February 2, 2015

Backcountry Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions for Gulmarg 2.2.2015

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’ve received greater than 30 cm snow in the past 24 hours above tree line. This new layer of snow needs time to settle and bond to the old snow surface. This is the primary instability for today. Additionally, wind gusts peaked at 61 km/h yesterday, more than enough for wind slabs to form on leeward and cross-loaded slopes. Winds were primarily from the South and Southeast, leading to slab formation on Northwest, North, and Northeast facing slopes.

 

Untitled3Weather Discussion for 3000m Light snow today with consistent light southerly winds. Heavier snow forecasted for late tonight into the early hours of Tuesday.

 

 

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