Wind Transport and Wind Affected Snow

We toured from Monument Pass to Centerville Peak. We experienced strong SW winds gusting to extreme (>38 mph), with intense blowing snow at times.  Snow was light and unconsolidated in sheltered areas, textured on exposed windward aspects, and very firm in the lee just below ridgelines. Settlement cones around trees were widespread. We were able to kick on short wind loaded test slopes throughout the tour, but did not observe any cracking beyond our skis or any other formal signs of instability. We could see intense snow transport happening from Jobs Peak all the way north to Jakes Peak (including Ralston, Echo, Tallac, etc.), and light snow transport happening on Centerville Peak. 

Our descent was generally NE facing and sheltered by large trees. We found light/dry snow conditions until 6,000 ft., where snow on all aspects turned quite heavy. We were able to travel on snow to the valley floor (4,800 ft.).

Photo 1: Settlement of a few inches was observed around most trees.

Photo 2: Intense snow transportation happening on Freel Peak. 

Photo 3: Wind texture snow in the foreground with small wind slabs developing on the opposite slope.