Snowpack Discussion

Currently, we have a Persistent Slab problem in the alpine North-facing aspects of the Gulmarg backcountry. Successive wind events have created this slab that is sitting on top of a persistent weak layer.  Stability tests yesterday exhibited its ability to propagate (produce a medium to large-sized slab avalanche) on more than one test.  It is possible to trigger this layer and produce an avalanche that could bury or kill you today.  Likely trigger points are near shallow snow areas on Northwest-North-Northeast-East facing aspects.  <> On the same aspects, small to medium-sized Wind Slabs still exist.  Likely trigger points are near rocks on mid-slope isolated terrain features, and also beneath the top-loaded ridgelines 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. For more forecast detail, visit avanet.avatech.com.

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): Sunny today with some clouds.  Temperatures will hover around freezing, with light to moderate winds from the South. Next snowfall is forecasted for Thursday night.

Gulmarg Ski Area (green zone) Timings for 13/1/2016:
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.