Wheeler above Swall Mdws - Wind effects

SNOWPACK OBSERVATION
Wheeler Crest
Submission Info
Forecaster
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 - 12:15pm
Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
37° 30' 36.4788" N, 118° 39' 39.456" W
See map: Google Maps
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Short tour up Wheeler Crest out of Swall Mdws from 6,800' to 8,200'.  HEAVY wind-effect thru-out, and NW winds transporting snow over ridgetop (see attached video).  Moderate sporadic northerly gusts at low elevations today as well.  Not a patch of soft snow to be found.  Turned around after reaching what I thought might be a sheltered aspect, only to find very firm smooth wind-board.  East and south aspects all hard melt-freeze crust, and anything with a touch of north hard wind-board or breakable or sastrugi.  Nothing sensitive, no signs of instability in lower elevations.  I would expect to find some new slabs recently formed below the ridgeline up around 11,200' and above on more SE facing terrain.  Not very enjoyable skiing, but the skies were blue!   

Drove up Rock Creek Rd as well, and all slopes that had nice ski tracks a few days ago on NW and NE aspects at lower elevations had raised tracks or atleast partially blown-in tracks.  Perhaps farther up canyon in more dense trees snow would have still been protected?

Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Wind Direction: 
Northwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Chilly below freezing temps today even at relatively low elevation.  

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