Well I don't have the tire in front of me but it wasn't fraying or anything. The tube was visible through the tire though, so the gash did go all the way through.
From reading around apparently I can boot it with mylar or cloth tape (I have gaffers tape at home - really strong stuff) and then use a tiny bit of rubber cement in the hole itself to seal it up. I also read about self-vulcanizing glues that will fuse the rubber on the outside of the tire together? Where can I get that?
Thanks,
--Illah