Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Gusty winds and new snow near and above treeline over the past 24 hours has created wind slabs in specific leeward catchments.  A larger storm inbound tonight will increase snow loads and make avalanche hazard wide spread at those same elevations.   Increase margins by avoiding wind loaded zones and terrain traps as human-triggered wind slab avalanches are likely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Swirling winds, combined with new snow loads is making for tricky navigating Near Tree Line and Above Tree Line.   Look for significant wind slabs in leeward slopes and catchment zones.  All aspects at these elevations have been included into the Fx for today due to wind direction and snow load variability.  A majority of the snow and wind combo is above 8k' while Below Tree Line isn't getting the same wind/snow loading.   Also most of the precipitation is coming in tonight into tomorrow, so be aware of the jump in danger levels overnight.

Avalanche Discussion

  • Yesterdays storm was isolated to upper elevations above 9k' creating wind slabs Near Tree Line and Above Tree Line.  A large amount of Below Tree Line was warmer and precip free. 
  • Melt/freeze crust formation on snow surface (2/17/24) from the past couple of days warm temperatures below 9k' may come into play as a bed surface for future avalanche cycle with approaching storm Sunday-Tuesday...
  • As of now, models of the approaching storm give significant increase to snow loads overnight tonight and want to point out the increase in danger overall as exact timing of storm remains to be scene.

Regions covered