Avalanche forecast

Provo

Issued Dec 15, 2025valid to Dec 16, 2025Utah Avalanche Center

Avalanche danger

Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline

Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger is mostly LOW, with a MODERATE danger on isolated, northerly through east-facing slopes above 9,000 feet where it remains possible to trigger a slab avalanche 1-2 feet deep failing on a persistent weak layer down near the ground.

Avalanche problems

Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
2
There is a persistent weak layer of faceted snow and depth hoar down near the ground. This problem exists above about 9,000 feet on slopes facing northwest through northeast, including upper-elevation slopes facing west through southeast. Collapsing and cracking on these slopes continues to be reported in the Salt Lake mountains, and also full propagation with extended column tests. Although triggering an avalanche is becoming less likely, human-triggered avalanches 1-2 feet deep remain possible, especially on slopes that have been wind-loaded at some point over the past week.

The image below shows the structure of stronger/denser snow on top of the persistent weak layer of facets and depth hoar down near the ground.

Recent Activity

Although no avalanches have been reported from the backcountry in a week, we continue to receive excellent observations on the current snowpack.

Snow and Weather

This Morning: Temperatures remain mild for mid-December, in the mid to upper 30's °F, with lower-elevation trailheads in the 20's °F where colder air sinks. Winds are blowing from the west and are light, less than 10 mph, with partly cloudy skies.

Today: Our unusual December weather continues, with temperatures rising into the 40's °F. Clearing skies this morning with clouds increasing during the afternoon. Winds will be from the west/northwest and light, gusting near 20 mph along the highest ridges, with increasing winds later this afternoon.

This Week: Active weather will return on Wednesday, with possibly 2-4 inches of warm, dense snow by Thursday morning. After a short break late this week, another warm storm is forecast for the weekend.

There is one to two feet of snow on northerly slopes, with south-facing slopes holding on to scraps of snow. The snowpack is supportable and travel is decent despite the thin 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.

Observations and Avalanches

Backcountry Emergency Procedures