January 15, 2015

Backcountry Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions for Gulmarg – 15.1.2015

ALPINE – 3000 – 4000 meters ; Today’s Danger Rating >
Considerable

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Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BELOW TREELINE – Below 3,000 meters ; Today’s Danger Rating > Low

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Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

 

Untitled4Primary Problem

Wind slabs form where wind has deposited or drifted snow. You will find them on lee aspects, generally near ridge lines, around terrain features and in ‘cross-loaded’ features like vertical ridges, couloirs and gullies. Wind slabs may remain reactive for up to a week after the wind event has ended.

Untitled6Secondary problem

A persistent slab is any slab formed over a persistent weak layer, in our case, depth 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.

Untitled2 copySnowpack discussion

Today’s danger rating remains considerable in the alpine zone. Yesterday’s observations and control work in the ski area revealed numerous natural avalanches and ski cutting released a sizeable avalanche that ran full path on a north-facing slope. The storm of the past two days delivered 20 cms at mid-mountain, with pockets of wind-loaded snow >30 cms just below ridgelines near the top. It is a good start, but we still need more snow on the mountain. Clear skies and cooler temps last night should help settlement and the avalanche danger should reduce by tomorrow. Gondola Status: Phase 1 of the gondola is open to skiing today. Phase 2 remains closed as we complete control work on the upper mountain and wait for more snow. Backcountry travel in the alpine zone is not advised today.  Remember, blue skies do not indicate safe avalanche conditions. Wait for the snow to settle.

Untitled3Weather discussion – for 3000m > Mostly clear today with light southwesterly winds. Another storm is forecasted for next week.

 

A sizeable avalanche during yesterday’s control work in the Gulmarg ski area.

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.

Daily backcountry avalanche advisory for the Gulmarg community. Advisories are built from real time and snowpit data by Snow Safety Officer Luke Smithwick. A service provided by the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department.