Dream Peak, Northeast - Wind Effect

Observer: d lewis
Loc: Dream Pk, Northeast
Lat/Lon:37.7385, -119.0954
Elevation: 9700 f
Aspect: N Angle: 33°
Signs of Instability: Shooting Cracks, Hollow Sounding Snow
Sky Cover: CLR
Precipitation: No Precipitation
Wind Speed: Calm, subjective
Current Temp:-5°C
Snow Depth: 102cm
New Snow Storm:20cm 
Snow Temperature 20cm:-7° C 
Boot Penetration: 20cm

Comments: Toured up toward Dream Peaks to assess wind effect from recent wind event (2/23) and examine deeper pack weakness in advance of the impending large storm later this weak. Wide spread wind effect on exposed Northwest thru Northeast aspects, 9000' and above. Wide variety of Wind Crusts/Slabs even in relatively shelter trees on North to Northeast aspects. Thin Wind Slabs cracking and some sliding, very localized. Many exposed areas scoured down to early Feb melt/freeze crusts. Conditions highly variable. Encountered a ~D2 debris field below the peak in the main bowl on ascent. On descent, encountered an additional debris field (~D1) that ran into the trees from the cliffs above. Both likely from 2/23. 6 Stability Tests: CTV Q2 100cm Surface wind slab very brittle, broke easily but no propagation CTV Q2 100cm 2 cm Wind Slab failing on the new low density snow below , x 2 CT21 Q3 40cm Large grain facets CT23 Q3 40cm CT26 Q3 40cm ECTX 0cm. No recent avalanches or rollerballs. Colder temperatures have help retain the slim snowpack at the lower elevations. The large storm later in the week may test the strength of the deeper weaknesses.