What does the scale above mean to you as a skier or rider in the Gulmarg backcountry? Read more here.
Snowpack Discussion
Overnight snow that is forecasted to continue through the day today changes the avalanche danger to Moderate below treeline, with Dry Loose storm snow being the avalanche problem. While relatively harmless, be careful around terrain traps such as tree wells, gullies, and hollows when choosing terrain below treeline today. In the alpine, Wind Slabs remain the most important avalanche problem. Ski cutting yesterday in the ski area showed them to be on North aspects, from 3400 to 3800 meters and large enough to injure a skier or rider if they were carried into a terrain trap (rocks, gullies, tree wells).
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 – Loose Snow
Problem Description – Release of dry unconsolidated snow. These avalanches typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. Loose-dry avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose-dry avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.
Loose Dry avalanches are usually relatively harmless to people. They can be hazardous if you are caught and carried into or over a terrain trap (e.g. gully, rocks, dense timber, cliff, crevasse) or down a long slope. Avoid traveling in or above terrain traps when Loose Dry avalanches are likely.
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Weather Discussion (for 3250 meters): Snowfall forecasted for the day today becoming lighter in the afternoon. Light to moderate winds.
Gulmarg Ski Area (green zone) Timings for 29/1/2016:
Phase 1 – 0900 -1630 (last cabin at 1600)
Phase 2 – Will open after control work if visibility allows.
Chair Lift – Will open after control work if visibility allows.
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, 3 February, 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.