Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Lawinenprobleme

• 

  Storm Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Very Likely

  Größe

  1.5–3

  Over 30"+ of snow in 24 hours and 7" of SWE in 36 hours has been recorded at 9600'. This new snowfall had a fluctation of temperatures and rate which paints a perfect picture for Storm Slab avalanches.  This slab avalanche type will be Widespread, in wind sheltered terrain Near and Below Treeline, and will be reactive in sensitivity.

  Strong S/SW winds have accompanied the snowfall and has created wind slabs in Above Treeline zones on leeward sides of topographical features and slopes. Ridge lines will have new fragile cornice formation and collapse.  Avoid slopes with large overhanging cornice.  Both wind slab and storm slab potentials make up much of our terrain today.

  Pay attention to cracking under feet and out in front of you. Listening for feedback in the snow and pay careful to audible and visceral "whumpfs" if you go for a walk today and stay clear of avalanche terrain.

• 

  Deep Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Possible

  Größe

  2–3.5

  Weak snow layers from January's high and dry spell are now buried in the snow pack, over a meter deep.  The deeper these layers are buried, the harder they are to trigger, so likelyhood decreases. But with that same depth making them harder to trigger makes them, exponentially larger and more destructive.  This DP slab is in Specific spots, on northern slopes.

  We saw multiple weak layer avalanches last week with wind slabs above.  We are not certain the reactivity this new snow load will have on this specific problem.  It could "put them to bed" by burying so deep as to not be an issue OR create the snow load that will intiate much of the other slopes that weren't triggered last week and are still harboring this weak layer instability.  Time will tell, but for now.. steer clear of avalanche terrain until we can see how the mountains will react.