What does the scale above mean to you as a skier or rider in the Gulmarg backcountry? Read more here.

Snowpack Discussion

The avalanche danger above 3000 meters is Considerable (3), human-triggered avalanches are likely, natural avalanches are possible. Rain on a stratified snowpack presents a new avalanche problem, Wet Slabs. As rain falls on snow, it percolates down through the upper layers of the snowpack, possibly settling on crust layers beneath creating potential for slab avalanches.  Yesterday’s observations in the Alpine revealed a planar shear 48 centimeters beneath the surface within the recent storm snow.  Snow and rain is forecasted to increase throughout the day today, with Moderate to Strong winds above 3000 meters. Wind slab formation can be expected above the freezing level where the snow is light enough for transport and the wind is strong enough (probably above 3800 meters). The take home message beyond all this new information is that today is not a day for backcountry travel above 3000 meters. Backcountry travel beneath the alpine bowls of Mount Apharwat is not recommended today.  The avalanche danger below 3000 meters is Moderate (2), human-triggered avalanches are possible, natural avalanches are unlikely. Below 3000 meters, as the rain continues, you can expect potential wet loose avalanches due to a saturated upper snowpack, and even small wet slabs.

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.

https://avanet.avatech.com/

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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 – Wet Slab

Release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) that is generally moist or wet when the flow of liquid water weakens the bond between the slab and the surface below (snow or ground). They often occur during prolonged warming events and/or rain-on-snow events. Wet Slabs can be very destructive.

Avoid terrain where and when you suspect Wet Slab avalanche activity. Give yourself a wide safety buffer to handle the uncertainty.

Problem Description – Release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) that is generally moist or wet when the flow of liquid water weakens the bond between the slab and the surface below (snow or ground). They often occur during prolonged warming events and/or rain-on-snow events. Wet Slabs can be very destructive.

Avoid terrain where and when you suspect Wet Slab avalanche activity. Give yourself a wide safety buffer to handle the uncertainty.

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.

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Weather Forecast (link:http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Gulmarg/6day/mid)