Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Although there is a break in precipitation today, South winds will continue to transport any recent snow creating unstable wind drifts on North  facing slopes at upper elevations . In addition, instabilities deep within the snowpack persist from rotten early season snow. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully before committing to a slope.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    At upper elevations above the rain  line 8 inches of snow was registered yesterday on the Leavitt Lake SNOTEL. Today, wind speeds will begin in the 20 mph range and increase throughout the day. Today’s wind  will continue to transport snow creating wind slab problems on North facing Lee terrain and cross loading certain terrain features. Take notice of signs that indicate unstable snow such as actively blowing snow, fresh drifts that look like rounded smooth pockets of snow.  Cracking or whumphing under foot/ sled is an indicator to move elsewhere. Even a small wind slab can have disastrous effects if triggered with consequential terrain below you.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–3.5

    Deep within the snowpack exists weak sugary snow near the ground. This rotten snow is from early season storms in November that were sheltered on high elevation  shaded aspects. Now that  this layer is buried deep within the snowpack it is difficult to trigger, but if it does slide you can expect a very large avalanche to occur. As we investigated  the 2 human triggered slides from last weekend a common factor was that both avalanches occurred near the ground just below an ice layer with 2-3mm facets were present and  both avalanches were triggered in a shallower part of the snowpack and propagated far and wide across the entire slope. Get your probe out and feel for the snow depth and weak snow at the base of the snowpack. Identify terrain that fits where the problem occurs and take note of what terrain is connected. Patience is needed as we wait for the snowpack to heal, identifying and avoiding problematic terrain is key.

    (12/27/2025) Photo: Nick Bliss

Avalanche Discussion

  • The preliminary report from last weeks avalanche at Latopie Lake is posted here.
  • A winter Storm Warning is in Efffect starting Saturday at 12am........ WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 12 AM PST SATURDAY TO 10 AM PST MONDAY
  • With significant snowfall and wind Forecasted the Avalanche Danger will rise this weekend.
  • Please consider submitting an observation on our website or in the Avy phone app of what you are seeing in your travels. Submitting an observation hones your skills, informs other users, and improves our forecasts. 

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