Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

Here we are again in another round of heavy snow, strong winds and high snow/rain levels which give the 'Atmospheric River' its proper name.  High precipitation amounts and a mixture of above and below freezing temperatures will very likely cause widespread avalanches on all aspects and elevations. The recommendation is to avoid traveling in or below avalanche terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Gale force winds with gusts over 100 mph on ridges mixed with very high snowfall amounts have created significant wind loading on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects above treeline and near treeline.  Heavier-wetter wind slabs will form near treeline and as the snow/rain line fluctuates in elevation.  Large cornices will form on ridge tops and crossloaded wind lips on gullies and topographic abnormalities, indicating leeward wind loading. Avoid all wind loaded leeward slopes in and below avalanche terrain at all elevations.

     

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Warmer high density snow is falling at a rapid rate mixed with heavy rain at and below treeline. This heavy snow will cause failures on older weaker layers and interfaces buried throughout the deep snowpack. These failures have potential to cause catastrophic size avalanches given the high snowload amounts.  It is hard to tell how deep the rain will penetrate and what the effect will be during this multiday storm cycle.  The upper layers of our snowpack are currently 'upside down' with heavier more dense layer on top of less dense.

Avalanche Discussion

  • Previous to this current warm AR hitting the Sierra, the snowpack has been abnormally cold with multiple low density snow layers.  For the past 36 hours, heavy snow and rain with a snow/rain line fluctuating between 8900' to 7500' has caused a more dense, warmer layer on top of the colder less dense layers below.
  • A weather bouquet of high winds, snow and rain is continuing to produce tough travel conditions and limiting access. Stay indoors and stay home. Only travel if you must. Roads in and around Bridgeport and the surrounding areas continue to be impacted and should be avoided.
  • Another round of Atmospheric River is on deck for Monday-Tuesday.
  • Since this last round of storms started at approx 1300 on 3/9, we have seen over 4" of SWE (Snow Water Equivalent) on Sonora Pass with temperatures between 28-34 degrees F

Regions covered