Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Variable conditions continue to exist in the backcountry today. Avalanches remain unlikely, but very isolated steep terrain instabilities remain a possibility.  Advising normal caution when traveling in avalanche terrain.

• Colder than normal, diurnal temperatures are creating Near Surface Facets on Polar (North) aspects making for better surface ski/riding conditions.  For now these NSF are creating softer snow and improving conditions overall.  Though when it does snow again, these cold temperature facets will play a different role.
• Southern aspects or solars are in a surface melt-freeze cycle,  at mid and lower elevations.  Mid January sun isn't penetrating the snow pack very deep, with the offset of the NE winds.  There is potential, later in the week, temperatures will warm up and corn skiing on specific aspects may improve.
• South facing slopes-near rock bands, wet surface instabilities are possible. For now, that NE wind are still keeping temperatures in check and suface crusts in place, but these sunny days are getting longer and that time spent especially near darker rocks, solar radiant heat will come into play.  Roller balls and small wet loose caution will be advised.