Snowpack Discussion
Gulmarg’s most recent snowfall 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 trigger points are near rocks 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 yesterday 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 90-120 cms deep in the alpine, and 30-50cms deep at and below treeline. Observations today at treeline found the “Christmas layer” to be faceting into 3mm depth hoar. Repeated stability tests on the layer produced sudden collapsing, but it would not propagate. Ski cuts on the overlying slab produced no results. Hence, the avalanche danger remains low at and below treeline. The avalanche danger remains moderate in the alpine due to reactive wind slabs continuing to exist on the above mentioned aspects. The persistent slab mentioned above currently is not a problem in the alpine, but could become a problem in the future. A propagation saw test on the persistent weak layer (113cms down) at 3866m in the alpine on a NE (29) aspect with a 33 degree slope angle produced no result yesterday.
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 Wednesday. Temperatures will hover at the freezing level today, enjoy the clear skies and great snow.
Gulmarg Ski Area Timings for 11/1/2016:
Phase 1 – 0830-1630
Phase 2 – 0900-1600
Chair Lift – 0900-1530
Height of Snow at Top of Gondola: 290cms
Height of Snow at Mid Station of Gondola: 81cms
Height of Snow at Base of Gondola: 50cms
Beacon Training Center on Merry Shoulder is OPEN with 2 BEACONS. Come by Gulmarg ski patrol base at mid mountain to learn the location of the beacon training center and hone your search skills and times.
First avalanche talk of the season is Wednesday, 13 January, 2016 at 7pm at Hotel Hilltop. Hotel Hilltop is located across from the ice skating rink in Gulmarg meadow. Talks will continue every Wedneday night at 7 pm through 30 March, 2016.