Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

The avalanche danger will continue to be at a high, while this intense winter storm continues to deliver high snow loading accompanied with gale force winds. These winds are creating significant wind slabs above treeline and in exposed terrain while in lower elevation terrain, storm slabs are also a factor.  Avalanche terrain should be avoided as human triggered avalanches are very likely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Winds have been very strong throughout this storm shifting in direction, but predominantly from the SW. These winds are loading leeward slopes exceptionally on NW-N-NE-E-SE, three to five times the amount that is falling from the sky.  Taking the amount of snow that is falling, this means large to very large avalanches will be naturally occuring.  These avalanches could potentially be very large (large enough to destroy a house), widespread (throughout the terrain), even below treeline and will be touchy (easily triggerable) in nature.  Avoid being ON steep slopes and BELOW steep slopes, especially in wind loaded areas, until this avalanche danger has passed.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Given the amount of snow falling in the past 24-36 hours, storm slab avalanches are a concern.  These avalanches will be found below and near treeline, in less wind affected areas.  They will be sheltered from the wind and widespread in nature. These avalanches could potentially be large (bury a person) in size, widespread (in many locations and terrain features) and reactive to triggering.  Avoid steep slopes of all size, on all aspects until the avalanche danger has subsided.

Avalanche Discussion

Recent Observations:

  • Several large (D3) natural avalanches have been reported in our region in the past several days and share simliar (N, NE) aspect and elevation 7-8K feet.
  • Weak old snow layers and recent wind crust interfaces are now buried under significant (100-160 cm) storm snow, which poses questions of concern as the snow continues to fall. How will these older layers be effected and will they support the new snow loading. 
  • In higher above 9k', north facing aspects near surface faceted layers were still being found in isolated areas before this recent series of storms.
  • February 25 warming crust has been found in lower elevations (see photo below) and could also pose as a new snow-bonding weak layer. This layer was not found at higher elevations.
  • Obvious natural avalanches along the 395 corridor is direct evidence that avalanches are occuring and you should stay out of avalanche terrain.

Regions covered