Variable conditions on Andesite Ridge

Variable conditions existed on Andesite Ridge today.  Weather started out with broken cloud cover that transitioned to above-freezing sierra sun, back to clouds/fog, and eventually light snowfall.  The most noticeable condition was the wind effect from the strong/gale-force NE winds.  Predictably wind effect increased in severity as we gained elevation.  These winds resulted in significant tree blow-down, scouring, cornice development, and thick, dense wind slabs.  Although most exposed terrain is scoured, snow still exists for transport. We experienced one collapse as we skinned across a wind-loaded area on a low-angle slope.  We dug a pit near this location at 7,900' on a South aspect in an obvious wind transport deposition zone.  Boot penetration at this location was near 3'.  Our pit revealed a large density change and an upside-down snowpack with a 1F dense wind slab resting on top of softer F hard snow. We got unstable results in our snowpit test at this location (ECTP 5).  Wind slabs were stiff, cohesive, and stubborn. Ski kicks and cuts on test slopes targeting these wind slabs and cornices produced minimal results and mostly only cracked when the slopes had already been undercut. Still, we could feel the dramatic density change with every pole plant, and in many areas, these slabs sounded hollow underfoot. We avoided large, steep, wind-loaded slopes and found softer, more consistent snow in areas that remained sheltered from the wind. 

The combination of variable and transitioning weather developed a thin crust on sun-exposed aspects. It was especially noticeable at and below 7500 ft.