Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wind affected snow still harbors instability, It is possible to trigger an avalanche on wind loaded slopes. Although no new snow is expected in daylight hours, strong winds will create unstable wind drifted snow. Watch for blowing snow, shooting cracks in the snowpack and any signs of recent avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong SW winds will continue today and ramp up in intensity and speed from yesterday. With plenty of snow still available for transport, new wind slabs can be found where wind blown snow collects. Older wind slabs are beginning to heal and become more cohesive with the snowpack.  Plan to avoid areas where fresh wind slabs have formed. Clue in on wind affected snow surfaces, cracking or whumpfing and pillow like formations of snow are signs that a wind slab is present . Take a moment to investigate a slope before committing to it, use test slopes to get feedback if wind slabs are reactive.

    Gale force winds will howl during daylight hours. New snow is expected to arrive in the overnight hours, causing the avalanche danger to rise heading into Monday morning.

Avalanche Discussion

  • Often times when we receive these high wind events, the ridgelines are completely scoured and stripped from snow or wind loaded into are firm, barely edge able wind board. It can be easy to dismiss a wind slab avalanche problems  when looking at those types of conditions. When high winds enter the region, wind slabs will form in sheltered terrain, where the snow is deposited, if the snow looks enjoyable and fun this may be where the wind slabs are located.
  • Storm #2's arrival begins today with high winds, By day break on Monday morning snowfall will have begun. Snowfall is expected to continue all day Monday and taper off by evening hours. This will cause the avalanche danger to rise.
  • As always, please submit your observations. Forecasters can't be everywhere in one day, but providing observations helps us write a more accurate forecast for you!

Regions covered