What does the scale above mean to you as a skier or rider in the Gulmarg backcountry? Read more here.
Snowpack Discussion
In the Alpine backcountry, the avalanche danger is Considerable (3). Natural avalanches are possible, and human-triggered avalanches are likely today in the Alpine, especially above 3900 meters. We received reports of widespread shooting cracks and “whumpfing” in the Alpine backcountry yesterday. During control work, we triggered a sizeable wind slab avalanche on a Northeast aspect at 3300 meters. Numerous natural avalanches were observed in the Alpine, and most appeared to be on Northerly aspects in cross-loaded mid slope terrain features. In the Alpine, the new storm snow has formed into a dense slab, that is hard to trigger but if you find the weak trigger point (probably near rocks), will produce an avalanche with consequences. Alpine backcountry travel is not recommended today, the new storm snow still needs time to heal and bond to the underlying old snow surface. Below Treeline, the avalanche danger is Moderate (2). Natural avalanches are not likely, and human-triggered avalanches are possible. Quick pits yesterday revealed the new storm snow to be bonding to the old snow surface below 3000 meters. Choose your terrain wisely today below 3000 meters 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.
—————————-
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.
—————————
Weather Forecast (link:http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Gulmarg/6day/mid)
Gulmarg Ski Area (green zone) Timings for 13/2/2016:
Phase 1 – 0900 – 1630 (last cabin at 1600)
Phase 2 – Opening after control work if visibility allows
Chair Lift – Opening after control work
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.