Gulmarg Region

Issued
Thursday, March 14, 2024 - 3:12AM UTC
Expires
Friday, March 15, 2024 - 3:12AM UTC
Author
brian
Danger level 3
THE BOTTOM LINE

Wind slab avalanche problem on all North aspects becoming more dangerous during sudden rise in temperature.  Under similar conditions, poorly bonded new snow on South aspects may release easily.

 

Avalanche Danger

Thursday, March 14, 2024
Above Treeline 3 - Considerable
Near Treeline 1 - Low
Below Treeline 1 - Low

Danger Scale

1 - 1 - Low
2 - 2 - Moderate
3 - 3 - Considerable
4 - 4 - High
5 - 5 - Extreme

Avalanche Problems (3)

Problem #1: Wind Slab

Problem Type
Wind Slab
Wind Slab
Aspect/Elevation
Above Treeline
Near Treeline
Below Treeline
Likelihood
Unlikely
Possible
Likely
Very Likely
Certain
Size
Small (D1)
Large (D2)
Very Large (D3)
Historic (D4-5)

Problem #2: Persistent Slab

Problem Type
Persistent Slab
Persistent Slab
Aspect/Elevation
Above Treeline
Near Treeline
Below Treeline
Likelihood
Unlikely
Possible
Likely
Very Likely
Certain
Size
Small (D1)
Large (D2)
Very Large (D3)
Historic (D4-5)

North and Northeast aspects above 3000 meters have a persistent deep slab risk.  Avalanches triggered will be large, destructive and contain the entire seasonal snowpack down to the ground.  As seen in last Thursday's incident in South Apherwat bowl, they are difficult to trigger and may occur on slopes already skied with numerous tracks.  

Problem #3: Loose Wet

Problem Type
Loose Wet
Loose Wet
Aspect/Elevation
Above Treeline
Near Treeline
Below Treeline
Likelihood
Unlikely
Possible
Likely
Very Likely
Certain
Size
Small (D1)
Large (D2)
Very Large (D3)
Historic (D4-5)

Recent Avalanche Activity

At approximately 1pm on Thursday Feb 22, a large avalanche was triggered by a group of skiers in South Apherwat bowl, in the backcountry outside Gulmarg ski area.  8 skiers were caught; 1 was completely buried and killed.  Seven of the group member had airbags.  Six of them managed to deploy their airbags and were partially buried, one with minor injuries. The eitghth member, a local guide was partially buried and was not wearing an airbag.  The avalanche was a destructive size 3.  

Mountain Weather

 

Snow Forecast

View detailed snow forecast for Gulmarg at:
snow-forecast.com

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. ​