Jackass Point
Peak · 6,371 ft · Lake Tahoe corridor
Jackass Point is a 6,371-foot peak in the Lake Tahoe Sierra corridor near the Nevada border. Moderate elevation and avalanche terrain make it a backcountry objective requiring stable snowpack and calm conditions.
Wind averages 8 mph over the last month but can gust to 21 mph by afternoon, funneling off the lake. Temperature swings from 20 degrees in winter to 55 degrees in summer. Morning visits yield calmer air and clearer visibility. Avalanche terrain exposure demands attention to snowpack consolidation and slope stability before approach.
Over the last 30 days, Jackass Point averaged a NoGo Score of 43 with an average wind of 8 mph and temperatures near 39 degrees. The coming week shows typical spring variability; watch for afternoon wind ramps and consolidating snowpack as temperatures trend toward the seasonal maximum. Low crowding (average 2.0) keeps parking and access straightforward outside holiday weekends.
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About Jackass Point
Jackass Point sits on the high crest of the Lake Tahoe Sierra, 6,371 feet above sea level and accessible via the Tahoe corridor east of Highway 89 near the California-Nevada border. Primary access runs through the Tahoe basin; trailheads and parking exist on Forest Service land on the western approach. The peak's modest elevation and steep terrain funnel it toward experienced backcountry travelers and ski tourers rather than casual day-hikers. Low base popularity (0.2) and remote placement mean crowds are rare except on major holiday weekends immediately following Highway 120 or similar access openings.
The Lake Tahoe corridor at this elevation experiences predictable seasonal swings. Winter snowpack can reach significant depth; the 365-day record shows minimums of 20 degrees Fahrenheit and maximums of 55 degrees. Average wind over 30 days runs 8 mph, with gusts recorded to 21 mph, typically strongest in afternoon hours when thermal uplift and lake breezes align. Avalanche terrain is present; the location falls under SAC (Sierra Avalanche Center) monitoring. Spring consolidation and winter instability demand constant attention to forecasts and slope angle before any approach.
Jackass Point suits experienced mountaineers and backcountry skiers with avalanche awareness and technical winter skills. Summer scrambles are possible once snowpack retreats (typically late summer into early fall), but the approach crosses steep drainages and exposed ridges. Parking is limited; arrive early on weekends or choose weekday visits to avoid bottlenecks. The 30-day average crowding score of 2.0 reflects sparse use; silence and solitude are the norm. Wind and temperature data show that calm mornings before 10 a.m. offer the best visibility and stability. Afternoon wind gusts to 21 mph make descents riskier later in the day.
Nearby peaks in the Tahoe-Sierra corridor offer lower avalanche exposure or easier approach; the region hosts multiple ski touring objectives along Highway 89 and Forest Service access points. Jackass Point's specific character stems from its isolation, moderate elevation that still holds winter snow, and direct exposure to afternoon lake-effect wind. The 43-point average NoGo Score reflects its marginal viability on typical days; plan visits around the 7 to 14 day forecast windows showing lower wind and stable temperatures. Avalanche center advisories and recent snowfall are non-negotiable prerequisites.