Bridgeport Avalanche Center

The Bridgeport Avalanche Center's forecasting season has come to a close!  We will resume forecasts and observations starting in the Fall of 2026.  Even though our avalanche forecasts have ended, Spring conditions can bring rapid change including unstable snow and avalanches. Please read the full forecast discussion below for an overview of spring avalanche concerns. Thank you for being a supporter!

Wet Loose avalanches are a common avalanche problem each and every spring and often lingers into summertime.  Warm daytime temperatures and intense solar radiation will cause surface snow to weaken and become unconsolidated.  Often these slides will release from a single point, and fan out into larger more destructive avalanches. Timing can be a critical factor as most spring skiing revolves around the corn harvest, waiting too late in the day will increase your odds of triggering a wet loose avalanche. The areas that usually heat up fastest are around rocks and cliff bands that can absorb solar radiation and affect the surrounding snow. Watch for roller balls and pinwheels as they will indicate decreased snow stability. Move to colder and firmer snow if the snow surface becomes slushy or you find yourself sinking in from deep boot or ski penetration.   

Wind slab and Storm slab

 In the event of new snowfall there is always the chance that the new snow will form into an avalanche hazard.  Wind-transported snow can create small pockets of instability, as well as new snow settling into a slab when undisturbed. We often see storm slabs form below tree lines where they are shielded from winds. High wind speeds in the alpine cause wind slabs to form on Leeward aspects. Be mindful of an increased hazard if we do get a late-season storm. Giving new snow a couple of days to heal will be the best way to remove yourself from harm's way. You can check mountain weather with our link to local weather stations on https://bridgeportavalanchecenter.org/weather-stations/ . 

Cornice falls and Glide Avalanches

 Cornice falls can be unpredictable and destructive, give yourself a wide berth away from cornices. The overhanging masses of snow are easy to spot, but sometimes on a ridgeline, you may not be able to tell where a cornice starts and the solid earth ends. Give yourself space in case a cornice collapse does occur. Glide avalanches occur slowly as a crack forms over days and eventually the snow is undermined by running water or loses cohesion with the bed surface. We often see glide avalanches occur in the Twin Lakes area where granite bedrock provides an ideal surface for a glide avalanche to fail on.  If you see a large crack forming and has the appearance of a small bergschrund, give yourself some distance from the glide crack, as they are unpredictable and can fail without warning. 

BWRA Motorized use

Usually the BWRA remains open for motorized use until the seasonal Motorized closure occurs,  which is:

The last Saturday in April OR when less than 12" of snow is present at the Leavitt Lake / Hwy 108 junction. Whichever comes first. We will update website and social media information when  the motorized closure occurs.  THIS YEAR THE BWRA CLOSED FOR MOTORIZED USE EARLIER THAN NORMAL,  AS OF MARCH 25,  2026.  THE BWRA WILL REMAIN CLOSED FOR OHV USE UNTIL WINTER 26/27.  CURRENT BWRA STATUS

Again, we say a hearty thank you to all those who have helped support the Bridgeport Avalanche Center, especially the dedicated group of volunteers at the Friends of The Bridgeport Avalanche Center