Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wind-drifted snow has created small pockets of unstable snow above and near the tree line.  NE winds have continued to transport snow over the past few days creating a checkerboard of wind slab, hard wind board, and soft snow. Watch for cracking or collapsing on the snow surface. Small wind slabs may be present on Leeward terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Monday we saw 3 inches of new snowfall accompanied by strong SW winds, Tuesday onward the wind shifted 180 degrees from the SW to NE.  Strong NE winds have continued to transport the new snow and distribute wind slabs on leeward aspects throughout the week. With little snow left to transport and very high wind speeds much of the upper-elevation terrain is wind-stripped and very firm. Pockets of unstable snow still exist on Leeward slopes above and near the tree line. Your best way to navigate this avalanche problem is to look for visual clues on the snow surface: shooting cracks, wind-textured snow, and snow drifts are all indicators that unstable snow may exist. A small avalanche can be troublesome in consequential terrain,  avoid slopes with wind-drifted snow in steep terrain.

    NE winds blowing snow on the Shoulder of Sonora Peak

    Photo: Joe Soccio

Avalanche Discussion

  • The prominent wind direction for our region is from the SW, The NE winds that have been blowing throughout the week have created wind slab problems in different terrain features than what we are used to seeing. Take note that wind slabs may not be in the usual places that you are used to seeing.
  • The variable surface conditions warrant having your sharps kit handy, firm snow surfaces may result in a long sliding fall if the proper equipment isn't used.
  • Snowmobilers take caution of the firm slopes as well, the checkerboard of soft vs firm snow has caused a few fish tails on firm slopes. HWY 108 is firm and hard to keep the sled temps low.
  • The southern portion of the Forecast area may see trace amounts of new snow. (Twin Lakes-> Green Creek).
  • Warm temperatures, sunny skies and calm wind speeds will change the snowscape this weekend with more spring-like conditions to consider
  • Let us know what you see out there this weekend, submit an observation!

Regions covered