Summary
Confidence
Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Saturday: very light snowfall / light and variable winds / freezing level at 1500m Sunday: a mix of sun and cloud / light southwesterly winds / freezing level at 1600m Monday: light snowfall / light and variable winds / freezing level at 1500m
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported from this region.
Snowpack Summary
We have had very little information about the snowpack in this region for several days now. However, I suspect the light snowfall with light winds at higher elevations have created a fairly consistent covering over a variety of old surfaces. These surfaces include well settled powder on steep north-facing slopes, and temperature-affected snow on solar aspects up high and on all aspects at lower elevations. I suspect below the snow line, light rain has been rain is penetrating and weakening already wet snow. As we head deeper into spring, expect potentially potent, yet relatively short-lived, instabilities with each storm. Wet slabs and wet loose snow avalanches also remain a real possibility during periods of warming or direct solar radiation, especially if there is minimal amounts of overnight freeze. Expect cornices to be large and potentially unstable, especially under sunny skies.
Problems
Loose Wet
Snow stability can deteriorate very quickly with spring temperatures. Watch for loose wet avalanches on steep terrain, especially if the sun is shining. Wet slabs are also a possibility.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Large cornices exist in alpine terrain. A failure could be destructive by itself, and could also trigger an avalanche on the slope below.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 14th, 2012 9:00AM
