diff --git a/models/wrf/model_mod.f90 b/models/wrf/model_mod.f90
index 7fc9592aba..4d72585162 100644
--- a/models/wrf/model_mod.f90
+++ b/models/wrf/model_mod.f90
@@ -2005,7 +2005,7 @@ subroutine convert_vertical_obs(state_handle, num, locs, loc_qtys, loc_types, &
             zk  = geopotential_height_interpolate(ens_size, state_handle, QTY_GEOPOTENTIAL_HEIGHT, id, ll, ul, lr, ur, k, dxm, dx, dy, dym)
             zk1 = geopotential_height_interpolate(ens_size, state_handle, QTY_GEOPOTENTIAL_HEIGHT, id, ll, ul, lr, ur, k+1, dxm, dx, dy, dym)
             geop = vertical_interpolation(ens_size, zloc, zk, zk1)
-            zout = compute_geometric_height(geop(1), grid(id)%latitude(i, j))
+            zout = compute_geometric_height(geop(1), lon_lat_vert(2))
 print*, 'HK geop, zout', geop, zout
         endif