Windy at Red Lake Peak

Approaching Red Lake and Stevens Peaks, I could see snow blowing off peaks and ridges. Heading up from the highway, sunny slopes were softening by 11am although shaded slopes in tight trees were still firm. Snow surfaces were generally a spring like melt freeze crust. 

From Crater Lake, I could see impressive blowing snow on all the upper ridges. Below several cornices I could see evidence recent avalanche activity. 

I dug a pit on a NW (330) near tree line slope above Crater Lake. I looked for buried surface hoar, but didn't find it. I did find plenty of intact graupel down about 15cms below a crust. 

I continued up the ridge up to approximately 9000 feet when the intense wind and very firm snow surface persuaded me to descend. Sunny east facing slopes were a mix of firm crust and breakable crust until about 8000 feet when the snow transitioned to a consistent soft condition. I left the area around 2:30pm and did not observe signficant loose wet snow instability above tree line. 

Photo 1: Soft snow around 11am below on sunny slopes below tree line

Photo 2: Impressive blowing snow on Stevens Peak

Photo 3: Graupel down about 15 cms under a crust. 

Photo 4: ECTN 21

Photo 5: Ridges around 9000 feet were very firm with intense wind.