Blowing Snow, Stiff Wind Slabs, and Variable Conditions on Andesite Peak

Strong SW winds were widespread on Andesite Peak today. Open areas near treeline had ripples and other signs of wind transport on the snow surface, and snow was actively blowing from the windward SW-W facing slopes and depositing on the leeward NE-NE facing slopes. The wind slabs on these leeward slopes were 20-30 inches deep and comprised of the March 29-30 snow. At the base of the wind slabs, a thin layer of graupel existed on top of a crust. Tests on these wind-packed hard slabs yielded variable results. Ski kicks and some snowpit tests (ECTN) did not produce signs of instability, but snowpit tests did (ECTP3 and ECTP10). Another group told me that they had dropped a cornice onto a wind-loaded slope, and it caused some cracking in the slope. Numerous large cornices existed along the ridges of Andesite Peak.

Surface conditions were a mix of wind board and breakable crusts in exposed areas and patches of soft snow in shady, sheltered areas.