Today, I was surpised at how much snow was being transported at mid elevations! My party observed generally moderate winds below treeline, occasionally gusting to strong. Light to moderate snow transport, even within the trees.
I felt funny traversing under the well-known terrain trap on the summer trail this morning, despite there being a skin track there already. We hiked up and to the right, and sure enough, we watched blowing snow getting deposited directly onto the side of the gully.
Really subtle changes in aspect meant the difference between easy and supportable trail breaking and much deeper snow. On our ascent to the ridge, we noticed a thin and soft wind slab forming over the top of less cohesive storm snow. It was only a couple of inches thick, but it was constantly cracking. I imagine the higher you go, the worse this problem is!
We also noticed small cornices forming on any feature distinct enough to catch the wind- even as low as the trailhead.
Despite all the wind effect, riding was excellent- and the wildlife came out to play... Perhaps a good omen, a white snowshoe hare jumped over the nose of my board on the exit.
