Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

It remains possible to trigger a large slab avalanche that breaks deep in the snowpack on older, weaker snow. Warming weather this weekend brings chances of wet, loose snow that could start to be reactive. Consider your terrain options and time of day on the slope to avoid these problems. 

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    A persistent slab problem is one of the hardest problems for backcountry users to manage. We don't get information about the problem by looking at the surface of the snow, and unlike a wind slab or storm slab, this problem can stick around for days into weeks after a storm.  The spatial variability of our snowpack also doesn't offer a consistent picture of the problem across the range.  Where found, this problem sits 3-6 feet within the pack; faceted weak snow sits underneath stronger dense snow. The good news: this weak snow has been healing over time. The bad news: it is still there. Uncertainty around this problem is high, so what can we do?  Good terrain management is your best option, with avoidance at the top of the list. 

    Snowpit tests across the zone have produced variable results. We are in a trend where this layer is getting harder to trigger in our snowpits. Ultimately, the snow still needs time to heal. This layer sits under a dense slab of snow after the major loading event of the February 14-15th storm.  Extended column tests produced propagating results this week, and in other areas, no results. North-facing protected terrain near and below the treeline have produced large and very large naturally triggered avalanches on this deeply buried layer, as illustrated in the photo on the right. 

    (2/15/2025) Photo: Julian Hanna

    Persistent Slab avalanche, naturally triggered in the BWRA

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    A warm-up in the snowpack is expected today, with temperatures in the 40's between 8-10 thousand feet. Strong solar radiation on southerly-facing slopes could trigger wet, loose avalanches today. Areas around the rocks will heat up faster earlier in the day and can create punchy rotten snow. Watch out for pinwheels and rollerballs forming in the snow and rolling down the snow surface. Wet, loose snow is hard to escape from and entrains snow as it moves down the slope. Timing your ascent and descent to avoid the heat of the day will reduce your risk of triggering wet and loose snow. 

     

Avalanche Discussion

Spring-like conditions are forecasted today but don't let your guard down, we are still dealing with an unusual snowpack with deeper instabilities in the snow. 

In areas where cornices are present; warming temperatures will cause them to sag and possibly collapse. If this collapse occurs in the areas where the persistent slab is present, the cornice fall could trigger a large avalanche. 

A fatality occurred earlier this week in the Tahoe region, a rider was caught in a persistent slab avalance, more details can be found here. 

The Bridgeport Avalance Center joins the Sierra Avalance Center in offering our sincerest condolences to the family and community affected by this loss. 

Regions covered