diff --git a/models/MOM6/model_mod.f90 b/models/MOM6/model_mod.f90
index bd46ea88de..f03283b7b3 100644
--- a/models/MOM6/model_mod.f90
+++ b/models/MOM6/model_mod.f90
@@ -327,7 +327,7 @@ subroutine model_interpolate(state_handle, ens_size, location, qty, expected_obs
 
 enddo FIND_LAYER
 
-if (any(found == .false.)) then
+if (any(found .eqv. .false.)) then
    istatus(:) = OBS_TOO_DEEP
    return
 endif