Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

Warming on solar aspects and isolated pockets of wind slab snow on polar aspects have created a complex snowpack in our forecast area. An abundance of snow earlier this week has transformed the Alpine and above treeline terrain; as this new snow continues to stabilize don't let your guard down if you venture into avalanche terrain. Human-triggered avalanches remain possible and naturally triggered avalanches are unlikely. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Northern aspects in and above the treeline remain the most likely areas to find a wind slab. Isolated pockets of recent wind-blown snow are scattered about our forecast zone. On 2-22, a human-triggered avalanche was reported to the center, information is limited and a photo of the slide is attached (see general discussion below for more information).  A slight variation in slope configuration and aspect produced an isolated pocket of unstable wind slab snow. 

    (2/22/2024)

    Overview of ski dreams and Matterhorn Peak, 1 person caught and carried.

  • Loose Wet

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

    As we enter a warming period starting on Friday and lasting through the weekend, we could see Wet Loose snow release. Naturally triggered, this will look like balls or pinwheels of snow tumbling down the slope, usually initiated from the rocks that warm in the sunshine. A skier or rider could also initiate these snow grains which have warmed too rapidly and lost their strength. In steep terrain, this snow could knock a person off their feet and entrain them in snow. 

Avalanche Discussion

It has been a big week in the Sierra starting with stormy weather and ending in a warm and sunny period on Thursday. Monday and Tuesday brought stormy skies and new snow. Wednesday was our first break in the storm and revealed natural avalanche activity on Eastern and Northern Aspects. Overall the forecast area has adjusted well to the new load. Evidence of wind-transported snow was seen across the range however the snow did not slab up in areas we traveled (East and North).  We received a report of a human-triggered avalanche in the Matterhorn Peak zone. Preliminary report - 1 person was caught and carried in an avalanche and was partly buried descending near 'Ski Dreams' in the Matterhorn Peak area on 2-22-2024. The person self-extracted from the avalanche debris as well as self-extracted out of the field. The group skied one at a time, the third and last person triggered the slide. The avalanche was estimated to be a wind slab 18" deep, the person was caught and carried approximately 500 feet. Wind-blown snow and wind loading were observed during the day. Limited details are available at this time.

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