Wind Loading at Lick Creek

Moderate to Strong, SW winds were picking up this evening at Lick Creek, resulting in moderate snow transport along the ground. Previous drifts were building in leeward aspects and small terrain features, and I noted several areas of very dense wind board while skiing and touring. I also observed some local collapsing of these wind slabs around my skis, and would expect this issue to be exacerbated higher elevations by increased wind transport and the widespread presence of pwls. I was surprised by the amount of snow available for transport, especially at the relatively low elevation, and was glad to be in simple, low-angle, terrain.