Solar radiation is a concern even under cloudy skies. If the cloud layer is thin, it may even create a "greenhouse" effect and cause the snow to weaken faster than if it was clear.
Weather Forecast
Overnight low of -6 and cloudy skies. Tomorrow has a freezing level of 2400m and a high of -1C. Expect thin clouds and strong solar input. Winds will remain light. No snow.
Avalanche Summary
2 notable avalanches today:-A cornice triggered slab on an east aspect. Sz2.5, ran full path and had a crown up to 1.5m thick. Near Ranger Creek.-Another cornice triggered pocket on a north aspect, possibly a sz 2.5(seen from a distance) and a consistent crown of 1m. Near Commonwealth Pk. We had a report of an avalanche in this area yesterday, so it is possible that this one is older.
Snowpack Summary
A freeze overnight and cloudy skies kept the snowpack reasonably cool for most of the day. By mid afternoon, the solar radiation began and the snow softened up on any solar aspect. Only polar aspects above 2200m are holding dry snow. The April 13th melt/freeze crust is still concerning as the bond appears to variable depending on aspect and elevation. Areas with consistently cool temperatures will be slower to improve.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
Loose Wet
Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.
Cornices
Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.