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Forecast for the Provo Area Mountains

Mark Staples
Issued by Mark Staples on
Wednesday morning, December 2, 2020
Today the avalanche danger is LOW. The main hazard is hitting a rock or stump or other obstacles because the snowpack is so thin.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Weather and Snow
This morning it's cold with temperatures in the teens F at most mountain locations. Ridgetop winds are blowing 6-15 mph from the NE. Some clouds have dribbled into the area from the east this morning.
The main weather story today (since we're not talking about snowfall) is winds from the east that will keep temperatures cold today with highs only in the mid 20s F. Winds should increase from the E late this morning and subside this afternoon. Skies will be clear and sunny.
The snowpack is only 5-10 deep and becoming weak and faceted.
Recent Avalanches
There have been no reported avalanches.
Recent observations can be found by clicking here.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
The main hazards are rocks and other obstacles that aren't covered or barely covered by the thin snowpack. There may be some isolated, shallow slabs of wind drifted snow near ridgetops that could produce a small avalanche from increased winds two nights ago.
Otherwise, the snowpack continues to facet and weaken on most slopes except ones receiving direct sunshine. This faceting process occurs because the ground is always 32 degrees F and the snow surface is much colder which creates a big temperature difference over a short distance (because the snowpack is thin). To get avalanches, we'll need snowfall and/or wind to put a slab of snow on top of this weak snowpack.
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.