Snowpack Discussion

Observations yesterday showed our persistent weak layer to be buried as deep as 115cms in wind loaded areas in the high alpine bowls, and as shallow as 30cms at and below treeline.  Stability tests at 3200m yesterday showed the layer exhibiting sudden collapses, but not propagating with repeated tests.  We had the same results yesterday at 3800m on a North aspect, and at 2980m on a North aspect. Tests are not yielding propagations, but are still exhibiting clean shears and potential for causing trouble.

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.  Stability tests on these wind slabs yesterday showed them to be bonding to the underlying snow in some areas, but certainly not all.

Today’s plan: The persistent slab problem does exist.  Skiers and riders have started moving into the alpine bowls of Mount Apharwat over the past few days. The persistent slab, especially mid path, can avalanche.   As we continue to watch this layer, it’s best to keep your slope angles conservative, and travel in less committing terrain. Likely areas for potentially triggering the persistent slab are near rocks and trees in mid slope shallower snow areas.  Simply put, don’t ski really steep terrain in huge exposed areas. Remember, it’s best to think, “Am I getting away with this? Or am I choosing terrain that is appropriate for the current conditions?”

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): Cloudy skies today, with temperatures remaining below freezing.  Light snowfall with minimal accumulation is forecasted for tonight, and again on Friday night.

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.