January 19, 2015

Backcountry Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions for Gulmarg 19.1.2015

DangerScale_Icons
MODERATE – Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully.

ALPINE   3,000 to 4,000 meters

 

 

 

 

 

DangerScale_Icons
LOW – Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

BELOW TREELINE Below 3,000 meters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Untitled6 Primary Problem

A persistent slab is any slab formed over a persistent weak layer, in our case, depth hoar. These slabs are hard to predict, often are triggered from the middle or low on the slab, and can propagate over large areas and across terrain features traditionally thought of as safe zones, like ridges, benches, and low angle terrain. The problem can last for weeks or months.

Untitled2 copySnowpack discussion

Today the danger rating is moderate in the alpine zone. Gondola Status: Phase 1 & Phase 2 will be open today at 0900. Persistent slab is our primary problem. We have persistent slabs sitting on a persistent weak layer of depth hoar anywhere there is old snow from early in the season, this includes W, NW, N, NE, and E facing slopes near ridgelines. Our snowpack depth is widely variable, with greater than 2 meters of snow in lee deposition zones near ridgelines, and just over a meter in mid-slope areas. You won’t find these persistent slabs in mid-slope areas, but will find a rotten snowpack, with a thick wind crust on top, and 30-60 cms of new snow on top of that. Ski slowly until we have more snow as a base, there are a lot of rocks just underneath the snow. You will hit rocks if you ski today.

Untitled3Weather Discussion for 3000m

Clear skies and light southerly winds. Highs around 7 degrees with a low of -2. Our next snowfall should be tomorrow night. Keep your fingers crossed.