Wind effect on softening explained in today's NWAC

I've wondered about how the wind effects the softening of snow for several years. Finally, after a tour today were the question came up multiple times, I learned the answer in today's NWAC bulletin:

"The main effect of wind is to evaporate the water from melting
snow, rather than let it percolate into the snowpack. That slows
the melt rate of the surface crust and reduces the amount of free
water in the snowpack. "

That's great info. Thanks NWAC!

There is also a note at the bottom of NWAC:
"My time is done at the NWAC, and I have enjoyed every day of it.
Be safe out there."

The bulletin is signed Williams who, as Lowell explains below, is Knox Williams. Thanks Knox Williams for all the great info!

The bulletin is signed Williams. Thanks Williams for all the great info!

"Williams" is Knox Williams, author of The Snowy Torrents, co-author of The Avalanche Book and former director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. There are bios of him and the rest of the NWAC staff here . We've been privileged to have Knox Williams in the Northwest this winter.

Having lived in Colorado for 7 years prior to 03, I've seen KNOX on hundreds of avy reports. It certainly was a blast from the past to see his work again, and a pleasure to have one of the greats local.