Strong winds and variable snowfall at Blue Lakes

Consistently strong winds and significant wind transport of snow observed today at Blue Lakes. Snowfall varied from an estimated 1" per hour to none, with even the occasional sunshine through breaks in cloud cover. About 20" of 24hr snow above a supportable layer of previous warmer snow.

We observed the runouts of several avalanche paths in the Border Ruffian area, with no signs of recent activity. Test slopes also produced no results. We did not observe any start zones or get into wind loaded avalanche terrain today.

The recent storm snow appears to be "right side up" in this area, with the exception of a thin layer of stronger snow from recent rain and/or wet snow. No instabilities were observed near this layer today. I also looked where I might find buried surface hoar, and could not identify it. 

Pic 1: The unofficial depth guage for everyone who rides this area (the STOP sign at Tamarack Junction).

Pic 2: 170cm of snow near the pin drop.

Pic 3: Right side up snowpack, also near the pin drop.

Pic 4: Even in the trees, the surface snow was showing signs of wind transport.