Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

 Winds and warm temperatures yesterday are keeping avalanche hazard a possiblity today.  Look for wind deposited snow on leeward protected catchment zones. If traveling in avalanche terrain,  be aware of these start zones that are potentially wind loaded and avoid them.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Blowing snow and wind transport was experienced at all elevations and varied in severity and direction.  Wind loaded pockets and leeward catchments may be hard to decipher in aspect and elevations that have a deep enough snow pack to be dangerous.  Exposed wind swept slopes will have varying snow depths and isolated pockets of hazard.   Travel cautiously, widen your safety margins and avoid steeper terrain.

    A combination of strong S/SW winds and warmer than average temperatures, with high rain lines around the 9000' and wet snow and wind hammered above has made for a very condensed snow pack. Rain runnels on all aspects of elevations up to 9k' is evidence of this.  Isolated pockets of snow that are wind loaded in leeward-steep terrain catchments zones, below ridge lines and gullies at upper elevations are still 'possibly triggered by humans.'

Avalanche Discussion

  • Warm temps and widespread, wind packed-glazed snow condtions exist at most of the elevation and aspects. As you get above 9k-9500' you'll notice a change in surface conditions getting colder with more possibility of snow for wind transport and an increased possibility for human triggered wind slab avalanches in isolated terrain. 
  • Strong ridge top winds continued yesterday and overnight last night from a variety of Southern directions.  Much of the surface will be glazed and plastered from wind, but a checkboard of wind scoured, wind board, rock and pockets of hard slab will be present.  
  • Wet southern exposure snow conditions will exist today. Be aware of roller balls and warmer surface snow in lower elevations zones that didn't freeze overnight. Bring your skin wax and staying out of steeper terrain trap zones is always a good idea.
  • If venturing into the backcountry today, be aware of varying surface conditons, plan and respond accordingly.

Regions covered