Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Sustained gale force winds in front of the fast moving snow storm yesterday afternoon deposited more snow than forecasted.  Quick snow loading and high winds have added to the avalanche danger today.  If traveling in the backcountry today, keeping out of leeward catchment zones in steep terrain and avoiding avalanche terrain is a good plan.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    In wake of yesterday's effective 2-3 hour snow storm, expect wind slabs to have formed on leeward aspects. Yesterdays wind intensity tapered and snow distribution may have changed locations during.  New slabs may have formed in sheltered locations like gullys, and leeward sides of a ridges, or a mid-slope convexities. This new snow can be sensitive to human triggers and will be in specific locations.

    (2/3/2024)

    Skier triggered wind slab on E aspect at 9800'

    Photo: Nick Bliss

Avalanche Discussion

  • It looks like about 8-10 inches of new snow fell in from about 1400-1700 yesterday afternoon and evening with about .9" of SWE.  Then cleared and temps dropped about 20 degrees overnight.  My anticipation today, is of varied conditions:  Dust on crust in some areas, while wind loaded spots will have more snow and prove for better turns. Other spots will be wind stripped and textured.   There wasn't any snow, at all elevations and aspects, that wasn't affected by the prestorm winds, with higher-warmer temperatures, that left a crusty surface.  The interface of old-new snow will play a factor in todays conditions.
  • Lower elevation snow coverage is still sparse and has a fresh blanket of snow covering up the hazards.  Travel cautiously today and remember, we still need more snow!
  • Shaded-protected slopes today before temps increase, may see Loose-Dry slough on steeper slopes.

Regions covered