Bollettino valanghe

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Sat
Alta quota
4 · Forte
Limite del bosco
3 · Marcato
Sotto il limite
3 · Marcato
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In sintesi

Continous copious amounts of snow and wind this past week has created dangerous avalanche conditions in the mountains.  Underneath this new snow load is an existing sugary weak layer that is making for probable widespread avalanche problem(s).  There is a lot of uncertainty as we have not be able to venture into the field more than meadow wallowing the past few days.  The potential for large destructive avalanches exists and traveling in or below avalanche terrain is not recommended, as more assessment is needed.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Likely
    Dimensione
    1.5–3

    In the past 4 days we have received 6.5 inches of Snow Water Equivalent (SWE)  above 8k'.  That equates to over 3-6 feet of new snow, with 3x that possible in leeward catchment zones off of ridges near the Sierra crest.  On top of that, all this new snow is sitting on top of a faceted old snow weak layer/crust combo that is certain to cause large destructive avalanches.  Much of the terrain has potential to avalanche during the past few days of storm cycle, but other zones may not yet have been triggered naturally.  Also delaying settlement and cohesion is consistent single digit temperatures.

    Currently we could potentially list Deep Persistent Slab as problem type in our forecast today.   All of these problems combined covering the avalanche rose, and making up for Widespread Distribution.  The biggest uncertainty is the sensitivity of the snowpack, which is a measurement of the snowpacks instability.   And that measurement can/does change quickly based on time and temperatures and other factors. 

    Do not be lured in by blue clear skies the next few days and the false safety they show.  The snowpack needs time to settle and the new/old layers need a better acquaintance.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Very Likely
    Dimensione
    1.5–3

    In exposed areas, gale force winds have created slabs of wind blown snow in leeward catchments, gullys and below ridgelines.   These particular zones above tree line have had the most exposure to the wind transport and may be the most sensitive to be triggered, holding the largest cohesive slabs.   That wind transported snow can be 3-5x greater in redeposited areas. These areas are also zones on the edge and near tree line potentially.  Avoid overhead steep terrain and above funneling chutes and terrain traps.  These shaded protected north leeward zones are also zones holding onto faceted old snow, making for a very poor structure combo.

    These wind effected snow surfaces may or may not have rippled wind indicators and feel and sound more hollow or dense.  If you come across texture and density changes during travels in steep exposed areas, retreat to less steep and safer terrain.  Also take note of terrain changes around you, aspect and elevation.

Avalanche Discussion

  • New snow on top of old snow weak layers with varying depths, is going to be an issue in the immediate future.  Not the time to venture into steep terrain and not until time and healing has occured.
  • Tree wells are potentially dangerous places of entrampment currently. Give a wide berth.
  • This is a great time to implement the "buddy system" while skiing, riding and during travel with radios for best communication and frequent check ins.
  • If crossing creeks and playing in meadows, look and be cautious of open water.

Regioni coperte