Observation: Gold Basin

Observation Date

3/3/2018

Observer Name

Wilson, Hayes, Hardesty

Region

Moab » Gold Basin

Location Name or Route

Gold Miners, Talking Mountain Cirque

Weather

Sky

Few

Wind Direction

Southeast

Wind Speed

Moderate

Weather Comments

Glorious day, despite a strong South to Southeast wind. Temperatures were above freezing at Gold Basin from 10am onward, and reached 43F at the Geyser Trailhead at 3pm. Although temps stayed in the mid 20's at 11,700', steep south and southwest aspects still got wet. Snow tranpsorted in obvious plumes off ridglines, but also saltating like blown beach sand across slopes and valleys.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Dense Loose

Faceted Loose

Wind Crust

Melt-Freeze Crust

Damp

Snow Characteristics Comments

Is there a check box for talus? Lots of snow surface conditions to choose from out there, especially for those fond of wind-board. Soft skiing remained in treed north aspects, while solar aspects were either crusted or damp. Wind had impacted well into the valleys and lower elevations. Still, fun turns to be had.

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

Structure remains poor, with basal facets observed on even high elevation thin South aspects (albeit without much slab above). Plenty of wind and moving snow, but wind pillows did not seem sensitive along our route. No recent avalanches noted, no cracking or collapsing noted.

Video

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Moderate

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Moderate

Learn More

Take a Class

How To

Help the Community

Upcoming Events

Observations & Avalanches