Blowing Snow and Wind Effect on Houghton / Relay Ridge

Moderate winds and snow transport were noticeable on ridgetops in the Mt Houghton area this morning. An obvious snow plume was visible off the summit of Mt Rose, seeming to indicate a NW wind direction. Cornices and and wind slabs were starting to form on Relay ridge but most were still very thin, with thickest consolidated slab we found being 2". Very soon after descending from the ridgetop the wind effect disappated. On our exit around 1pm the top 1/2" of south facing powder was starting to warm and it was possible to trigger very small roller balls.