Snowpack Discussion

Gulmarg’s last storm ended in the early hours of 8 January, depositing 25cms of light snow that fell with strong winds from the Southwest in the alpine. On Northwest to East facing aspects, small to medium-sized wind slabs exist. Likely locations are on mid-slope isolated terrain features, and also beneath the top-loaded ridge lines of Mount Apharwat. These slabs proved to be reactive to ski cuts today during avalanche control work. A persistent slab problem also exists on Northwest to East facing aspects, although it is unlikely to be triggered by a skier or rider currently due to the density and thickness of the overlying slab that shelters the faceted weak layer, which we are calling the Christmas layer. This layer is 75-100 cms deep in the alpine, and 49 cms deep at and below treeline. The layer is rounding and bonding at and below treeline, while it continues to produce quality 1 shears and potential in the future in the alpine. Take home message: ski and ride conservatively, watch out for wind slabs on Northwest to East facing aspects.

Avalanche Problem #1

Wind Slab –

Release of a cohesive layer of snow (slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Wind Slabs form in specific areas, and are confined to lee and cross-loaded terrain features. They can be avoided by sticking to sheltered or wind-scoured areas.

Avalanche Problem #2

Persistent Slab –

Release of a cohesive layer of soft to hard snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab. The best ways to manage the risk from Persistent Slabs is to make conservative terrain choices. They can be triggered by light loads and weeks after the last storm. The slabs often propagate in surprising and unpredictable ways. This makes this problem difficult to predict and manage and requires a wide safety buffer to handle the uncertainty.

Weather Discussion (for 3250 meters):  Clear skies today with light winds from the Southeast.  Minimal snow is forecasted for the early hours of next Tuesday.  Temperatures will rise to just above freezing today, enjoy the clear skies and great snow.

Gulmarg Ski Area Timings for 10/1/2016:

Phase 1 – 0830-1630
Phase 2 – 0900-1600
Chair Lift – 0900-1530

Height of Snow at Top of Gondola: 275cms
Height of Snow at Mid Station of Gondola: 80cms
Height of Snow at Base of Gondola: 50cms