Windslab formation in Deep Creek

Very strong winds were the defining feature of our tour today. Hard to stand on exposed ridgelines due to the SW winds, and variable, swirling winds below. The fresh windslabs were growing rapidly this AM before heavy snow started due to the large amounts of snow available for transport,  with an average thickness of 6"-10" at 10am. The fresh cornices were easily triggered with a light stomp (photo 1), and 6'-8' shooting cracks in new windslabs were also observed (photo 2).  Aside from windslabs near exposed areas, the snowpack in this area showed no other signs of instability prior to the heavy precip's arrival around mid-day.