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Forecast for the Provo Area Mountains

Drew Hardesty
Issued by Drew Hardesty for
Saturday, February 10, 2018

The avalanche hazard is generally LOW. Human triggered avalanches 1-2' deep are unlikely but not impossible in isolated terrain. Many experienced people continue to avoid steep slopes facing north through northeast at the mid and upper elevations - particularly if the slope offers a poor runout. If we see more snow than expected, look for shallow sluffs and localized wind pockets along the highest elevations.

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Weather and Snow

Skies are overcast wtih westerly winds blowing 15mph, gusting to 25. Temperatures are in the upper 20s to low 30s. Snow depths in the Provo mountains are 15-25" with little to no snow on many low elevation or south facing slopes.

Although Salt Lake-centric, our Week in Review for February 2-8:


Recent Avalanches

No recent reports from the Provo mountains.

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Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

Although unlikely, persistent slab avalanches remain possible in isolated terrain. This problem exists on steep slopes facing north through northeast, especially those that are rocky, wind-loaded, or have a thinner snowpack. Although the last reported backcountry avalanche occurred on Jan 31, we continue to receive reports of poor snowpack structure (stronger slab over weaker facets) in isolated areas, particularly outside of the upper Cottonwoods.

The snowpack won't likely give you the usual clues of collapsing or whoomphing, so you will have to pull out your shovel and dig down to look for the poor structure. If you do choose to ride in terrain where this poor structure may be present, be sure to select slopes with clean runouts where you won't end up going into trees or over rocky cliff bands.

Avalanche Problem #2
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

Fresh wind drifts from the west/northwest winds may be found. Although I am not expecting these drifts to be widespread, there may be pockets along upper elevation ridgelines, especially those with an easterly component.

Additional Information

Light snowfall today may add up to an inch or two, maybe. Central Utah and southern Utah county mountains may see 1-3" or so. Winds will be from the northwest, dropping to 10-15mph. Temperatures will be in the low teens. We'll see clearing skies tonight and tomorrow with another weak storm for Monday afternoon with 2-4" possible. Mid-week to the weekend looks uninteresting but maybe a glimmer of something just beyond the 7 day time frame. Maybe.

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

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