Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Recent new snow and strong winds have created wind slabs near and above tree line. The wind slab formation process will continue today as a new round of snow begins to impact our area. Avalanche danger will rise as the day progresses and snowfall rates increase.  Watch for blowing snow, and wind-drifted snow, and expect to find instability along ridges, gullies, and leeward terrain. Riding or skiing in wind-sheltered areas will decrease your chances of triggering an avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

     After a quick-hitting storm midweek that brought strong winds and over a foot of new snow, wind slabs have formed on leeward slopes. Yesterday, the break in the cloud cover revealed blowing snow and wind transport on most ridgelines. Today, a new round of winter weather is set to enter our forecast area, snowfall rates will increase mid-day, and along with the S-SW winds this weather will continue to produce fresh wind slabs in wind-exposed terrain.   This morning the weather may seem benign but as the day progresses, especially into the evening, snowfall rates will increase fueling windslab formation. Winds will be in the 20 MPH and a foot of new snow is expected by Saturday morning. 

    Before entering avalanche terrain look for clues that instability in the snowpack may be present, such signs such as blowing snow, wind drifts, cracking or collapsing, and wind-textured snow.  

    Photo: Joe Soccio

Avalanche Discussion

  • Unstable dry loose snow may exist in wind-sheltered terrain on steep slopes. A small pocket of loose snow may be enough to cause a small point release.  Evaluate the terrain before committing to a slope as a small avalanche in consequential terrain can amplify consequences.
  • Parking at the BWRA is possible after the first gate, keep in mind that wherever you choose to park, do so respectfully, Cal trans, MWTC, and others need to be able to access to turn around areas and the road itself.
  • Let us know what you see out there this weekend, submit an observation HERE

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