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 atmospheric river has officially entered our region and with it, a drastic increase in avalanche danger has occurred. Heavy snowfall and gale-force winds are the driving factors that have created very dangerous avalanche conditions. In addition, high-elevation rain this morning will create complicated snowpack conditions. Traveling in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Sustained ridgetop winds of 60 mph and 30 inches of new snow are forecasted for the next 24 hrs, priming conditions for wind slabs to form on leeward slopes.  The strong wind will strip the snow from SW slopes and transport it to NW-N-NE and E  aspects creating unstable wind slabs. Watch for areas where blowing snow is deposited, terrain features such as convex and concave slopes, below ridgetops, and near cliff bands.

  • Loose Wet

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

    The snow/rain line begins the day at 8500 ft before gradually dropping to 5500 ft tonight.  The influence of rain on snow is easily noticeable, creating wet snow near the surface of the snowpack and the potential for a point-release avalanche. Liquid water in the snowpack can destroy the bonded snow crystals resulting in a once cohesive layer deteriorating and becoming unstable. 

Avalanche Discussion

The atmospheric river event will start warm with a high rain/ snow line around 8500 ft, throughout the day the snow/ rain line will drop to 5000 ft. Snow and wind will continue until a small lull in the storms Wednesday afternoon.  Uncertainty lies today in where the rain will affect the snowpack. Higher elevations such as the Leavitt lake SNOTEL (9604ft)  have been below freezing since the storm's arrival, while the Sonora Pass SNotel at 8770 ft has hovered just above 32F during the overnight period. There is fluctuation in temperatures with the topographic influences in the terrain, but a general rule of thumb is: rain on snow, go home.

Regions covered