What does the scale above mean to you as a skier or rider in the Gulmarg backcountry? Read more here.
Snowpack Discussion
Clear skies this morning with radar showing some patchy clouds coming through this afternoon. No precipitation forecasted for today. Overall avalanche danger above 3000 meters is Moderate (2). Natural avalanches are unlikely, human-triggered avalanches are possible. Thin Wind slabs exist on leeward aspects from 3500-4200 meters beneath ridge tops and in mid-slope isolated terrain features. Small dry loose avalanches will be possible on steeper aspects. Avoid steeper terrain with terrain traps beneath today (rocks, cliffs). See the avalanche danger roses below to find what aspects are prone for small wind slab avalanches and dry loose avalanches.
Avalanche danger below 3000 meters is Low (1). Natural and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely.
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 – 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.
Avalanche Problem #2 – Dry Loose
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 Forecast (link:http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Gulmarg/6day/mid)
Gulmarg Ski Area (green zone) Timings for 8/3/2016:
Phase 1 – 8:30am – 4:30pm (last cabin at 4:00pm)*
Phase 2 -9:00 am – 4:00 pm (last cabin at 3:30pm)
Chair Lift – 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (last chair at 3:30pm)
*There is inadequate snow coverage at the bottom of phase 1. It is safest to remove your skis and walk to the gondola station. The upper and middle sections of phase 1 still have good skiing. Numerous rocks and bare patches of ground exist near the gondola station at the bottom of phase one.
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 area on Merry Shoulder and hone your search skills and times.
Next avalanche talk is Wednesday 9 March, 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.