Observation: Gold Basin

Observation Date
1/27/2026
Observer Name
T. Matthews, D. Garcia, E. Clapper
Region
Moab » Gold Basin
Location Name or Route
Laurel Highway, The Nose, Talking MTN Cirque
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Clear sunny skies and light winds made the upper 20 degree temps feel warm. South took on solar input and became damp.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

The previous days NW winds have done some damage to the alpine terrain above treeline, and created a mix bag of surfaces. The best snow can be found near treeline in locations that were sheltered from the NW winds of days past. Solar aspects became damp from strong solar input and little wind to help keep the surface cooler.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
I say rapid warming from a place of solar input on south aspects more than a rapid rise in air temps. Steep South was damp by noon, and on our first run down from the Pre-Laurel Peak station towards Show Off the lower portion of the run was damp, and becoming unconsolidated. Not to mention a reef of small rocks. The snowpack structure is poor. You can find areas without a slab from the weekends storm, and you could find areas with strong over weak. Mainly in areas that were more influenced by the winds.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Still a problem, and will continue to be problem with each new loading event. Currently most likely to find this in the alpine where the wind has stiffened up the weekends storm snow into slabs.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

No evidence today to support further wind slab development. I'd still stay on guard in the alpine, and pay attention to what looks like wind drifted snow. It's likely resting on some type of persistent grain.

Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
11,000'
Slope Angle
23°
Comments

Photo: 1 Walk far and stay low, and you can still find soft snow without a slab over the PWL's.

Photo:2 Stoked Evan in his natural environment

Video: 1 Dave enjoying the fruits of due diligence.

Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates