Snowpack Discussion
Currently, we have a slab of snow sitting on a persistent weak layer (Persistent Slab) on all aspects in the Gulmarg backcountry. Last weeks snows and successive wind events have created this slab. 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 on steeper terrain and produce an avalanche that could bury or kill a skier or rider today. Likely trigger points are near shallow snow areas and near rocks. <> On the same aspects, small to medium-sized (Wind Slab) still exist. Likely trigger points of these wind slabs are near rocks on cross-loaded 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 if you travel on steep enough terrain, it is possible to trigger one of these hollow-sounding surface slabs. The slabs release may not be large enough to bury a skier or rider, but it could carry you over rocks or cliffs that can cause traumatic injury. For more forecast detail, visit avanet.avatech.com and sign up for a new account to see daily snow pits and other observations. Choose your terrain wisely.
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 skies forecasted today with temperatures hovering around zero degrees. Expect light to moderate wind gusts today in the alpine (bring an extra layer) from a Southerly direction. Our next snowfall is forecasted for Monday/Tuesday of next week.
Gulmarg Ski Area (green zone) Timings for 15/1/2016:
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.
Next avalanche talk is Wednesday, 20 January, 2016 at 7:30pm at Hotel Hilltop. Hotel Hilltop is located across from the ice skating rink in Gulmarg meadow. Talks will continue every Wednesday night at 7 pm through 30 March, 2016.