Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

A substantial shift in weather today bringing wind, snow and rain. Avalanche danger will rise throughout the day as new snow-wind drifts increase. If traveling in avalanche terrain today, avoid steep wind loaded slopes, and leeward terrain, especially later in the afternoon and evening.  Danger today will start LOW (1) and increase by this afternoon/evening to MODERATE (2). Evaluate snow/ terrain carefully and identify features of concern.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    A high moisture storm inbound today bringing SW winds, fluctating temperatures,  heavy rain and high elevation snow.  Storm totals vary and have a wide range of possibilities from 0-4" snow on the low end and 3-9" on the higher end, just today.   Wind transported snow is our main concern on leeward slopes and catchments.  The new/old snow interface wont have time to bond before it is loaded, especially in wind loaded zones that can see up to 3-5x more snow.  New slabs may form in sheltered locations like gullys, and leeward sides of a ridges, or a mid-slope convexities. This new snow can be sensitive to human triggers and will be in specific locations.  

Avalanche Discussion

  • Varied snow surface conditions will play a role on the distribution of avalanches during this next storm cycle.  Particulary the surface facets and the melt freeze crusts.  
  • Storm temperatures will start cold, due to the remaining cold air from the last month of high pressure/cold dry air. But temps will rise as the brunt of the storm and moisture arrives tonight and into this weekend.  Meaning, new snow today and then rain on new snow is likely with exact amounts of SWE not certain as of now, but could see 2-5" between today and Sunday evening.  Wind slab avalanches are our main concern today, Above Tree Line and Near Tree Line will have Specific pockets of snow, in steeper North facing terrain that won't bond well or support the incoming snow load.
  • Liquid precip rates could reach 1" every 6 hours during this weekends rain/snow "main event".  Flooding in lower elevation creeks and drainages is likely and standing water on road ways.
  • Current Lower elevation (Below Tree Line) snow is thin and or non existent on solar South aspects but pockets remain of snow on polar North facing. 
  • If the precipitation amounts come to fruition this weekend, and the current snow pack receives that much water/rain, as predicted on the higher end. Wet slab avalanches could become are biggest concern.  We will keep you posted. Maybe a good weekend to catch up on your knitting, inside.

Regions covered