked Crag's east-facing exposure and elevation make it one of the windier and colder options in the immediate region, suiting those who prefer solitude and firm snow over social climbing.