Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Fresh snow and strong winds will create unstable snow in areas where wind-drifted snow creates a wind slab avalanche problem. Slopes above and near the treeline will see the formation of wind slabs continue to form throughout the day as snowfall and high winds will persist today. Sheltered terrain could see small loose snow avalanches in steep terrain. Avoid slopes that appear wind-affected, as human-triggered avalanches are likely today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong winds from the southwest and new snow have created fresh wind slabs in and above the treeline today. Snowfall and winds will continue today fueling new wind slabs on leeward terrain.  Wind slabs may also develop in cross-loaded features and are the most sensitive in localized terrain features such as convexities and start zones. Manage this avalanche problem by looking for signs of instability such as fresh snowdrifts, smooth and rounded deposits, cracking or whumpfing in the snowpack under your skis or sled. 

  • Loose Dry

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

    At lower elevations and in wind-sheltered terrain below the tree line, we will see snowfall without the effects of wind transport.  New snow that has fallen on old firm snow may have trouble bonding to the firm and slick old snow. Forecasted snowfall totals are reduced at lower elevations but even a small dry loose avalanche on a slick bed surface can have consequences in hazardous terrain. A small avalanche can push a skier/ rider off their intended course into a terrain trap. Watch for convexities, and start zones where a trigger point may be most sensitive, and use test slopes or quick pits to see if there is there is potential for a loose snow avalanche to occur.

Avalanche Discussion

  •  After a week of warm temperatures and sunny skies a re-freeze occurred in some areas, and then again in some locations such as, lower in elevation or under canopy cover didn't see the same refreeze. A firm bed surface under the new may exist in some locations, others locations may not.
  • Snowfall intensity is forecasted to slow down but new snow will continue to fall throughout this weekend.
  • The snow/rain line is at a relatively low elevation this morning, with the Leavitt Meadows SNOTEL (7,198 ft) picking up a few inches of new snow.
  • Send us your observations, and let us know what you see out in the mountains this weekend! submit your observations HERE.

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