Forecast for the Provo Area Mountains

Dave Kelly
Issued by Dave Kelly for
Saturday, November 5, 2022
Expect a rising avalanche danger this weekend with a warm and windy storm on the horizon.
Heavy snowfall, rapid accumulations and drifting may occur with the forecasted snow and wind amounts. Avoid steep terrain on the north-east half of the compass as the storm progresses.
Avalanches are possible when traveling in the mountains. The two primary avalanche problems to watch for are (1) fresh deposits of wind-drifted snow and (2) new snow avalanches involving storm slabs or sluffing. Be particularly cautious traveling in avalanche terrain during periods of increased snowfall and winds.
NOTE: As we get up and running this season please consult the updated Salt Lake Forecast and check out our observations page. We will continue updating information about weather in the Provo area mountains but will hold off issuing danger ratings until coverage increases and we get more snowpack data.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
Remember to treat ski areas as backcountry terrain and check each resort's travel restrictions on the Resort Uphill Policy page before accessing their terrain.
The ski areas are getting ready for their operating seasons to start so please be respectful of equipment and employees both on and off the slopes.
Give snowcats and snowmobiles a wide berth as they move around their terrain.
With the start of the season it's time to brush up on some continuing education. Check out the upcoming Beacons in the Park, PROSAW, and USAW, events next week.
Weather and Snow
As of Saturday morning skies were overcast. Winds were gusting to the 40's (mph) at the 8000' ridgelines from the southwest. Temperatures at the lower elevations are in the mid 30's f and mid 20's f at the 8000' weather stations. Provo area mountains are forecast to see 6-12" of snow with the potential for higher amounts in select areas. Winds will continue from the west in the 20's gusting to the 40's (mph). Temperatures today will be 34-38f and dropping this evening.
Recent Avalanches
No recent activity reported from the Provo area mountains, if you see see something submit an observation here.
Check out our observations page for the latest updates from around Utah.
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Additional Information
A Few Things to Remember:
  • It doesn't matter what you're doing in the mountains-going for a hike, hunting, trying to ski, board, snowshoe or firing up the snowmachine: be prepared for avalanches
  • Triggering any avalanche regardless of its size can produce serious trauma because of a thin snowpack
  • Hitting rocks and stumps is a real danger. Don't end your season early from hitting one of these obstacles
  • Treat ski resorts as backcountry terrain and check out the UAC site for resort uphill travel policies

Even if you're not planning to get onto the snow, it's never too early to start thinking about avalanches. A few things to consider doing:
1. Attend USAW and learn more about avalanches and decision making. (scroll down to the bottom of this page for more info and links)
2. Sign up for an avalanche class.
4. Take the all-new online avalanche courses the UAC built for Know Before You Go or take other online courses listed on the KBYG website (Develop skills -> Online Learning).
5. Get your avalanche rescue gear ready for winter. Put fresh batteries in your transceiver and update the firmware. Inspect your shovel and probe. Get your airbag backpack ready by possibly doing a test deployment and update the firmware if it is an electric version.
Sign up for the 15th Annual Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop (USAW) one night left, November 9th. Sign up and get more info HERE.
The Avalanche Professional and Ski Patrol Snow and Avalanche Workshop (PROSAW) will be during the day of November 7th. Sign up and get more info HERE. (note - PROSAW will be offered both in-person and virtual).
General Announcements

This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.