All posts by Luke Smithwick

January 22, 2015

Backcountry Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions for Gulmarg 22.1.2015

ALPINE   3,000 to 4,000 meters

DangerScale_Icons
HIGH – Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended. Natural avalanches likely. Human-triggered avalanches likely.

 

BELOW TREELINE Below 3,000 meters

CONSIDERABLE – Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious routefinding, and careful decision-making essential. Natural avalanches possible, human-triggered avalanches likely.

 

storm-slabPrimary Problem

A storm slab problem typically lasts between a few hours to a few days. >30 cms of new cohesive storm snow is sitting on top of the old snow surface. There is poor bonding between the new snow and the old snow and this is the main avalanche danger today. Wait for snow settlement and bonding.

 

Untitled2 copySnowpack discussion

The avalanche danger rating is high for today in the alpine zone, and considerable below treeline. Storm slab is the problem, with >40cm of new snow at mid-mountain in the past 24 hours sitting on top of surface hoar on northerly aspects in most alpine areas.  Wind speeds topped out at 56 km/h last night at patrol base, and there are numerous clues on the snow surface of significant winds, including trees with no snow, leeward plumes behind rocks, and cornices in micro-terrain . When it clears today expect to see natural avalanches on north-facing slopes near ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies and faces. I keep the problem as storm slab as it also covers wind slabs.  Wait for the snow to settle and do not venture into the back country today above treeline. Phase 1 will open today for skiing, phase 2 will be closed for avalanche control work. We may open K1 tomorrow (ski lift at mid-mountain), look for updates in the morning advisory. This advisory is late due to Gulmarg lacking internet for >24 hours.

 

Untitled3Weather Discussion for 3000m

Cloudy and moderate snow with light variable winds. Highs around 2 degrees with a low of -7. Snow showers forecasted tonight with minimal additional accumulation. Tomorrow, clearing for a few hours before more cloud cover moves in early Saturday morning with minimal total snow accumulation predicted over Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and to mid-day Tuesday (~15cm).

 

Issued by: Gulmarg Ski Patrolred-cross-2_bigger

This advisory is issued as a public service. No patrol services or avalanche control take place outside of the ski area boundary.