Observation Date
2/28/2023
Observer Name
Chris Lile
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Near Gold Knob
Comments
We were unable to make it to the Geyser Pass TH in a high clearance 4wd truck. Our backup plan was to go ski near Gold Knob. During our tour we travelled on mostly W and SW terrain. Multiple times throughout the day we heard large whumpfs in open areas with little tree cover.
We chose to ski low angle terrain (<30deg) below treeline. The skiing was decent with a few inches of new snow above a widespread sun crust.
Forecaster Note: Typically audible collapses or "whumpfs" are associated with collapsing a weak layer beneath a slab. It is unlikely this was occurring on these aspects/elevations. The whumpfing mentioned in this ob is most likely associated with breaking sun crusts.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates