What does the scale above mean to you as a skier or rider in the Gulmarg backcountry? Read more here.
Snowpack Discussion
Snowpack observations and snowpit tests yesterday revealed a relatively stable snowpack. We noticed thin skier-triggered Wind Slabs at the top of start zones on lee aspects of Mount Apharwat near ridge tops, and also small Wet Loose natural point releases near 3000 meters on solar aspects. These two observations define today’s avalanche advisory. Small wet loose avalanches can be expected near treeline (3000-3200m) on East to Southeast facing aspects between the hours of 12 pm – 3pm. The danger here isn’t the avalanches themselves, but the terrain traps you could be carried over if you were caught in one (rocks). Choose terrain wisely to avoid this avalanche problem. Regarding Wind Slabs at ridgetops, they appear to be confined to just beneath the ridge lines at the top of Mount Apharwat, and should be expected on similar aspects and elevations further afield. Once again, fairly small avalanches, but if you triggered one in steep terrain with rocks and cliffs underneath, it could cause injury. As always, choose your terrain wisely 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 – Wet Loose
Problem Description –
Release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. They generally move slowly, but can contain enough mass to cause significant damage to trees, cars or buildings. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.
Travel when the snow surface is colder and stronger. Plan your trips to avoid crossing on or under very steep slopes in the afternoon. Move to colder, shadier slopes once the snow surface turns slushly. Avoid steep, sunlit slopes above terrain traps, cliffs areas and long sustained steep pitches.
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 17/2/2016:
Phase 1 – 0900 – 1630 (last cabin at 1600)
Phase 2 – 0900 – 1600 (last cabin at 1530)
Chair Lift – 0900 – 1530 (last chair 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 tonight, 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.