Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Expect to see recent avalanche activity from yesterdays storm.  Whumpfing, shooting cracks and hollow sounding snow drifts are all signs of instability.  Keep terrain choices simple and slope angles gentle if traveling in the backcountry. Avoiding avalanche terrain is the best choice for today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Shifting gale force winds from the West, South, South West and South East were all recorded yesterday.  Ridge top speeds were recorded at over 100+ mph with gusts of 50 were common along the 395 corridor.  Wind transported snow and drifts tell the tale at all elevations.  These winds and high snow fall amounts together form cohesive slabs with varying thickness and density.   The slabs that form in start zones in avalanche paths are of concern. They can form on cross loaded slopes and below ridgelines, at all elevations BTL, NTL and ATL ( below, near and above tree line).

    Larger terrain = larger avalanches are possible today (D2+) on wind loaded slopes. 

Avalanche Discussion

Almost 2" of SWE (Snow Water Equivalent) fell in our upper elevation zones yesterday bringing a varying depth of new snow, aspect and wind deposit dependent.  The amount of snow associated withe the SWE content suggests a dense and heavier snow, with wind transport which condenses it even more.  

Shaded slopes were harboring a combination of near surface and basal facets, depending on the elevation and aspect.  With a fresh layer of wind slab on top of those poor base makers, it will be interesting to see what slopes tipped the avalanche scale during the storm. 

Winds at all elevations and aspects during this past storm, keeps wind slab as our main concern.

Lower elevation, windward and sun exposed aspects will be shallow with snow and rocks may be just below the surface. Travel wise.

Regions covered