Jacks Peak
Peak · 9,849 ft · Lake Tahoe corridor
Jacks Peak rises to 9,849 feet in the Lake Tahoe corridor's high Sierra backcountry. A winter and spring destination with avalanche terrain, it sits exposed to afternoon wind and requires careful timing.
Jacks Peak faces sustained afternoon wind; the 30-day average is 11 mph with gusts to 30 mph. Mornings offer the calmest window. Spring snowpack and steep terrain demand avalanche awareness and proper equipment before approach.
Over the past month, Jacks Peak averaged a NoGo Score of 43 with temperatures around 28 degrees Fahrenheit and 11 mph wind. The week ahead will show how wind and stability evolve as the season shifts. Head here on stable mornings after checking the SAC avalanche forecast.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Jacks Peak
Jacks Peak sits at 9,849 feet in the Lake Tahoe corridor of California's Sierra Nevada, due east of the lake basin. Access is via Highway 89 from South Lake Tahoe or the Tahoe National Forest system roads from the north. The peak is a backcountry destination, not a trailhead with formal parking or maintained trail infrastructure. Winter approach requires high-clearance vehicle or skin-in access; many visitors approach via Forest Service roads or ski touring routes. No facilities exist on the peak itself; nearest services are in South Lake Tahoe or surrounding mountain towns.
Winter and spring dominate the season here. The rolling 30-day average temperature sits at 28 degrees Fahrenheit with 11 mph wind and frequent gusts to 30 mph. Afternoon wind is the rule, not exception; mornings are calmer. Snowpack is deep and unstable through spring; the SAC avalanche center actively forecasts this terrain. Summer brings lower snow but remains cool; fall is brief. Crowds remain minimal year-round because access is restricted and skills required are high. The 30-day NoGo Score averaged 43, reflecting mixed conditions rather than reliably safe or unsafe days.
Jacks Peak suits experienced backcountry skiers, mountaineers, and winter climbers with avalanche training and rescue equipment. Do not approach without an active SAC avalanche forecast and a partner. Stability swings sharply with aspect, recent loading, and time of day. Late-season corn turns in the afternoon; early spring sees wet-slab risk. Parking at trailheads fills quickly on calm weekends. Many visitors time ascents for Tuesday or Wednesday mornings when wind is lowest and roads are less tracked. Bring map, compass, and transceiver.
The Tahoe corridor offers alternatives at lower elevation with easier access: Mount Tallac (9,735 feet) and Castle Peak (9,103 feet) on Highway 89 are more popular for winter ascents. South Yuba River drainage and Highway 49 peaks near Nevada City offer lower-elevation winter mountaineering. Jacks Peak itself sees less traffic than Pyramid Peak or the Mount Rose zone, making it a choice for solitude; this also means fewer rescue resources nearby and no established emergency services.