January 23, 2015

Backcountry Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions for Gulmarg 23.1.2015

ALPINE   3,000 to 4,000 meters     

DangerScale_Icons
HIGH – Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended. Natural avalanches likely. Human-triggered avalanches likely.


BELOW TREELINE Below 3,000 meters

CONSIDERABLE – Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious routefinding, and careful decision-making essential. Natural avalanches possible, human-triggered avalanches likely.

 

 

storm-slabPrimary Problem

A storm slab problem typically lasts between a few hours and a few days. Greater than 30 cms of new cohesive storm snow is sitting on top of the old snow surface. There is poor bonding between the new snow and the old snow on all aspects and this is the main avalanche danger today. Wait for settlement and bonding.

 

Snowpack discussion

The avalanche danger rating is high for today in the alpine zone, and considerable below tree line. Storm slab is the problem, with >40cm of new snow at mid-mountain in the past 24 hours sitting on top of surface hoar in many alpine and below tree line areas. Wait for the snow to settle and bonding to improve before you go into the backcountry. Phase 1 will open today for skiing, phase 2 will be closed for avalanche control work. We may open the ski lift mid-day, stay tuned for updates on the sign at G-3. Waiting in line at the ski lift will not increase the speed at which it opens. Enjoy some laps on phase 1 and perhaps the ski lift will open. Read more about snow settlement.

 

Weather Discussion for 3000m

Partly cloudy with light winds. Our next storm is forecasted to begin Sunday night.

Issued by: Gulmarg Ski Patrolred-cross-2_bigger

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