What does the scale above mean to you as a skier or rider in the Gulmarg backcountry? Read more here.
Snowpack Discussion
Warmer temperatures yesterday and cooling overnight have begun the bonding of the new snow to the old snow surface. The avalanche danger rating for today reduces to Moderate in the alpine, which means that human-triggered avalanches are possible and natural avalanches are unlikely. Wind slabs in the top-loaded bowls of Mount Apharwat are the most likely places to trigger avalanches today, with storm slab avalanches still possible above 3800 meters. See the avalanche danger roses below to see what aspects. Today is a good to ski in the ski area and give the snow another day to adjust. Don’t go into the backcountry today in the alpine.
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Avalanche Problem #1-Wind Slab
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Problem 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
Problem 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): Snow showers forecasted for today with light winds. The next pulse of moderate to heavy snowfall arrives tonight with moderate winds and looks promising.
Gulmarg Ski Area (green zone) Timings for 28/1/2016:
Phase 1 – 08300 -1630 (last cabin at 1600)
Phase 2 – Will open after control work if visibility allows.
Chair Lift – 0900 – 1530*
*If we have visibility to do avalanche control work on phase 2, then we will do so and the chair lift will remain closed until this is done (so we can open phase 2 for you to ski). If we do not have visibility for avalanche control work on phase 2, we will open the chair lift for you.
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, 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.