Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Avalanches remain unlikely.  However, stay vigilant for small, isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow in steep, extreme terrain.  Variable surface conditions remain the biggest hazard in the back country as icy slopes, thin cover, firm windboard and soft snow checkerboard the terrain.

Normal caution

• Yesterday, strong East winds were blowing snow on a few ridgelines. Faceted surface snow was redistributed onto lee ward slopes creating the potential for small wind slabs in isolated extreme today. 
• Cold faceted snow remains on shaded north aspects, while almost all sun or wind exposed terrain harbors a crust.
• Variable conditions exist on all aspects and elevations. It couldn't hurt to start carrying some of your sharps kit (boot crampons, ice axe, ski crampons) as some steep exposures could necessitate use.
• No avalanche problem is defined for today, but that doesn't mean avalanches are impossible. Steep rocky areas on S faces that collect the warmth of the sun may be enough to create small pockets of wet snow that pushes you or makes you lose an edge and go for a tumble. Be mindful of what's below you if you find warming snow. Otherwise the short winter days and low sun angle has kept snow surfaces cold in our forecast zone. With the stable weather pattern and healthy snowpack it has been a good week to enjoy being in the mountains.
• The continued warm daytime temperatures have contributed to some melt out and opened up some creek bottoms and exposed rocky slopes. Depending on your aspect and elevation, low coverage may be a factor in your skiing and riding today.  ( see pictures below for where I didn't heed my own advice)
• Please consider submitting an observation on our website or in the Avy phone app of what you are seeing in your travels. Submitting an observation hones your skills, informs other users, and improves our forecasts.