THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON February 13, 2022 @ 9:30 pm
Avalanche Advisory published on February 12, 2022 @ 9:30 pm
Issued by Brian Newman - Gulmarg Avalanche Center

Wind slab on North half aspects in Alpine elevations (above 3000m).  Various alpine avalanche paths in the alpine region have a deeply buried weak layer and may be hanging in the balance.  A single rider may trigger large, destructive avalanches.  When selecting your route in the backcountry, remain conservative.  

2. Moderate

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Alpine - 3000 meters and above
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

1. Low

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Transistional - Near 3000 meters
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

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Sub-Alpine - Below 3000 meters
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
    Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slab
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  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small
Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slab
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  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

This avalanche problem is at the bottom of the snowpack.  Very large crystals with lots of open space between.  With an entire layer of the snowack, 2"-6"or more, its weakness in supporting additional layers of snow becomes significant.  Where did these large crystals come from?  They are the evolution of regular snow flakes which fell out of the sky back in November (one of the coldest months of the year).  As these snow flakes accumulated on the ground, they formed the first snowpack of the season.  What cuased them to undergo such a dramatic change is due to extreme seasonal conditions generally only occuring at the beginning of winter; extra cold temperatures, extra shallow snow pack, and finally extra time enduring these conditions.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Snow Forecast

View detailed snow forecast for Gulmarg at:

snow-forecast.com

Disclaimer

This avalanche advisory is provided through a partnership between the Jammu and Kashmir State Department of  Tourism and the Gulmarg Avalanche Center. This advisory covers the Pir Pinjal range accessible from the Gulmarg Ski Area. Click here for a map of the forecast area.  This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. This advisory expires 24 hours after the posted time unless otherwise noted. The information in this advisory is provided as public a service.  The user of this information accepts all risks and responsibility. ​