What does the scale above mean to you as a skier or rider in the Gulmarg backcountry? Read more here.
Snowpack Discussion
There is greater than 30 cms of new snow at the mid mountain snow study plot in the past 24 hours accompanied with moderate winds in the alpine from a Southerly direction. Storm total at mid mountain is greater than 60 cms. In the Alpine backcountry, the avalanche danger is Considerable (3). Natural avalanches are possible, and human-triggered avalanches are likely today in the Alpine. Do not tour underneath the large Alpine bowls of Mount Apharwat today. Below Treeline, the avalanche danger is Moderate (2). Natural avalanches are not likely, and human-triggered avalanches are possible. Backcountry travel is dangerous today at all elevations and on all aspects. If you are going into the backcountry today, go below 3000 meters, and keep your slopes angles less than 25 degrees. Choose your terrain wisely with a mind for terrain traps including rocks, trees, gullies, and hollows.
Choose to ride in groups in the forests of Gulmarg. http://www.deepsnowsafety.org/index.php/. We now have enough snow in the conifer forests above 3200 meters for skiers and riders to get trapped in tree wells. Read more about this phenomenon in the link above. It causes several fatalities each year in other ski regions of the globe.
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Avalanche Problem #1 – 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.
Avalanche Problem #2 – Wind Slab
Problem Description – Release of a cohesive layer of snow (a 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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Weather Forecast (link:http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Gulmarg/6day/mid)
Gulmarg Ski Area (green zone) Timings for 12/2/2016:
Phase 1 – 0900 – 1630 (last cabin at 1600)
Phase 2 – CLOSED
Chair Lift – Opening after control work if visibility allows*
*This morning, we will board phase 2 at 9am and go for avalanche control work above the chair lift, and then shift down into the terrain in the chair lift area. The goal of the control work above the chair lift is to mitigate natural avalanche hazard hanging above the skiing public in the chairlift area, and also to remove the possibility of remotely triggering an avalanche above the chair lift terrain. As many of you know, Gulmarg has a history of this, and we do not want this. When we’ve reduced the avalanche hazard above the chair lift, and mitigated the hazard in the chair lift terrain, we can open the chair lift to skiers and riders.
Beacon Training Center on Merry Shoulder is OPEN with 2 BEACONS. Beacon Training Center in Gulmarg meadow across from Hotel Hilltop is OPEN with 1 BEACON. Come by Gulmarg ski patrol base at mid mountain to learn the location of the beacon training area on Merry Shoulder and hone your search skills and times.
Next avalanche talk is Wednesday, 17 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.