THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON March 3, 2024 @ 7:43 am
Avalanche Advisory published on March 2, 2024 @ 7:43 am
Issued by Brian Newman - Gulmarg Avalanche Center

Wind slab avalanche problem on all North aspects becoming more dangerous during sudden rise in temperature.  

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.  

 

3. Considerable

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Alpine - 3000 meters and above
Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

2. Moderate

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

1. Low

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Sub-Alpine - Below 3000 meters
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
    Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slab
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Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slab
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recent observations
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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.  

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. ​