Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

More heavy snow and high winds are in store for today.  Wind loading on leeward slopes and ridges at all elevations in unprotected terrain is certain. Traveling in or below avalanche terrain today is not recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–3.5

    Going into todays storm, the leeward terrain near tree line and above tree line is already very wind loaded. There are wind slabs upon wind slabs. With strong winds predicted tonight and tomorrow will only increase the likely hood of avalanches in said terrain.  Predominant SW winds means the NW-N-NE-E-SE (leeward terrain) including crossloaded gullies, terrain features and topographic inconsistencies will continue to load.  The existing snow pack is saturated and heavy.  Do not be complacent as avalanches paths are propagating much wider and running much further than normal.  

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    A saturated snow pack with more wet and warm precipitation on the way adding to the unconsolidated wet snow load on top of dry wind pack snow below.  Snow levels will be fluctuating between 7000' and 8000' today with periods of heavy rain/snow mix.  Avoid steep terrain with terrain traps and consequence.  The weight of a few roller balls could be enough to trigger and step down to larger heavier slabs.

Avalanche Discussion

Recent observations:

  •  Remnants of large wet/wind slabs were found today. The slide path was littered with debris, broken branches and trees. The debris slid down its repeat offender path and crossed a creek at the bottom of the drainage and went up the adjacent slope over 100 meters.
  • Between today and tomorrow, above 9000' elevation should see over 4 feet of new snow. With a snow line around 8k'.  This amount of snow in 24 hours is a red flag for avalanches. Natural avalanches are very likely to certain with that precip amount.

Regions covered