Windy Daze

Shames obs. from past two days. We skied treed and alpine NW, W and SW aspects from 700-1400m. Cracking/drum-like sounds where wind-affected. Clear, cold, and windy AF both days - notable snow transport occurring from strong NE winds. Observed at least 4 recent natural wind slabs size 1-2 on alpine lee (S-SW) features (two crowns seen at close range 10 to ~50cm depth). Snow pits in open trees on S and W aspects at 1200m and 1300m, respectively, showed near identical compression test results: 270 cm snowpack depth, CTH ~27 (SP) down 65cm on surface hoar. Ski quality was best in sheltered trees – marginal/terrible (character building) where wind affected.