Hi and thanks to everyone who contributed to this post Now that I'm back home after our few weeks in Utah I'd like to just close the loop on this hike. We arrived at the Wilderness desk in Zion on April 1 and the report from the ranger there was that even with snowshoes, a strong group had post-holed in snow up to their thighs on the West Rim. Given that, we decided to change plans and were able to get permits for 3 nights in the LeVerkin/Kolob Canyon area. Sites 7( on the trail, nice views and easy water), 13 (at the mouth of Bear Trap Canyon) and 3 (a dry camp but up high, private and peaceful). Some wind and rain one night, sunny days, cool mornings. It was all good and a nice alternative plan. So the West Rim will have to wait for another year - maybe a plan for a bit later in April. Anyway, thank you everyone for your input - much appreciated.