Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Avalanches remain unlikely today, conditions remain generally stable. The biggest hazard for mountain travelers is navigating the variable surface conditions.  Icy slopes, firm wind board, abrupt changes in snow cover, open creeks, and a patchwork of everything in-between should be considered when route finding.

Normal caution

Signs of life are in the weather forecast as models signal that snowfall will arrive during the upcoming work week. Until then we have another nice weather window to get out and enjoy  the mountains. Today is the outlier with overcast clouds and up to one inch of snowfall at our highest elevations. Saturday and Sunday are expected to  have a max temp in the 40's with clear skies and calm winds. As we all wait for winter to return, now is a good time to get the beacons out for some avalanche rescue practice before the blinding excitment of new snow. Keep your skills dialed while we cross our fingers and wait for snow. Our last measurable snowfall event was Jan 9th,  and with dry conditions persisting for close to a month some non avalanche hazards have had our focus.

 A few non avalanche hazards include:

• Creek beds that are wide open or deteriorating snow bridges .
• Firm and fast  conditions in the alpine  make having your sharps kit  for an alpine adventure  advisable ( crampons, axe, whippet etc...)
• Warm daytime temperatures have exposed rocks, bare ground, logs and stumps, and open water. On warm slopes, rockfall has been occurring. 
• Wind exposed slopes near and above treeline have been scoured down to old, firm layers. 
• Avoid steep, firm slopes to prevent long falls and runaway equipment

Please consider submitting an observation using our website or the Avy app. This hones your skills, informs other users, and improves our forecasts.