Forecast for the Provo Area Mountains

Drew Hardesty
Issued by Drew Hardesty on
Monday morning, March 2, 2020
The danger will rise to Moderate for wet avalanches on the steep sunlight terrain today. Natural and human triggered wet loose avalanches are probable. Isolated pockets of shallow new snow and wind slab avalanches are also possible in steep terrain, primarily in the upper elevations.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements
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Weather and Snow
Skies are mostly clear this morning with generally light winds from the north. The highest elevation anemometers along the Cottonwood/American Fork ridgeline have some gusts into the 20s and 30s. Temperatures are in the teens.
Storm totals are 3-4" of about 6-7% density and even these few inches will dramatically improve skiing and riding conditions.

For today, we'll have clear skies, light northwest wind and temperatures warming to the mid to low 20s. Winds may continue to be gusty from the northwest along the highest elevations.
We'll probably see a few clouds tonight into tomorrow with a weak system pushing through but then a return to sunny skies by mid to late week. Possible storm for next weekend; stay tuned.
Recent Avalanches
None reported, though both natural and human triggered sluffs were noted in the steep terrain of the central and northern Wasatch yesterday.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wet Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Wet loose avalanches can be expected with direct sun and daytime warming. Natural and human triggered wet sluffs are likely on the steeper slopes and should leave decent debris piles, running far on the slick underlying crusts. When the snow becomes damp and/or you start to see rollerballs and pinwheels, it's time to head to a cooler aspect or low angle terrain. These wet sluffs generally move slowly, but they pile up like concrete. Don't take them for granted.
Avalanche Problem #2
New Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Shallow new snow and wind slab avalanches may still be possible in the highest elevations. These are manageable for experienced riders but the debris piles may be enough to bury a person beneath continuously steep terrain.
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.