Forecast: Provo Area Mountains - Utah Avalanche Center

Forecast for the Provo Area Mountains

Issued by Nikki Champion on
Monday morning, April 7, 2025

This morning, the overall avalanche danger is LOW, and Normal Caution is advised. However, due to a bump in temperatures, expect the danger to rise to MODERATE by midday on slopes facing east, south, and west. As the sun softens the snow, conditions may become unstable—especially on steep, sunlit terrain.

Keep an eye on changing conditions throughout the day. Once the snow turns wet and unsupportable on sunny slopes, it’s a good time to move to cooler, shadier aspects. Give cornices plenty of space—these large overhangs can break farther back than expected and may trigger slides on the slopes below.

Low

Moderate

Considerable

High

Extreme

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Weather and Snow

This morning in the Provo mountains, skies are clear and temperatures range from the upper 20s to mid-30s °F. Winds are blowing from the southwest at 10–20 mph across most mid-elevation slopes. Along the highest ridgelines, winds are slightly stronger, gusting 25 mph.

Today will be another beautiful day, beginning with sunshine and gradually increasing high clouds through the afternoon. Temperatures will warm quickly, reaching the mid-50s °F. Winds will shift to the west-southwest and increase throughout the day. Gusty southwesterlies will build ahead of a passing trough that will brush northern Utah this evening and overnight. While this system will briefly stall the warming trend, no measurable precipitation is expected. Expect mid-elevation ridgelines to see winds averaging 10–25 mph, with gusts into the 40s on the highest peaks.

Yesterday’s warmth and strong sunshine melted the surface snow on all sunny aspects and lower elevations, leaving behind a stout crust this morning. However, many riders still found excellent conditions on shady, mid and upper-elevation slopes. Some soft snow lingers in those areas, but each warm day continues to chip away at it.

Recent Avalanches

No new avalanches were reported to the UAC, though there is evidence of a wet loose avalanche cycle on south, west, and some mid-elevation east-facing slopes.

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Description

With another round of strong sunshine and warming temperatures, expect the daily melt-freeze cycle on sunny aspects to continue. If the snow becomes damp and unsupportable—or you're seeing rollerballs or pinwheels—it’s a clear sign to move on.

Plan your exits early, and don’t forget that while you may be in the shade, slopes above you could be cooking in the sun. Wet avalanches can travel far and pile up deeply in gullies and other terrain traps.

Also keep in mind: wet avalanches can impact people well below avalanche terrain. Be especially cautious when traveling beneath steep slopes, as slides starting high can carry a lot of snow downhill—potentially reaching trailheads, walking paths, or even the river.

Type

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Likelihood

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Aside from wet snow concerns, the snowpack is generally stable, and both natural and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely. "Normal Caution" applies when conditions are broadly safe and no specific avalanche problem dominates.

This doesn't mean green-light conditions—continue to assess snow and weather as you travel. Terrain choice still matters, especially in isolated areas where you may encounter:

New Snow: Sluffing or shallow soft slabs in recent storm snow. Use slope cuts and limit exposure.

Wind-Drifted Snow: Light winds lately, but watch for fresh drifts. Rounded pillows that crack or collapse signal instability.

Cornices & Roof Avalanches: Still a real hazard—give them a wide berth from all angles.

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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.

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