Recent avalanche activity, heavy snow, strong winds in the Sherwins

I went for an afternoon tour to Sherwin ridge above mammoth rock today. Heavy snow and strong winds were actively blowing snow at all elevations creating large drifts below treeline and filling in the recent skin track. In non-wind affected areas I measured about 8” of fist hard snow from today's storm. In protected areas, this new snow was resting on 4f settled snow from last weekend and in more open areas the underlying snow had a distinct temperature crust (1F-P).  Upon reaching it became immediately apparent that heavy transport was occurring. Visibility was limited and the stream of snow pouring over the freshly formed cornices made it difficult to see the slope below. However, walking the ridge towards the top of the hose I was able to asses that virtually the whole ridge had run naturally.  I found a low angle entrance and made my way out of the wind to get a better look at the fractures and resulting debris. Admittedly crowns were difficult to tell from the cornice that remained, and the paths were actively reloading. I would estimate slab depth to be between 8-20” with debris running about 100-150’. Debris piles ~4’ deep.   In addition to the natural activity, I observed shooting cracks on less steep but equally loaded slopes up to 20’ long. The slab in this location was 4F/F and about 10” deep. 

No other signs of instability were noted today but I suspect Loose-dry sloughs could have been sizable in steep sheltered terrain.