What does the scale above mean to you as a skier or rider in the Gulmarg backcountry? Read more here.
Snowpack Discussion
“History, with all her volumes vast, hath but one page.” -G. Byron
A dusting of new snow in the past 24 hours with light Southerly winds brings little change to the overall stability of the current snowpack. Above 3000 meters, the avalanche danger remains Moderate (2). Natural avalanches are unlikely, and human-triggered avalanches are possible. Several snowpack layers are to be addressed here. First of all, thin sensitive wind slabs are likely to exist on top of the storm snow on lee aspects beneath the ridge tops from yesterday’s light pulse of snowfall. Second of all, from our most recent significant snowfall there is a shear plane within the storm snow that could avalanche on Northerly aspects especially in lee and cross loaded terrain features mid slope. Finally, the new snow old snow interface is bonding, but an avalanche is still possible on this layer and could be triggered in steep enough terrain, with the higher elevations above 3900m being more likely to be prone to triggering as they’ve had cooler daytime temperatures and less likelihood of bonding. Below 3000m, the avalanche danger is Low (1). Natural avalanches are not likely, and human-triggered avalanches are not likely. Small avalanches on isolated terrain features are still possible below 3000m. As always, terrain selection will be key today.
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 16/2/2016:
Phase 1 – 0900 – 1630 (last cabin at 1600)
Phase 2 – 0900 – 1600 (last cabin at 1530)
Chair Lift – 0900 – 1530 (last cabin at 1500)
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.