February 3, 2015

Backcountry Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions for Gulmarg 3.2.2015

BELOW TREELINE Below 3,000m – CONSIDERABLE

CONSIDERABLE – Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

 

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 considerable below tree line.  Moderate to heavy snowfall is forecasted for this morning into early afternoon. Additionally, wind gusts peaked at 61 km/h two days ago at mid-mountain, 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, with additional storm load on top of these slabs.

 

Untitled3Weather Discussion for 3000m Moderate to heavy snowfall today with consistent light southerly winds. Snowfall will taper off in the early evening hours.  Current models are predicting snow for the end of the coming weekend.

 

 

beaconBeacon, Shovel, and Probe for all skiers and riders today.