February 1, 2015

Backcountry Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions for Gulmarg 1.2.2015

BELOW TREELINE Below 3,000m – MODERATE

DangerScale_Icons
MODERATE – Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate terrain and snow carefully; identify features of concern.

 

ALPINE 3,000 to 4,000m – HIGH

DangerScale_Icons
HIGH – Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.

 

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 and this is the main avalanche danger today. Wait for settlement and bonding.

wind-slabSecondary Problem

Wind slabs form where wind has deposited or drifted snow. You will find them on lee aspects, generally near ridge lines, around terrain features and in ‘cross-loaded’ features like vertical ridges, couloirs and gullies. Wind slabs may remain reactive for up to a week after the wind event has ended.

Untitled2 copySnowpack discussion

The danger rating in the alpine is high, and moderate below tree line.  We have received greater than 30 cms of new snow in the past 24 hours above 3000m, and this will need time to settle before it can be skied safely on steeper slopes.  Winds are forecasted to be gusting to 70km/h, and this will cause a lot of wind loading and slab formation on leeward and cross-loaded NE and N facing slopes.

 

Untitled3Weather Discussion for 3000m Snow showers today with strong wind gusts. Significant snowfall is in the forecast for the next three days.

 

beaconBeacon, Shovel, and Probe required to access phase 2 of Gulmarg gondola.