THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON February 19, 2023 @ 9:30 pm
Avalanche Advisory published on February 18, 2023 @ 9:30 pm
Issued by Brian Newman - Gulmarg Avalanche Center

Steep alpine slopes are a gamble with a deep persistent weak layer.  The consequences of triggering an avalanche within this layer are large, destructive avalanches which may endanger not only you, your group but other groups below and rescuers.  Use conservative decisions selecting terrain and managing your group.  Stay aware of your surroundings including groups riding slopes above you.

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: Wet Slab
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  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
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    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

Snowpack at 3000 meters elevation has not enjoyed freezing temperatures for multiple days.  Avoid steep sunny slopes after 12 pm. 

Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slab
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

Careful route planning; use conservative decisions.  Affected slopes are difficult to predict. 

advisory discussion

Remember that a serious injury sustained here in the Pir Pinjal range may have a far worse outcome than in Western countries due to long rescue duration.  

recent observations
Submit Observations

February 1 a group skiing in Sheenmai bowl triggered a large destructive avalanche which caught, buried and killed two persons.  Lower on the slope an additional two persons were caught, partially buried and survived.

We welcome your snowpack and avalanche observations.  Please share them on Gulmargac.in under "Submit Observations"

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. ​