Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Weak snow at the base of the snow pack is keeping the danger rating 'moderate' during this early season warm spell.  Trigger points in steep terrain and varying snow depths remain an unknown. Travel cautiously and keep margins large in consequential terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Above tree line and near tree line on North aspects is still harboring multiple layers of faceted snow from earlier in the season.  Depth hoar/basal facets at the base of the snow pack and near surface facets that were buried on this last storm cycle, about 18" from the ground.  With total depth of snow ranging from 60cm to 200cm in these shaded N aspects.  These isolated-stubborn areas that look to be gaining strength with the past week of warm weather are still a concern and can be triggered in the perfect spot.

    Chances of triggering an avalanche remain low, but with high consequence.  Varying snow depths in isolated terrain, and most likely rocky terrain in NE-N-NW aspects.  

     

     

Avalanche Discussion

Warmer above freezing diurnal temperatures with inversion the past couple days has made finding good snow aspect and elevation dependent. Too high, near ridge line and snow is wind hammered. Too low, and it is wet and crusty.   Today gusty winds and cooler temps will increase.

Today skinning in NW aspect in protected-near tree line zones was difficult, due to unconsolidated cold faceted snow from top to bottom in a 100+ cm snow pack.  While at the same elevation on NE aspects there is more consolidation due to  more sun and or wind exposure.   And furthermore, on solar aspects snow is wet and manky and or crusty depending on time of day. The best summary of conditions right now, would extremely variable with great turns to be had, but really have to sniff it out.  With that said, avoiding steeper-rockier terrain where triggering and affecting the buried facted layers would be possible.  Keeping margins wide when confidence is low is always key.

Happy Winter Solstice. If traveling in the backcountry today (shortest day of the year), travel safe, make informed decisions, have fun and send in an observation to the local forecasting center. Every piece of beta helps inform the rest of us. 

 

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