Backcountry Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions for Gulmarg 12.2.2015

 

ALPINE   3,000 to 4,000 meters – CONSIDERABLE  

 

BELOW TREELINE Below 3,000 meters – MODERATE

             

                                                       

Primary 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.

 

Secondary 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.

 

Snowpack discussion

A backcountry skier was killed in an avalanche yesterday just outside of the ski area boundary.  The avalanche was D4 in size and ran on old snow at the bottom of the snowpack.  We will be conducting a crown profile on the avalanche this morning. The avalanche danger rating today remains considerable (serious) in the alpine zone, and moderate below tree line. Persistent slab is the primary problem. Our snowpack is 30-50cms of depth hoar/basal facets with a large slab sitting on top of it that is 70-150cms thick. Skiers and riders triggered avalanches on this persistent weak layer in the backcountry on multiple occasions yesterday and the day before.  Most of these avalanches occurred near the top of northerly ridgelines mid slope, and started near rocks and shallow areas in the snowpack. They were all large enough to bury and kill a skier or rider.

If you trigger an avalanche today in the backcountry, it will likely be on the persistent weak layer at the bottom of the snowpack, will propagate very far, and will probably be an avalanche that you will not survive. The most likely time of day for this to occur is in early afternoon, but it can happen at any time of day.  Likely places where you can trigger these slabs today are on leeward top-loaded and cross-loaded areas of Northwest, North, Northeast, and East facing slopes.  Our snowpack is still relatively shallow, and rocks that normally could be anchor points in many seasons here, are serving as weak points where you can trigger avalanches. Other likely places to trigger avalanches are on convexities at the apex of top-loaded ridgelines on Mount Apharwat, near mid-slope ridgelines where the snowpack is shallow, and in cross-loaded gullies mid-slope.  Remember, if you choose to risk riding and skiing outside of the ski area boundary in Gulmarg, you must be aware of not only the people in your group, but also the people in other groups around you. Dropping in on top of a group below you is not ok. Wait until they are completely clear of the route, or choose another objective. Do not ski above other skiers or riders in the backcountry.  Backcountry travel outside of the ski area is not recommended today. The snow is unstable and not safe. Wait until next weeks storm to bring more snow and adjustment to our tender snowpack.

 

Weather Discussion for 3000m

Clear today with light southerly winds. Next snowfall is forecasted for late this weekend into early next week and appears to have significant snow accumulation potential.

 

Ski Area Information

Phase 2 – open at 1000

Phase 1 – open at 830

Chair lift – open at 0900

 

Beacon, shovel, and probe is required to access phase 2 of Gulmarg gondola.