January 27, 2016

gulmarg avalanche conditions

What does the scale above mean to you as a skier or rider in the Gulmarg backcountry? Read more here.

Snowpack Discussion

New storm snow over the past 24 hours with significant winds changes our avalanche danger ratings.

Storm snow fell on all aspects in the alpine and below treeline, with a potentially poor bond to the old snow surface.  Today is a good day to wait for the snow pack to adjust to its new load in the alpine, and to choose lower slope angles at and below treeline in the Gulmarg backcountry.  Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs, rock bands, gullies, and complex terrain today.

avalanche-terrain
This image is not Gulmarg. It is used to explain terms used in this forecast.  In the top left corner, you can see slope angles. Today is a good day to choose low angle slopes at and below treeline. It’s a good day to stay away from all slopes in the alpine. This image also shows terrain traps; including cliffs, rocks, hollows, and gullies. Avoid terrain traps today. Stay on safer low angle terrain today that is at and below treeline. Also avoid touring beneath the large unsupported alpine bowls of Mount Apharwat today. They have received a new snow load with significant wind loading and a persistent slab underneath. Do not expose yourself to this hazard. Go safely.

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https://avanet.avatech.com/

See daily snow observations, snow pits, and data from Luke Smithwick and the Gulmarg Ski Patrol. Sign up for a free Avanet account.
See daily snow observations, snow pits, and data from Luke Smithwick and the Gulmarg Ski Patrol. Sign up for a free Avanet account.

Avalanche Problem #1-Wind Slab

– Wind-Slabsgulmarg-avalanche

gulmarg-avalancheProblem Description
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.

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Avalanche Problem #2 – Storm Slab

Storm.Slabs gulmarg-avalanche

gulmarg-avalancheProblem Description
Release of a soft cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within the storm snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slab problems typically last between a few hours and few days. Storm-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.

You can reduce your risk from Storm Slabs by waiting a day or two after a storm before venturing into steep terrain. Storm slabs are most dangerous on slopes with terrain traps, such as timber, gullies, over cliffs, or terrain features that make it difficult for a rider to escape off the side.

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Weather Discussion (for 3250 meters):  Light winds (1-25km/hr) forecasted for the day today along with intermittent pulses of snow showers before 12 pm. Current models are showing the heaviest snow fall for the current storm cycle beginning mid-day Friday into the late hours of Saturday morning.

gulmarg-gondola-beacon-shovel-probe

cropped-gulmarg-trail-map.jpg

Gulmarg Ski Area (green zone) Timings for 27/1/2016:
Phase 1 – 0900 -1630 (last cabin at 1600)
Phase 2 – CLOSED due to poor visibility and strong winds at top station for the day.
Chair Lift –  If visibility allows, will open after control work till 1530 (last chair 1500)

beacon-searchBeacon 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.

349955770_640Next avalanche talk is Wednesday, 27 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 7:30 pm through 30 March, 2016.