Intense Winds on Andesite

While driving up I-80 from Reno I noticed some impressive plumes of snow billowing above Castle Peak. 

At the trail head I observed 3-4 inches of new snow from the overnight storm. Northeast winds were strong but the warm spring sun felt nice. Flat and lower angled southerly aspects were beginning to show signs of surface snow melt under the intensifying spring sun. 

Skinning up the east face of Andesite I observed intense winds below tree line. Winds were swirling and carrying large amounts of snow even on the thickly tree covered slopes. I encountered several small wind pillows well below tree line. The biggest pillow was 5'x5' with a depth of about 3 inches. I kicked at the edge of this pillow and received an ~18 inch shooting crack.

A variety of snow surfaces were encountered throughout the tour. Soft cold powder, firm wind board, coarse scoured surfaces and slightly sticky sun softened surfaces were all encountered.