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

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

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