New Snow and Wind on Hidden Peak

Rain was transitioning to snow at the trailhead this morning on Hidden Peak at 6500'.  There was 2 to 6'' of new wet snow on top of a supportable crust in most areas below 8000'.  Snow totals increased dramatically above 8000', where 12'' + of new snow existed.  Snowfall was consistent throughout the morning hours at around 1-2''/hour before tapering around midday.  No signs of instabilities were observed below 8000'.  As we ascended above the bench at 8200' into more wind exposed terrain, cracking around skis along with shooting cracks were observed.   Strong SW winds were building out cornices along ridges and forming wind slabs.   Large shooting cracks continued during down skiing in low angle non avalanche terrain.  The failure layer was within the storm snow just above the old snow/new snow interface.  As soon as we got down to the bench and terrain below, those signs of instabilities were not seen.  We searched for buried surface hoar in multiple different areas and elevations and could not find it.