Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect starting tonight through the weekend. Rain on snow, snow, and thundershowers are expected.  The Danger rating will start out low today and rise to moderate in the afternoon as snow surfaces begin to saturate and wind slabs begin to form in and above the treeline.  Today's transition from spring back to winter will make for challenging travel conditions with sticky, wet, and heavy snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Rain on snow today will increase the chances of wet loose releases. This kind of sticky, wet, heavy snow can trap or entrain and usually starts out as a point release triggered by a person or rockfall on a slope. Slope configurations such as terrain above 35 degrees and convexities could be trigger points for wet loose snow releases. Consider finding a test slope to see how the snow pack is adjusting before going into bigger terrain. Generally, this kind of weather creates uninspiring travel conditions, given the option, consider waiting it out to see what the storm delivers once temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall later into the weekend.  

    (4/9/2026)

    A small wet loose avalanche that initiated in the rocks.

    Photo: Bridgeport Avalanche Center

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs may develop today, 1-5 inches of snow is expected.  These totals will increase in the Alpine where deeper drifts develop. Be on the lookout for signs of unstable snow like surface cracks and new snow. Exercise caution when moving around areas where new wind-blown snow is developing today. 

Avalanche Discussion

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect this evening through the weekend. Today will be the transitional day with trace amounts of rain and snow, and 0-5 inches of snow expected. The main concern with the changing weather today is wind slab formation in the Alpine later in the afternoon. Wind slab is a concern as moderate wind with 1-5 inches of snow will start the slab formation process. Localized assessments will be key today if you step out into the Alpine and treeline terrain. Be on the watch for obvious signs of new snow below ridges or in places where accumulation is present. 

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