Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Human triggered Large avalanches remain possible with our current persistent slab problem. Choosing the appropriate terrain to travel in will minimize your risk.  Steer clear of thin spots in the snowpack and limit your exposure to the problem itself by avoiding terrain where the problem exists.  Remember to travel one at a time through avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    The Dec 1 persistent weak layer is buried over 4 ft deep in many places. The snowpack is beginning to heal and is showing signs of increased stability.  The hazard remains though, a thin spot in the snowpack where the PWL is closer to the surface could result in a Very Large avalanche if triggered.  Watch for evidence of thin spots in the snowpack and plan to avoid those areas and remember to go one at a time on a slope. The best way to avoid this avalanche problem is to go where it isn't. W-SW-S-SE aspects.

Avalanche Discussion

The depth of the PWL has caused the likely hood of a human-triggered avalanche to trend down but the PWL is widespread across the Northern half of the compass and rose at all elevations.  The avalanche problem is covering half the terrain but is buried so deep it has little reactivity.  The concern is that if an avalanche is triggered it could result in a very large slide. This is because of the connectivity that the PWL has shown across the landscape and the feet of cohesive snow above it. These two ingredients are a recipe for a Very Large avalanche to occur. In short, there is a possibility of triggering an avalanche, and if you do, it will be substantial in size.

Regions covered