Jerrett Peak
Peak · 7,503 ft · Lake Tahoe corridor
Jerrett Peak is a 7503-foot summit in the Lake Tahoe Sierra, reached via the Tahoe corridor from Highway 50. A moderate alpine objective with exposure to afternoon wind and avalanche terrain in winter.
Wind averages 9 mph but regularly gusts to 20 mph by mid-afternoon, funnel-driven off the lake basin. Morning calm is the reliable window. Snowpack persists into late spring; assess slab stability before committing to steep approach gullies.
Over the last 30 days, Jerrett Peak has averaged a NoGo Score of 42 with temperatures around 36 degrees Fahrenheit and winds of 9 mph. The week ahead will trend cooler as spring storms clear; expect variable crowding as the snow line retreats and weekend foot traffic increases from the lake towns.
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About Jerrett Peak
Jerrett Peak sits at 7503 feet in California's Sierra Nevada, due east of Lake Tahoe's south shore in the Tahoe corridor. The peak is accessed via Highway 50 from Sacramento or Reno. Most climbers approach from the Meiss Lake trailhead or the Highway 50 corridor foothills, gaining elevation over dry scrub and scattered conifers before entering the alpine zone. The nearest gateway towns are South Lake Tahoe (west) and Markleeville (southeast). Winter and spring ascents require avalanche awareness; the peak's northeast and east-facing slopes steepen significantly above 7000 feet.
Conditions at Jerrett Peak follow high-Sierra patterns driven by lake-effect wind and seasonal snowpack. The 30-day average temperature is 36 degrees Fahrenheit with 9 mph average wind, though gusts reach 20 mph routinely. Crowding averages 2 out of 10, suggesting light foot traffic relative to major Tahoe peaks. April and May bring wet-slab instability as daytime warming destabilizes the snowpack; afternoon ascents are riskier than morning starts. By late June, bare ground exposes the peak to direct solar heating and stronger afternoon thermals. Winter (December to March) requires full avalanche gear and route-finding skill.
Jerrett Peak suits experienced hikers and climbers comfortable with steep off-trail scrambling and avalanche terrain assessment. Spring visitors should plan dawn starts and descend by early afternoon to avoid wind loading on the high slopes. Parking at trailhead gateways fills on weekends; midweek visits reduce congestion. Bring extra water; the peak sits above the tree line with no reliable sources. The avalanche center for this zone is SAC (Sierra Avalanche Center); check the latest advisory before any winter or spring trip. Navigation is straightforward in clear weather but whiteout risk is high in spring storms.
Nearby peaks in the Tahoe corridor include Round Top and Carson Pass objectives to the south, and the Dardanelles to the north. Jerrett Peak's moderate elevation and south-basin exposure make it less avalanche-prone than north-facing peaks around Carson Pass, but the trade-off is stronger afternoon wind. Climbers seeking a lower-commitment alternative should consider the Highway 50 lake viewpoints or the eastern Mokelumne Wilderness peaks, which receive less afternoon wind but sit further from Tahoe.