NE winds in Ward Canyon

We made observations today at Stanford Rock in Ward Canyon.  Well below freezing temperatures with moderate to strong NE winds kept conditions very cold for most of the day.  Active blowing snow was observed as we reached near treeline terrain with winds increasing through the morning.  Large plumes of blowing snow could also be seen along the Sierra Crest at higher elevations.  The NE winds started to decrease in speed in the early afternoon with less blowing snow seen over the Crest.  Exposed terrain had some degree of wind scouring with cold unconsolidated snow continuing to exist in wind protected below treeline areas.  Some small cracking was seen in wind loaded areas where blowing snow was deposited.  These areas were limited, small in size, and did not extend very far down slope.  Digging in the snow and performing an ECT did not show any previous layers of concern to be reactive at this location.