Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

As warming continues, so does the uncertainty of avalanches.  Be cautious of warming surface snow, especially on solar aspects, with still concerns for buried weak layers underneath and potential for slab avalanches to occur.  If traveling in or below avalanche terrain,  keep margins appropriate.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3

    Currently a persistent weak layer is still present in much of our snowpack.  These warmer temps will have a positive effect on our deep layer instabilities, but we still need to give it time for bonding to occur underneath the insulating denser slab.   Snow pit tests are still indicating weak layer facet instability.   Warmer temps could pose as a threat for the time being, giving a false sense of confidence that the facets have been "healed".  Continue to give avalanche terrain, especially with terrain traps and higher consequences the margins it deserves.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Point release avalanches will be possible on all aspects and abundant on solar aspects as surface snow temperatures increase the next few days.  Those point releases will be extra abundantly triggered by warmer exposed rock areas.  Avoiding solar slopes during the heat of the day is recommended.  These surface instabilities could instigate a 'Step Down' effect and trigger a larger slab avalanche as buried weak layers are still present.  Overnight temperatures in upper elevations did not see a hard freeze, with temps only getting down to 32F.

Avalanche Discussion

  • Spatial Distribution or variation remains a key point to the snow pack currently. Be aware that snow pit test results are going to vary widely, and we are still getting dangerous pit test results in places. By not seeing active natural avalanches and human triggered avalanches currently, doesn't mean that the possibility has diminished.  Harder to trigger, but still possible and in large fashion.
  • The past couple weeks persistent weak layer avalanche cycle was not the norm in the Sierra, and should still be treated with wide margins based on the terrain you're getting into this week.
  • Terrain with north facing shaded aspects that are in wind loaded leeward zones, that didn't avalanche this past week should be given extra special caution.  The facet/depth hoar layer is still there and could be reactive in isolated instances.  With a combo of non freezing temps last night in upper elevations and weak layer instability still a thing, travel accordingly.
  • The photos attached were taken within the last week and shows the wide variance of conditions in a small amount of time in our forecast area.  Keep in mind, the normal Sierra danger saying "quick to rise and quick to fall" with new snow isn't the norm this year.  Continue to travel cautiously and make a solid plan, with multiple options before heading into the backcountry.

Regions covered