Observation: Goldminer's

Observation Date
2/19/2025
Observer Name
Van Wetter
Region
Moab » Laurel Highway » Goldminer's
Location Name or Route
Goldminer's
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
The morning's sunny skies were gradually broken by butt cover originating from the north. It was still sunny in the mountains when it was butty in town. Light breeze from the N-NW was insufficient to transport snow, and did not preserve solar aspects from warming.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
We found a bit of everything, including blown facets, hot powder, and sun crust. Recent storm snow has largely settled and compacted above treeline. Some leeward slopes have some faceted blown snow, and most of the soft turns we found were near and below treeline in sheltered areas. Recent warming has led to a sun crust on solars near treeline, though it varied widely depending on aspect. The best turns were on the edges near tree cover.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We experienced some localized collapsing near and below treeline which did not produce significant cracking. Southern and solar aspects are largely thin and have varied coverage.
Comments
Though the skiing was varied, we found some good turns near treeline and found south- and south-west aspects to be supportive and surfy. Some facet-wind crust surfaces exist. Wind erosion from January and early February is apparent in thin ridge snowpack, exposed scree, and leeward wales. Localized collapsing near and below treeline did not produce larger effects. Saw a few rollerballs run from tree snow and our tracks below treeline, though there was no evidence of water in the snowpack. I'd be lying if I said it was as good as it gets, but we were pleasantly surprised by coverage, supportability, and cold snow temps.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates