More Blowing Snow and Less Wet Snow Than Expected on Elephants Hump

A thick haze was present throughout much of the forecast area in the morning before burning off and giving way to partly sunny skies.  Additional high level cloud cover moved in by early afternoon.  Strong to gale force SW winds were consistent throughout the day with snow transport visible in exposed areas.  These winds along with some cloud cover did prolong the snow surface warming process.  By midday snow surface warming was occurring with 2-3'' of wet snow, although no roller ball or pinwheel activity was observed.  Small wind slabs were observed in this area with most being very small, 1-2'' range, and up to the largest encountered at 3-4'' deep.  Wind slabs varied from reactive to unreactive with snowpack tests showing propagation unlikely.  Unconsolidated snow continues to exist in protected northerly terrain.