Summary
Confidence
Fair - Due to limited field observations
Weather Forecast
Tuesday should remain dry with cloud increasing through the day. Freezing levels should hover around 1600 m, winds are expected to be moderate southeasterly. On Wednesday, expect light precipitation with only minimal accumulation. On Thursday, moderate precipitation is expected, with amounts in the 10-15 mm range. Winds should ease to light and freezing levels should drop slightly to around 1400 m.
Avalanche Summary
The last observation from this region was a cornice release on Saturday 7th that pulled a size 1.5 slab on a northeast aspect at lower alpine elevation. Based on observations from the Northwest Coastal region, I would expect loose snow avalanches have been occurring up to size 2 on solar aspects.
Snowpack Summary
We have had very little information about the snowpack in this region for several days now. However, I suspect the warmer temperatures and generally light winds have consolidated the snowpack in many areas. Anticipate extensive crusts on solar aspects and moist snow at lower elevations. On shady aspects, I suspect you can still find pockets of dry snow, which may sit over previous old wind slabs. Wet slabs become a possibility during periods of prolonged warming, especially if there is minimal amounts of overnight freeze.
Problems
Loose Wet
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 10th, 2012 9:00AM