Newly Forming Wind Slabs on Andesite

We toured in the Andesite Peak area today to look at new storm snow totals and wind slab development.  Light snow amounts fell here overnight, around 3'', with elevated SW winds continuing to transport snow onto leeward slopes.  Small wind slabs 4-8'' deep were forming in near treeline areas.  These wind slabs and newly forming cornices were just starting to show unstable signs with easy cracking and breaking.  Snow showers decreased in the late morning hours.  Continued wind slab development is expected to increase into the afternoon and evening as this storm intensity picks up.