Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A directional shift in strong winds from the southwest to the north means wind drifted snow is causing widespread concern in near and above treeline terrain today, on all aspects. Look for clues such as blowing snow, textured snow, and cracking, and avoid traveling beneath wind loaded start zones. Variable surface conditions may present other travel hazards today including firm surfaces and breakable crusts. 

 

 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    We had an extensive wind event this last weekend with strong winds out of the southwest. Winds shifted to be from the north Monday afternoon and have continued into this morning, transporting snow from northerly aspects to W, SW, S, SE, E, NE aspects in near and above treeline terrain. Due to the directional shift in wind direction, human triggered wind slabs are possible on any aspect today, especially in specific terrain features, such as gullies or open bowls, that may be cross-loaded and produce avalanches larger than otherwise expected.  Evaluate snow and terrain carefully to identfy areas of concern. 

     

     

     

    (4/3/2023)

    Intense blowing snow as a result of strong northerly winds 

Avalanche Discussion

We've had unusual conditions for this time of year in the area. This last weekend we experienced a significant southwest wind event, in addition to very warm daytime temperatures, freezing overnight temperatures, and a small amount of new snowfall. As a result, snowsurfaces are variable, and include both supportable and breakable crusts, stiff windboard, wind slab, and isolated areas of soft, unconsolidated snow. Due to the high, intense April sun, crusts have been found on all aspects below and in near treeline terrain that is not exceptionally protected. 

The directional wind shift has caused significant snow transport to and from all aspects in the last 18 hours, and wind slabs are a possibility on all aspects in near and above treeline terrain on specific terrain features. Explicitely, wind slabs are a possibility on south and southwest slopes today, which is uncommon for the area. 

Cross loaded slopes and gullies may produce avalanches that are larger than otherwise expected and should be viewed with extra caution today. Isolated areas of exposure below treeline may be suseptible to wind slab formation as well. Otherwise, various surface conditons may prompt difficult travel  both up and down hill. 

 

 

Regions covered