Backcountry Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions for Gulmarg 20.1.2015

ALPINE   3,000 to 4,000 meters

 

 

 

 

 

 

BELOW TREELINE below 3000m

 

 

 

 

 

  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.

 

Snowpack discussion

Today the danger rating is moderate in the alpine zone. Gondola Status: Phase 1 will be open today at 1000 and phase 2 following along closely behind. 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. You will hit rocks if you ski today.

 

Weather Discussion for 3000m

High overcast this morning and clouds rolling in this afternoon with light southerly winds. Highs around 5 degrees with a low of -3. Snow is forecasted to begin in the early hours of tomorrow morning, with snowfall increasing as the day goes on.

Issued by: Gulmarg Ski Patrol

This advisory is issued as a public service. No patrol services or avalanche control take place outside of the ski area boundary.