Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Although we received an angry inch of fresh snow yesterday, avalanche danger remains low today. While small pockets of unstable windblown snow may exist at upper elevations, primary hazards today are the shallow snowpack and variable surface conditions. Watch for rocks, logs and stumps, open water, firm snow, and refrozen old tracks. There is still soft and enjoyable snow to be found on cold slopes sheltered from the wind, and on warm slopes where midwinter corn can be harvested if you time it right.

Normal caution

Upper elevations received an inch of new snow yesterday. Before that, our last measurable snowfall event was Jan 9th. With close to a month of dry conditions, non-avalanche hazards have become our primary concern. Signs of life are in the weather forecast as models signal that snowfall will arrive during the upcoming work week. Until then we have another mild and sunny weekend to get out and enjoy the mountains. As we all wait for winter to return, now is a good time to get out and explore, and spend some time with friends practicing avalanche rescue. Keep your skills dialed while we cross our fingers and wait for snow.

 A few non avalanche hazards include:

• Creek beds that are wide open or deteriorating snow bridges .
• Firm and fast conditions in the alpine make having your sharps kit for an alpine adventure advisable (crampons, axe, etc...)
• Warm daytime temperatures have exposed rocks, bare ground, logs and stumps, and open water. On warm slopes, rockfall has been occurring. 
• Wind exposed slopes near and above treeline have been scoured down to old, firm layers. 
• Avoid steep, firm slopes to prevent long falls and runaway equipment

Please consider submitting an observation using our website or the Avy app. This hones your skills, informs other users, and improves our forecasts.