Glory

Spring powder day. New snow was influenced by NE wind varying in depth by aspect. 4-8" of new snow in upper elevations on leeward terrain. Found wind drifted slabs 12-14" deep on isolated-specific terrain with easy Q1 planar shear quality failing on two distinct hardness changes. Cracking snow surfaces were observed. Open and exposed windward aspects were completely scoured unveiling the hard crust. Easy to distinguish these scoured slopes from a distance. Winds were moderate transitioning from NE to E throughout the day. Saltation (wind erosion) observed on new snow, which was drier with increased elevation. Mostly hot pow. Precipitation appeared to have started as rain transitioning to snow overnight. Isothermal, wet snow was insulated below new snow on leeward sheltered terrain. Overcast cloud cover all day limited solar influence on southerlies. We did however find some wet and sticky snow below 8500' by 13:00 (unsure if due to slight solar influence or ambient air temp). 

Assess new snow stability carefully when you encounter obvious signs of wind loading or new snow above crusts. Temperatures are forecasted to remain cold with additional snowfall. The usual suspects of reactive wind slabs off ridglines, cross loaded terrain, and confined features such as couloirs exist in upper elevations. And remember that spring time conditions change rapidly with temperature and sunshine.