Check out our Holiday Auction - Sign Up for the Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop (USAW)
Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Place Names Map Archives Weather
Education
Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills On-Snow Courses Resources and Tutorials
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Forecast for the Provo Area Mountains

Greg Gagne
Issued by Greg Gagne on
Friday morning, December 29, 2023
The avalanche danger is LOW and traveling with normal caution is advised when traveling in avalanche terrain. Watch for sluffing in the dry/loose snow surface on steep shady slopes and in isolated areas at the mid and upper elevations, you may encounter shallow slabs of wind-drifted snow.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
To fulfill our mission, the UAC relies on our amazing backcountry community. Your support helps pay for the daily avalanche forecast, free awareness presentations across the state, and new tools like the new Avalanche and Observation Explorer. As the end of the year approaches, please consider donating to the UAC.
Weather and Snow
This morning: temperatures are in the upper 20's and low 30's F and winds are from the west and light, only gusting to around 15 mph at the upper-most elevations.
Today: mostly sunny skies with temperatures rising into the 30's F. Winds will be from the southwest and remain light but will increase overnight and into Saturday.
General Outlook: The next chance for snow is 8-10 days out.
With sunshine, mild temperatures, and a supportable snowpack, travel is easy and the recrystallized snow at the surface (often called "recycled powder" or "square powder") provides decent riding conditions. (Photo Sean Zimmerman-Wall)
Recent Avalanches
Other than continued sluffing in the weak snow at the surface, no backcountry avalanches were reported from Thursday. On Wednesday, two shallow hard slab avalanches of wind-drifted snow released 6-12” deep on a layer of faceted snow:
  • Miller Hill - Outside of the Snowbird Boundary - American Fork - 10,000’ - East Aspect - 12” deep - 50’ wide - ran 150’ (See video below)
  • East Provo Peak - South of Cascade Peak - 10,900’ - East Aspect - 6” deep - 30’ wide
Video: Sean Zimmerman-Wall - Snowbird Mountain Guides
Ad
Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
The avalanche danger is low and applying normal caution when traveling in avalanche terrain is advised. Although avalanches are unlikely, they are not impossible. In isolated areas, you may encounter:
  • Shallow, soft, and hard slabs of wind-drifted snow along the highest ridgelines and some exposed mid-elevation terrain. These slabs are most common on north, east, and southwest-facing slopes. Soft slabs may exhibit shooting cracks and are typically sensitive to triggers. Hard slabs, however, can be smooth and round and might not release until you’re well onto the snow surface.
  • Long-running, loose, dry sluffs (see photo below) on steep, shady, wind-protected slopes as the snow surface continues to weaken.
  • A larger avalanche breaking down into faceted snow in steep, thin, rocky terrain on aspects facing northwest through east, and even southeast at the mid and upper elevations.
Remember that low danger is not the same as no danger. Read more about the Danger Ratings HERE.
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.
Observations and Avalanches
Backcountry Emergency Procedures
Instagram
Facebook
Get Forecast Email
Previous Forecasts
Contact via email
Submit Observation
< Previous forecast
Next forecast >