Heavy Snow and Wind on Luther Pass

We made observations on Powderhouse Peak today.  Heavy rain in town this morning transitioned to snow just above 7000' on the way up Luther Pass with 4'' of heavy wet snow at our parking location at 7600'.  Snow totals increased with elevation, with about a foot of new snow at 8500'.  A layer of rain soaked snow existed below this new storm snow with evidence of rain up to at least 9000' overnight.  We did not observe any signs of storm snow instabilities in below and near treeline areas.  Winds were gale force with intense blowing snow as we neared the summit ridge above 9200'.  We had some small cracking on small wind loaded test slopes, but visibility and observations were limited.  The storm snow was high density, but provided good travel conditions.  As we descended lower the snow became heavier and sticky towards the bottom.  Snow levels seemed to be consistent in this area throughout the day around 7000'.