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

Snowpack Discussion

Avalanche danger above 3000 meters is Moderate (2). Natural avalanches are unlikely, human-triggered avalanches are possible.  During the warmest hours of the day today, avoid very steep solar aspects (>35 degrees). Travel during the coolest hours of the day today, when the skiing is best (10am-11am, 3pm-4:30pm) if you choose to go into the backcountry outside of the ski area.  In  addition, give cornices a wide berth, we will likely start seeing them collapse with very warm temperatures. Below 3000 meters, the avalanche danger is Low (1).  Natural and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely.

Skiers on the Shark’s Fin yesterday reported triggering loose snow avalanches.  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.

https://avanet.avatech.com/

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Avalanche Problem #1 – Wet Loose

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.

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