February 6, 2015

Backcountry Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions for Gulmarg 6.2.2015

ALPINE   3,000 to 4,000 meters – CONSIDERABLE

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


BELOW TREELINE below 3000m – MODERATE

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

                                                                                    

Untitled6Primary 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.

 

wind-slabSecondary Problem

Wind slabs form where wind has deposited or drifted snow. You will find them on lee aspects, generally near ridgelines, 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 considerable, and moderate below tree line.  The primary problem is persistent slab sitting on top of depth hoar. The secondary problem is wind slabs, likely spots for triggering wind slab avalanches are just below ridgelines and mid-slope in cross-loaded sheltered areas. Winds in past days 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. Control work yesterday indicated wind slabs are still showing reactivity near ridgelines, and also that our depth hoar layer on the bottom of the snowpack is currently reactive. Skiing terrain <35 degrees in the trees is your smartest travel practice today.

 

Untitled3Weather Discussion for 3000m Clear this morning with light winds from the northwest. Some cloud this afternoon. Light snowfall with minimal accumulation is forecasted for the early hours of Sunday morning.