This is exactly how I got started shooting the dunes in Death Valley. The yellow filter passes the light reflected off the nearly yellow (sunlit) sand efficiently, but traps the darker shadow areas that are typically bluish violet in the early morning. That knocks down the shadows a stop which will help build contrast. What you should also consider is placing the highlight value of the sunlit dunes in Zone VI and give N+1 development. This will build contrast on the lighter side of tonal range. This formula has always worked for me.
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