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Forecast for the Provo Area Mountains

Nikki Champion
Issued by Nikki Champion on
Saturday morning, March 13, 2021
The avalanche danger is LOW. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. Remember that risk is inherent in mountain travel.
Watch for fresh slabs of wind drifted snow. These wind slabs will be generally shallow and isolated to terrain features that allow for drifting snow to accumulate. In wind-sheltered zones, the new snow will likely lead to shallow soft slab avalanches or minor sluffing on the steepest slopes today.
Falling in steep terrain and being unable to stop on hard, refrozen snow underneath the new snow remains a hazard.
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Weather and Snow
This morning, skies are overcast and it is lightly snowing. Mountain temperatures are in the mid-teens to low 20s F. Another 1-2" of snow fell overnight. The overnight winds have increased and transitioned from East to East Northeast. Currently, the winds are averaging 5-15 mph.
Today, another 2-4 inches of snow could fall. Winds will continue to increase into the evening and temperatures should warm into the mid and upper 30s F. The wind speeds will average 15-25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph at upper elevations.
Total snow amounts have reached somewhere between 3-6" since Wednesday. Following the initial new snow on Wednesday, the sun came out and made the new snow damp on the east, south, and west aspects causing those aspects to refreeze into a firm riding surface. Overall, riding conditions have improved greatly. On the solar aspects, you can feel the firm surface from Wednesday beneath the new snow, in more protected areas you will find the best riding.
Our Week in Review - where we highlight significant avalanche and weather events from the past week has been published.
Recent Avalanches
No new avalanches reported in the backcountry yesterday.
Read what people are finding under Observations and Avalanches.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
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Location
Likelihood
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Description
Today, the overall avalanche danger is LOW. This means that human-triggered avalanches are unlikely, but small avalanches in isolated areas are possible.
Today I would watch for:
New Snow: Since Wednesday 2-5 inches of light snow has fallen on an array of firm snow surfaces in the backcountry, and I would expect to continue seeing shallow new snow avalanches today. The primary concern will be fast running sluffs in steep terrain, these may run naturally if there are any periods of heavy snowfall this afternoon.
Wind Drifted Snow: At upper elevation ridgelines, the new snow could be drifted into shallow wind drifts. These wind slabs will be shallow and overall small in size, but these new wind drifts are sitting atop of a firm snow surface which will make them very sensitive and cause them to run far and fast. Remember that even a small avalanche can be problematic in very steep and complicated terrain. Think about the terrain you are traveling above today.
Slide-for-life: The new snow could easily be scoured off steep slopes and expose the firm icy slopes below. Hard icy conditions aren't an avalanche concern, but a hazard nonetheless in steep terrain where you wouldn't be able to stop if you fell.
If the sun comes out for any reason today, that new snow will immediately become wet and wet avalanches will begin occurring. Pay attention to changes in conditions if you see roller balls and pinwheels - or the snow surface feels damp, it may be time to change your plans.
Additional Information
So what about that weak faceted snow on the ground? Mark and Trent talk about the snow they saw yesterday in Snake Creek.
General Announcements
Please visit this website with information about Responsible Winter Recreation by the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE GENERAL INFO AND FAQ
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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