Backcountry Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions for Gulmarg 24.1.2015

ALPINE 3,000 to 4,000m

 

BELOW TREELINE Below 3,000m

 

Primary Problem

A persistent slab is any slab formed over a persistent weak layer, in our case, surface hoar. These slabs are hard to predict, often are triggered from the middle or low on the slab, and can propagate over large areas and across terrain features traditionally thought of as safe zones, like ridges, benches, and low angle terrain. The problem can last for weeks or months.

Snowpack discussion

The avalanche danger rating for the alpine today is considerable, and moderate below tree line. A better word for considerable is Serious. We have Serious avalanche danger in the alpine right now. Persistent slab is the problem, with >40cm of snow sitting on top of surface hoar in many alpine and below tree line areas. Likely aspects are NW, N, NE, and E – facing sheltered aspects. If the weather allows today, we will move up to G-4 and begin control work to try and get your mountain open. Phase 1 is open, ski lift will probably open after control work, and phase 2 is a giant maybe for today.  Don’t plan your day around phase 2 opening, and if we get clear weather for all of the work day today, we will use it to get phase 2 ready for tomorrow, meaning the ski lift will remain closed. If the clouds roll in and visibility is less-than-desirable for avalanche mitigation on phase 2, we will open the ski lift.  An avalanche was remotely triggered from above on a northerly aspect in the alpine yesterday, skiing in the backcountry is not safe right now. Shooting cracks and “whumpfing” was also reported. Remember, these clues indicate instability, and the ability for avalanche propagation. All you need is a steeper slope angle and you’ll see an avalanche.

 Weather Discussion for 3000m Cloudy with light snow forecasted today. Light southwesterly winds and temps below freezing forecasted.