What does the scale above mean to you as a skier or snowboarder in the Gulmarg backcountry? Remember, this advisory is for the Gulmarg backcountry, which means the terrain that is outside of Gulmarg Ski Area. The red areas in the photo below are the Gulmarg backcountry, and the green area is Gulmarg Ski Area. This advisory does not apply to the green zone ski area. Read more here.
Snowpack Discussion
30 January 2017 – Avalanche danger above 3000 meters is Considerable (3) today. Natural avalanches possible, human triggered avalanches likely. At Treeline (3000m) and below, the avalanche danger is Moderate (2). Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered avalanches possible. The #1 avalanche problem for today is Storm Slab above 3000 meters. See the avalanche problems section below to read more about this avalanche problem. The #2 avalanche problem for today is Wind Slab avalanches. Wind Slab avalanches can be expected above 3000 meters on all aspects with the most likely locations being Northerly aspects. Control work yesterday in the ski area revealed widespread small wind slabs that were reactive to a ski cut. These slabs formed overnight and were 15-40 cms in thickness, failing on the low density snow that fell the day prior.
http://www.deepsnowsafety.org/index.php/. We now have enough snow in the conifer forests 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.
Avalanche Problem #1 – Storm Slab
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
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.
Weather Forecast (link:http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Gulmarg/6day/mid)
Gulmarg Ski Area (green zone) Timings for 30/1/2017:
Phase 1 – 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Phase 2 – Opening after avalanche control work if visibility allows*
Chair Lift – Opening after avalanche control work if visibility allows, estimated opening time 11:15 am.*
*We will board the second phase of the gondola at 0900 and go up to remove avalanche hazard overhanging the chair lift area. If visibility remains we will control for the second phase and open it as well. We will open what the weather allows. Look at the weather below, notice that it is forecasted to snow today.
Next avalanche talk is Tuesday, 31 January, 2017 at 7:30pm at Pine Palace Resort. Pine Palace Resort is located in Gulmarg meadow. Talks will continue every Tuesday night at 7:30 pm through 28 March, 2017.