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Observation: Gold Basin

Observation Date
4/20/2025
Observer Name
Ryan Huels
Region
Moab » Gold Basin
Location Name or Route
Tukno/Lower Cirque
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Beautiful spring day in the mountains with sunny blue skies and very light winds out of the NW. Temps started in the upper 20s at 28 in the winter lot this morning and crept up into the 40s by the afternoon. It was 45 at the winter parking lot around 2pm. Opportunities for great spring skiing weather look like they will continue through the week with temperatures in the upper 20s at night and 40s during the day.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
There was around 3-4" of new snow from the recent storm around the compass. Snow appeared to remain cold yesterday in upper elevations and at mid elevations on the northern half. In certain areas sheltered from the wind and on very steep northerlies up high there seemed to be 4-7" of settled snow. There was a stout melt freeze crust under the new snow that was difficult to penetrate, but not too firm for quality boot packing. I found the best quality snow on steep North facing terrain in Lower Cirque and in other areas where the underlying snow surface was smooth and absent of previous ski tracks. Overall pretty good skiing on Tukno and Lower Cirque. Conditions should remain good with the new snow for at least another day I would imagine.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
I did not observe any outstanding red flags today. There was evidence of previous wet/loose action prior to the storm from daytime warming. Something to continue to keep an eye on as standard spring caution. Deep penetration into the snow, rollerballs, pinwheels and wet sticky snow are red flags.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Spring caution. Timing is everything this time of year working terrain E to W with the sun and being aware of above stated springtime red flags and loose/wet slides. Additionally, watch for loose dry sluffing on steep terrain early in the day with the new snow on the slick surface below.
Comments
Under the 3-4" of new snow there is a solid and firm melt freeze crust. Moving through steep terrain now requires boot packing and many boot packs are in place from all the traffic the mountains have seen the past few days. Depending on daytime high temperatures, it does take some time for the snow surface to warm and become most enjoyable for turning. I rode Tukno approaching from Exxon's. I descended Tukno at 1100 and the surface was still firm underneath the new snow. Photos below from approach/descent of Tukno in addition to a look at W-S Facing terrain near the laurel highway, Tuk and South Mountain.
After, I went up into Lower Cirque which offered the highest quality turning on steep north facing terrain accessed by boot pack and on the descent down from Lower Cirque. East facing terrain in the Cirque is no longer connected top to bottom. I probed 155cm of snow at the top of the middle cirque.
A very cool look at the locals moving from E facing to N facing terrain as things warmed in the morning. I watched for quite a while. Very amazing and beautiful observing them move through the snow covered mountains.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates