ACMG Mountain Conditions Report: Coastal Mnts
The weather has been unsettled along the coast this week, However, a definite cooling trend today, with convective rain showers in the valleys and snow flurries at tree line.
The weekend forecast is for a drying trend, and the possibility of clear skies.
NORTH CASCADES / SOUTH COAST RANGE;
A usual, the snowpack is drying up faster on the east side of this range than the west side. Soon, access to alpine areas for climbing will be a option. If stable weather conditions prevail then some alpine routes will worth considering, (paying attention to sagging cornices and avalanches from midday warming of the snowpack.)
The spring skiing options will also be available for the coming days. good coverage on northern alpine and sub-alpine aspects. Glaciers also have good coverage, but crevasse bridges can deteriorate quickly with daytime warming. The spring avalanches and falling cornice chunks are also common this time of the year.
CENTRAL COAST;
The ski touring season is still going strong, several groups are in the Waddington / Homathco region and 2 groups are waiting to fly in from Bluff lake in the next days. The snowline has retreated up to 900m in many West side valley bottoms, and even higher on the East side. The Nusatsum Forest Road leading towards the Monarch Icefield is now open to Odegard Falls.
many rivers are starting to rise, and turning cloudy this week. Today a dusting of fresh snow was reported around treeline
WEEKEND OUTLOOK;
The weekend looks pretty good, but the mountains may have lingering clouds, which will greatly effect the snow conditions. It might be a good idea to be flexible, and choose an objective closer to the weekend, when the weather prediction is more accurate!
Paul Berntsen
Mountain Guide