headed up short swing this morning(w-facing). at about 8800’, began to notice shooting cracks, propagating at least 20 feet, maybe more in some places. Wind was gusting quite strong and transporting snow off the ridge and into more treed terrain, although it was hard to tell the exact direction. the snow was much more reactive on more wind-drifted parts of the slope. A few hasty hand pits revealed denser snow over a much lighter layer, as well as a crust in isolated areas. Sorry, no photos.