Sherwin Ridge - New Snow and Strong winds, rising hazard

Strong winds and intermittent snow kept my focus largely on surface conditions and wind effects today.

• Winds increased throughout the day and significant amounts of blowing snow were observed at all elevations along my travels (up to 10500')
• textured snow surfaces, recent drifting, and isolated slab development were observed below treeline in exposed areas and surface snow was getting a pretty heavy and punchy feel by late afternoon in all but the most sheltered locations
• Along the Sherwin ridge, winds were extreme out of the south with gusts over 50 mph. This led to intense blowing snow and limited visibility. Recent cornice growth was obvious though I would call it substantial. Slab development was noted in the typical places along the ridge, with recent deposits around 10" or so. (1F/4F) 
• I noted one small avalanche that looked fairly recent, but it was a bit hard to tell whether this was a natural release or an intentionally human-triggered pocket.
• Periodic probing along my ascent highlighted the presence of basal facets almost everywhere, though no collapsing or cracking was noted. HS averaged from 120 cm- to 160cm depending on the elevation and terrain characteristics. 

 

Surface cracking was observed on wind-loaded terrain features near and below the treeline. The size of these deposits were 4-10" in depth and I would describe them as somewhere between reactive and stubborn. newly deposited snow was 1F hard overlying 4F decomposing grains below. Hand sheers failed easily or under isolation.