Preparation for Disasters
Provo’s location makes it a great place to live, but it also comes with some inherent risks.
The Wasatch Mountains and Wasatch Fault bring the potential for earthquakes, landslides, debris flows, and wildfires. Utah Lake, the Provo River, and local soil conditions create risks of flooding and liquefaction. A major railroad corridor and a growing airport add to the possibility of transportation accidents.
Some disasters are more likely than others. Severe weather and wildfires occur relatively often in Utah County, while major earthquakes and dam failures are much less common but could have devastating consequences.
We may not be able to prevent every disaster, but we can prepare for them. Understanding Provo's risks is an important first step toward protecting ourselves, our families, and our community.
The information on this page is provided for educational and emergency preparedness purposes. Hazard ratings are based primarily on the 2022 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan for Summit, Utah, and Wasatch Counties, supplemented by authoritative government sources.
Historical examples do not necessarily indicate future risk, and modeled disaster scenarios are not predictions of future events.
During an emergency, always follow official warnings and instructions from public safety authorities.
Disasters
Disasters can result from natural processes, severe weather, infrastructure failures, accidents, or human actions. Many disasters can have a domino effect. An earthquake, for example, can cause liquefaction, landslides, tsunamis, or dam failure.
The icons below represent some of the disasters found around the world.
Natural Disasters
Earthquake
Liquefaction
Wildfire
Flooding
Landslide
Mudslide
Sinkhole
Avalanche
Drought
Dust Bowl
Lightning
Heavy Rain
High Wind
Hail
Heavy Snow
Extreme Cold
Extreme Heat
Tornado
Infestation
Volcano
Hurricane
Tsunami
Space WeatherHuman-Caused Disasters
Dam Failure
Hazardous Materials
Aviation Accident
Train Derailment
Industrial Accident
Power Outage
Acts of Violence
Cyber Attack
Water Contamination
Poor Air QualityUnderstanding Provo's Risks
The 2022 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan, prepared by the Mountainland Association of Governments, compares disasters in Utah County by their probability and severity.
- Probability — how likely a disaster is to occur.
- Severity — how serious its impacts could be.
Together, these factors help show which disasters pose the greatest risk to our community. The matrix below shows how each disaster compares.
Utah County Hazard Matrix
Likelihood
Hail
Fire
Winter Weather
Wind
Avalanche
Lightning
Tornado
Flood
Drought
Landslide
Debris Flow
Earthquake
Dam Failure
Negligible
Limited
Critical
Catastrophic
Magnitude / Severity
Potential Magnitude / Severity
- Catastrophic: More than 50% of the community affected; many lives and a great deal of property potentially affected.
- Critical: 25–50% affected; multiple lives and/or multiple properties potentially affected.
- Limited: 10–25% affected; some property loss and fewer than three lives potentially lost.
- Negligible: Less than 10% affected; some property impact and no expected loss of life.
Probability
- Highly Likely: Near 100% probability within the next year.
- Likely: 10–100% probability in the next year, or at least one occurrence in the next 10 years.
- Possible: 1–10% probability in the next year, or at least one occurrence in the next 100 years.
- Unlikely: Less than 1% probability in the next 100 years.
What Could Be Affected in Provo?
The 2022 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan estimates how many buildings in Provo could be exposed to several major disasters. These estimates show that even less frequent events could affect a significant portion of our community.
| Disaster | Buildings Potentially Exposed | Estimated Building Value |
|---|---|---|
| Dam Failure | 16,883 | $5,531,865,000 |
| Fire Risk — High | 652 | $364,479,000 |
| Fire Risk — Moderate | 227 | $76,906,000 |
| Flood — 1% Annual Probability | 48 | $23,058,000 |
| Landslide | 290 | $108,752,000 |
| Liquefaction — Moderate to High | 19,338 | $6,140,581,000 |
| Earthquake — Pre-1990 Buildings | 15,358 | $4,386,424,000 |
Risk Maps
The number of buildings potentially exposed only tells part of the story. Risk maps help show where some of these threats are concentrated throughout Provo.
Preparing for Disasters
Preparing for emergencies can help protect you, your family, and your community when normal services are disrupted. The following steps provide a foundation for emergency preparedness.
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Stay Informed: Sign up for emergency alerts and know where to find official information during a disaster.
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Make an Emergency Plan: Identify evacuation routes, establish family meeting locations, and decide how to communicate if phone networks become unavailable.
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Build an Emergency Kit: Store enough water, nonperishable food, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, and other essentials for at least 72 hours. Consider additional supplies for extended emergencies.
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Prepare Your Home: Secure heavy furniture, maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and learn how to safely shut off utilities when necessary.
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Know Your Community: Understand hazards in your neighborhood, identify alternate transportation routes, and consider neighbors who may need assistance.
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Practice Your Plan: Review emergency procedures, check supplies, and practice evacuation and family communication plans regularly.
Sign up for local emergency notification systems to receive timely warnings and instructions from public safety agencies. During an emergency, follow official guidance from Provo City, Utah County, and other responding authorities.
Provo's geography can complicate transportation and evacuation during a major disaster. Utah Lake, the Wasatch Mountains, the Provo River, Interstate 15, and the railroad corridor can limit available routes.
The 2022 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan identifies relatively few crossings between areas west of I-15 and the rest of the city. Road closures, damaged infrastructure, or heavy traffic could further restrict access during an emergency.
Residents should become familiar with alternate routes and follow official evacuation instructions.
For additional preparedness guidance, visit Be Ready Utah.
Disasters
The cards below provide information about different types of disasters, including how they occur, the impacts they can cause, and how they may affect Provo and Utah County.
Earthquake
Earthquakes occur when accumulated stress in the Earth's crust causes rocks to suddenly slip along a fault, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves that shake the ground. Depending on their magnitude, depth, and location, earthquakes can cause anything from minor tremors to widespread destruction.
Provo is located near the Wasatch Fault, an active fault system capable of producing major earthquakes. A large earthquake along the fault could cause intense ground shaking throughout Utah Valley, potentially damaging buildings, roads, and critical infrastructure. Older buildings, particularly those constructed without modern seismic reinforcement, are especially vulnerable.
Severe ground shaking could damage or collapse buildings, compromise roads and bridges, and disrupt critical infrastructure. Widespread interruptions to electricity, natural gas, water, transportation, and communications could complicate emergency response and recovery efforts.
On March 18, 2020, a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck near Magna. Shaking was felt across the Wasatch Front, including Utah Valley, and damaged buildings and utilities near the epicenter.
Liquefaction
Liquefaction occurs when loose, water-saturated soil temporarily loses its strength during strong earthquake shaking. As pressure builds between soil particles, the ground can behave more like a liquid than a solid, losing its ability to support buildings and other structures.
Utah Valley is particularly susceptible to liquefaction because much of the valley floor consists of sediments deposited by ancient Lake Bonneville and local rivers. Areas near Utah Lake, the Provo River, and locations with shallow groundwater are especially vulnerable when strong ground shaking occurs.
Liquefaction can cause buildings to sink or tilt, roads to buckle, and underground utilities to rupture. Ground settlement and horizontal movement can damage foundations, bridges, pipelines, and other infrastructure, even when structures survive the initial earthquake shaking.
The March 18, 2020, Magna earthquake caused liquefaction near the Jordan River and Great Salt Lake, including sand boils and ground movement.
Wildfire
Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that spread through vegetation such as grass, brush, and forests. They can ignite naturally through lightning or result from human activities, including unattended fires, equipment use, and electrical failures. Under hot, dry, and windy conditions, wildfires can spread rapidly and become difficult to contain.
Provo's location along the Wasatch Mountains places portions of the city near the wildland-urban interface, where homes and developed areas meet natural vegetation. Dry summers, seasonal winds, and steep foothill terrain can create conditions favorable for wildfire ignition and rapid fire spread.
Wildfires can destroy homes, damage utilities and transportation infrastructure, and force residents to evacuate. Smoke and airborne particles can also affect air quality across Utah Valley, even when fires are burning far from populated areas. Large wildfires can strain emergency response resources and disrupt essential services for extended periods.
The 2025 Buckley Draw Fire burned vegetation on hillsides above southeast Provo, leaving a burn scar that was later affected by heavy rainfall.
Flooding
Flooding occurs when water accumulates or flows into areas that are normally dry. It can result from prolonged rainfall, intense thunderstorms, rapid snowmelt, overflowing rivers, or drainage systems becoming overwhelmed. Flooding can develop gradually over several days or occur suddenly with little warning.
Provo's location between the Wasatch Mountains and Utah Lake creates several potential flooding hazards. Snowmelt and heavy precipitation can increase flows in the Provo River and other waterways, while steep mountain terrain can channel runoff rapidly toward developed areas. Low-lying neighborhoods and locations with limited drainage capacity may be especially susceptible to flooding.
Flooding can damage homes, businesses, roads, bridges, and underground utilities. Rising water can make transportation routes impassable, overwhelm stormwater infrastructure, and threaten public safety. Significant flooding may require evacuations and disrupt essential services while damaged infrastructure is repaired.
On September 7, 2013, intense thunderstorms flooded homes, roads, and public areas in Provo. Runoff washed out part of Grand Avenue near 900 North.
Landslide
Landslides occur when soil, rock, or other earth materials move downhill under the influence of gravity. They develop when the forces pulling material downslope exceed the strength holding it in place. Landslides can occur suddenly or develop gradually, with some continuing to move over months or years.
Provo's location along the Wasatch Mountains creates areas of elevated landslide susceptibility, particularly along steep foothills and slopes containing unstable geologic materials. Groundwater, heavy precipitation, erosion, and changes to natural slopes can contribute to instability. Previous landslide activity in developed neighborhoods demonstrates that these hazards are not limited to undeveloped mountainsides.
Landslides can damage or destroy homes, roads, retaining walls, and underground utilities as the ground shifts beneath them. Even slow movement can crack foundations, distort structures, and compromise essential infrastructure. Significant landslides may force evacuations, restrict access to neighborhoods, and create costly, long-term recovery challenges.
Following an unusually wet winter in 2005, increased groundwater contributed to renewed landslide movement in Provo’s Sherwood Hills neighborhood, damaging homes and infrastructure. Some homes were condemned.
Mudslides & Debris Flows
Mudslides and debris flows occur when water mixes with loose soil, rocks, sediment, and vegetation, creating a moving mass that travels downhill under the force of gravity. Unlike ordinary flooding, debris flows contain large amounts of solid material and can carry boulders, trees, and other heavy objects. These flows can develop rapidly and travel with tremendous force.
Provo's steep foothills and mountain drainages create conditions where debris flows can occur, particularly following intense rainfall or wildfire. Areas below recently burned watersheds are especially vulnerable because vegetation loss and changes to soil conditions can increase runoff and erosion. Drainages along the eastern benches can channel debris toward developed neighborhoods.
Debris flows can bury roads, damage or destroy buildings, overwhelm drainage systems, and sever underground utilities. Their combination of water, sediment, and large debris makes them especially destructive. Flows can develop with little warning, threatening residents and infrastructure located along drainage channels and at the base of steep slopes.
On August 27, 2025, intense rainfall over the Buckley Draw burn scar triggered a debris flow in southeast Provo. Mud and debris damaged buildings and roads.
Sinkhole
Sinkholes are depressions or openings in the ground that form when underlying material can no longer support the surface above it. They commonly develop when groundwater gradually dissolves soluble bedrock, creating underground voids that may eventually collapse. Sinkholes can form slowly over many years or appear suddenly when the ground gives way.
In Utah, natural sinkholes are associated primarily with areas containing soluble rock formations such as limestone, gypsum, and salt. Sinkholes are not identified as a major Provo-specific hazard in the regional mitigation plan, although localized ground collapse can occur where underground erosion or other subsurface conditions remove support from the ground above.
Sinkholes and other localized ground collapses can damage buildings, roads, sidewalks, and underground utilities. Sudden collapses can create dangerous openings in developed areas, while gradual ground movement may cause foundations and pavement to crack or settle. The severity of damage depends on the size, depth, and location of the collapse.
Hole-in-the-Ground is a natural sinkhole in Utah formed by collapse of subsurface material.
Avalanche
Avalanches occur when a mass of snow suddenly breaks loose and moves downhill under the force of gravity. They develop when the forces pulling snow downslope exceed the strength holding the snowpack together. Avalanches can travel at high speeds, carrying enormous amounts of snow and debris down mountain slopes.
Provo's proximity to the Wasatch Mountains creates significant avalanche hazards in nearby mountainous areas, particularly Provo Canyon and the surrounding high-elevation terrain. Heavy snowfall, wind, changing temperatures, and steep slopes can create unstable snow conditions. Although most developed areas of Provo are not directly exposed, nearby mountain roads and recreational areas can be vulnerable.
Avalanches can bury or injure people, damage infrastructure, and block transportation routes. Large avalanches may deposit substantial amounts of snow and debris across roadways, temporarily isolating communities or restricting access through mountain corridors. Avalanche hazards can also complicate emergency response and transportation during severe winter conditions.
In February 2024, an avalanche crossed the Rock Canyon trail east of Provo, burying part of the trail and a bridge beneath deep snow.
Drought
Drought is an extended period of unusually dry conditions that results in a shortage of available water. It develops when precipitation remains below normal levels over time, often compounded by high temperatures and increased evaporation. Unlike sudden disasters, drought typically develops gradually and may persist for months or years.
Provo's water supply depends on precipitation, mountain snowpack, local springs, and groundwater resources. Reduced winter snowfall and prolonged dry conditions can decrease runoff, limit groundwater replenishment, and place additional pressure on available water supplies. Utah's naturally dry climate makes the region particularly sensitive to extended periods of below-normal precipitation.
Drought can reduce water availability for homes, agriculture, businesses, and natural ecosystems. Extended dry conditions can lower reservoir levels, affect groundwater supplies, damage vegetation, and increase demand on existing water infrastructure. Severe drought may also result in water restrictions, economic losses, and long-term environmental impacts.
Utah experienced drought conditions during 2026, with effects on water availability and vegetation across parts of the state.
Dust Bowl
Dust Bowl conditions develop when prolonged drought, high winds, and the loss of protective vegetation allow large amounts of exposed soil to erode and become airborne. Repeated dust storms can remove fertile topsoil, damage agricultural land, and contribute to widespread environmental degradation. Unlike an isolated dust storm, a Dust Bowl involves persistent conditions affecting an extensive region.
Utah's arid climate, exposed lakebeds, and desert landscapes create conditions where wind erosion and dust storms can occur. Strong winds can transport dust into Utah Valley from distant source regions, particularly during dry periods. However, Provo is not identified as having a major Dust Bowl hazard in the regional mitigation plan.
Severe dust storms can reduce visibility, disrupt transportation, and introduce large amounts of airborne particulate matter. Prolonged wind erosion can also degrade soil quality, damage agricultural resources, and reduce vegetation cover. These impacts can extend beyond the areas where dust originates, affecting communities many miles downwind.
During the 1930s, prolonged drought and overgrazing contributed to severe dust storms around Grantsville, Utah. In 1935, an especially intense dust storm killed livestock and threatened the community. Conditions became so severe that federal soil conservation efforts began in 1938.
Lightning
Lightning is a powerful electrical discharge that occurs within thunderstorms, between clouds, or between a cloud and the ground. It develops when electrical charges build up within a storm and the difference between those charges becomes large enough to overcome the insulating properties of the surrounding air.
Provo experiences thunderstorms, particularly during the warmer months when atmospheric instability and mountain terrain contribute to storm development. Lightning is especially relevant in exposed locations such as mountain trails, open fields, parks, and other outdoor areas. Lightning can also strike locations several miles from the heaviest rainfall.
Lightning strikes can cause serious injuries or fatalities, ignite fires, and damage buildings, electrical equipment, and utility infrastructure. Electrical surges can disrupt power and communications systems, while strikes to trees or other objects can create additional hazards. Even relatively isolated lightning events can have significant consequences for individuals and affected facilities.
A lightning detection report recorded 49,360 lightning pulses in Utah County on 55 days in 2020. The total includes in-cloud lightning, not just cloud-to-ground strikes.
Heavy Rain
Heavy rain occurs when atmospheric conditions produce large amounts of precipitation over a relatively short period or sustained rainfall over an extended duration. It develops when moisture-rich air rises, cools, and condenses into clouds, allowing water droplets to grow until they become heavy enough to fall as rain. Intense thunderstorms can produce exceptionally high rainfall rates within a small geographic area.
Provo's location along the Wasatch Mountains influences local precipitation patterns. Moist air can be lifted by mountain terrain, enhancing cloud development and precipitation under favorable conditions. Seasonal thunderstorms and occasional surges of monsoonal moisture can produce intense rainfall across Utah Valley, particularly during the warmer months.
Heavy rainfall can overwhelm stormwater systems, reduce visibility, damage roads and infrastructure, and disrupt transportation and outdoor activities. Intense precipitation can also produce rapidly changing conditions across nearby communities, creating challenges for emergency response and infrastructure management.
On August 27, 2025, intense rain fell over the Buckley Draw burn scar in southeast Provo, triggering a debris flow that damaged nearby buildings and roads.
High Wind
High winds occur when air moves rapidly through the atmosphere, generally in response to differences in atmospheric pressure. Strong winds can develop from large weather systems, thunderstorms, or air flowing across mountainous terrain. Sudden gusts can produce damaging forces even when average wind speeds are relatively moderate.
Provo's location along the Wasatch Mountains influences local wind patterns. Mountain slopes, canyons, and nearby valleys can redirect or accelerate airflow, sometimes producing strong downslope or canyon winds. Thunderstorms and passing weather systems can also generate powerful winds across Utah Valley throughout the year.
High winds can uproot trees, damage roofs and buildings, overturn unsecured objects, and bring down power lines. Flying debris can threaten public safety, while damaged utility infrastructure may cause widespread power and communications outages. Severe wind events can also disrupt transportation and complicate emergency response.
On August 1, 2006, severe thunderstorm winds damaged roofs, trees, and utility poles in Provo. A gust of up to 106 mph was reported in the affected area.
Hail
Hail is a form of frozen precipitation consisting of balls or irregular lumps of ice that develop inside thunderstorms. Hailstones form when strong upward air currents carry water droplets into extremely cold regions of a storm, where they freeze and accumulate additional layers of ice. When the hailstones become too heavy for the storm's updrafts to support, they fall toward the ground.
Utah County experiences thunderstorms capable of producing hail, particularly during the warmer months. Provo's location near the Wasatch Mountains can contribute to localized thunderstorm development when atmospheric conditions are favorable. Although most hailstorms produce relatively small hailstones, stronger thunderstorms can generate larger hail capable of causing significant damage.
Hail can damage roofs, windows, vehicles, crops, and other exposed property. Larger hailstones can injure people and animals, while intense hailstorms may disrupt transportation and outdoor activities. Damage generally increases with hailstone size, impact speed, and the vulnerability of affected structures and materials.
On August 13, 2024, a thunderstorm produced hail reported up to 1.75 inches in diameter in nearby Orem and Lindon.
Heavy Snow
Heavy snow occurs when atmospheric conditions produce substantial accumulations of frozen precipitation over a relatively short period or through prolonged snowfall. Snow develops when ice crystals form within clouds and grow into snowflakes that reach the ground without completely melting. Heavy snowstorms can produce rapidly accumulating snow, reduced visibility, and significant disruptions to daily activities.
Provo's location along the Wasatch Mountains creates conditions favorable for winter snowfall, particularly when moist air is lifted over mountainous terrain. Snowfall amounts can vary considerably with elevation, with mountain communities and canyon corridors often receiving substantially more snow than the valley floor. Winter storm systems can also produce significant accumulation throughout developed areas of Provo.
Heavy snow can make roads impassable, disrupt transportation, damage trees and power lines, and interrupt essential services. Accumulated snow can place substantial weight on roofs and other structures, particularly when the snow is dense or contains significant moisture. Major snowstorms can restrict emergency vehicle access and delay the restoration of affected infrastructure.
On December 21, 2010, a Provo weather station recorded approximately 11 inches of snowfall in one day.
Extreme Cold
Extreme cold occurs when temperatures fall significantly below normal for a particular region, creating hazardous conditions for people, animals, and infrastructure. Cold outbreaks often develop when large masses of Arctic or polar air move into lower latitudes. Strong winds can accelerate heat loss, making already cold conditions feel substantially colder.
Provo experiences freezing temperatures throughout the winter, with occasional outbreaks of extreme cold. The surrounding Wasatch Mountains and Utah Valley influence local temperature patterns, particularly when cold air becomes trapped near the valley floor. Prolonged periods of subfreezing temperatures can affect developed neighborhoods, transportation corridors, and exposed infrastructure.
Extreme cold can cause hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related injuries. Freezing temperatures can damage water pipes, affect vehicles and mechanical equipment, and increase demand for heating and electricity. Extended cold outbreaks may disrupt utilities, transportation, and essential services, particularly when accompanied by power outages or other winter-weather hazards.
On December 27, 1924, Provo recorded a temperature of −30°F in historical weather records.
Extreme Heat
Extreme heat occurs when temperatures rise significantly above normal levels for a particular region, often persisting for several consecutive days. Heat waves commonly develop when high-pressure systems create stable atmospheric conditions that favor strong surface heating and suppress cloud formation. Prolonged periods of high temperatures can become dangerous even without other severe weather.
Provo experiences hot, relatively dry summers, with temperatures periodically exceeding 100°F. The city's location within Utah Valley and the presence of buildings, roads, and other developed surfaces can contribute to localized heat retention. Extended periods of high daytime temperatures, particularly when accompanied by warm nights, can increase heat exposure throughout the community.
Extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses. Prolonged high temperatures can also increase electricity demand, strain cooling systems, affect transportation infrastructure, and place additional stress on vulnerable populations. Consecutive hot days without adequate overnight cooling can increase the severity of these impacts.
On July 12, 2026, Provo reached approximately 107°F.
Tornado
Tornadoes are rapidly rotating columns of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. They develop when atmospheric conditions produce concentrated rotation within a storm, sometimes creating a visible funnel-shaped cloud. Tornadoes vary considerably in size, duration, and intensity, with the strongest producing extremely destructive winds.
Although tornadoes occur less frequently in Utah than in the central United States, they are a documented hazard in Utah County. Thunderstorms developing over Utah Valley can occasionally produce tornadoes, including waterspouts that form over Utah Lake and move onto surrounding land. Provo's mountainous surroundings do not eliminate the possibility of tornado formation.
Tornadoes can damage buildings, uproot trees, overturn vehicles, and destroy exposed infrastructure. Their rotating winds can lift and propel debris, creating significant hazards for people and property. Even relatively weak tornadoes can cause localized damage, while stronger events may produce widespread destruction along their paths.
On September 13, 1982, a waterspout over Utah Lake moved ashore near Provo Municipal Airport as a tornado.
Infestation
Infestations occur when populations of insects, plants, or other harmful organisms increase or spread to levels that threaten agriculture, natural ecosystems, property, or public health. They may involve unusually large populations of native pests or invasive species introduced from other regions. Infestations can develop gradually and persist for months or years if conditions support continued reproduction.
Provo and Utah County contain agricultural land, residential landscapes, urban forests, and natural ecosystems that can be affected by pest outbreaks. Seasonal temperatures, vegetation availability, and environmental conditions influence which organisms can survive and reproduce. Human transportation of plants, soil, and other materials can also introduce invasive species into the region.
Infestations can damage crops, weaken or kill trees, reduce agricultural productivity, and disrupt natural ecosystems. Large pest populations may create substantial economic losses and require extensive management efforts. Some organisms can also transmit diseases to humans, animals, or plants, creating additional consequences beyond direct damage to vegetation.
Japanese beetles were discovered in nearby Orem in 2006, prompting a coordinated eradication effort.
Volcano
Volcanoes are openings in the Earth's crust through which molten rock, gases, and other volcanic materials reach the surface. Eruptions occur when magma rises from beneath the Earth's surface, sometimes producing flowing lava, volcanic ash, or explosive releases of gas and fragmented rock. Volcanic activity can range from relatively gentle lava flows to highly destructive explosive eruptions.
Utah has experienced volcanic activity throughout its geologic history, including relatively recent eruptions in the Black Rock Desert of central Utah. However, Provo is not located near an identified active volcanic system, and the 2022 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan does not classify volcanic eruptions as a significant local hazard.
Volcanic eruptions can destroy nearby infrastructure through lava flows, ash accumulation, and other volcanic hazards. Large explosive eruptions may also disrupt aviation, transportation, and regional infrastructure far beyond the immediate eruption area. For Provo, indirect impacts from a distant major eruption are more plausible than damage from nearby volcanic activity.
The Ice Springs volcanic field in Millard County experienced an eruption approximately 660 years ago.
Hurricane
Hurricanes are powerful tropical cyclones that develop over warm ocean waters and contain organized thunderstorms rotating around an area of low atmospheric pressure. They are classified as hurricanes when their maximum sustained winds reach at least 74 mph. These storms can produce destructive winds, torrential rainfall, and significant coastal flooding.
Provo is located far inland and is not exposed to direct hurricane landfalls. Tropical cyclones generally weaken as they move away from warm ocean waters, making hurricane-force conditions from such systems extremely unlikely in Utah Valley. However, moisture from weakening tropical cyclones can occasionally travel into the western United States and influence rainfall patterns across Utah.
Hurricanes can cause extensive damage to buildings, utilities, transportation networks, and coastal infrastructure. Although Provo does not face the direct coastal hazards associated with hurricanes, moisture from distant tropical systems can contribute to periods of heavy precipitation and associated disruptions. Such impacts depend on the storm's path and surrounding atmospheric conditions.
In October 2026, moisture associated with the remnants of Hurricane Rachel brought rainfall to Utah.
Tsunami
Tsunamis are series of long-period waves generated when large volumes of water are suddenly displaced. They are most commonly caused by underwater earthquakes, although landslides, volcanic eruptions, and other disturbances can also generate tsunami waves. Unlike ordinary surface waves, tsunamis can transport enormous amounts of energy across entire ocean basins.
Provo is located far inland and cannot be reached by a conventional ocean tsunami. However, large inland bodies of water, including Utah Lake, can theoretically experience waves generated by sudden water displacement or oscillations known as seiches. The 2022 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan does not identify tsunamis as a significant local hazard for Provo.
Tsunamis can produce powerful currents, rapid changes in water level, and destructive inundation along affected shorelines. In inland lakes, unusual water movement could potentially affect nearby shorelines, marinas, and waterfront infrastructure. However, these phenomena should not be confused with the much larger ocean-tsunami hazards experienced by coastal communities.
The 1909 Hansel Valley earthquake was associated with unusual water movement in the Great Salt Lake, described as a seiche rather than an ocean tsunami.
Space Weather
Space weather refers to changing conditions in the space environment caused primarily by activity on the Sun. Solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and streams of charged particles can interact with Earth's magnetic field and upper atmosphere. These interactions can produce geomagnetic storms, disrupt radio propagation, and interfere with satellite-based technologies.
Although Provo is protected from most harmful solar radiation by Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field, the city depends on technologies that can be affected by space weather. Amateur radio networks, GPS navigation, satellite services, and electrical infrastructure are all potentially vulnerable. Particularly strong geomagnetic storms can affect systems across large geographic areas, including Utah.
Severe space weather can disrupt long-distance radio communications, reduce GPS accuracy, interfere with satellites, and place additional stress on electrical transmission systems. These effects can complicate emergency communications, transportation, navigation, and other technology-dependent services. The severity of disruptions depends on the type and intensity of solar activity.
On May 10, 2024, a G5 (Extreme) geomagnetic storm produced auroras visible from Utah.
Dam Failure
Dam failure occurs when a dam loses its ability to safely retain or control the water stored behind it. Failures can result from overtopping, internal erosion, structural damage, foundation instability, or other conditions that compromise the dam's integrity. Depending on the type of failure, water may be released gradually or suddenly in large quantities.
Provo is located downstream of Deer Creek and Jordanelle reservoirs, both situated along the Provo River. These reservoirs store substantial quantities of water, and a major failure could produce severe downstream flooding. Provo Canyon and low-lying areas along the Provo River are particularly relevant to the region's dam-failure inundation studies.
A catastrophic dam failure could release a powerful flood wave capable of damaging buildings, bridges, roads, and critical infrastructure. Rapidly rising water could threaten lives, isolate neighborhoods, and disrupt transportation, utilities, and emergency communications. Although major dam failures are uncommon, their consequences can extend far downstream from the original structure.
In June 1986, Trial Lake Dam failed in the Uinta Mountains, causing flooding along the upper Provo River system.
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials are substances that can threaten human health, property, or the environment because of their chemical, physical, or biological properties. These materials may be toxic, flammable, corrosive, reactive, radioactive, or otherwise dangerous. Emergencies occur when hazardous substances are accidentally released, spilled, or exposed to conditions that create an immediate danger.
Provo's transportation corridors, industrial areas, and commercial facilities create opportunities for hazardous material incidents. Chemicals, fuels, compressed gases, and other regulated substances may be transported through the city or stored and used at local facilities. The consequences of a release depend on the material involved, the quantity released, and surrounding environmental conditions.
Hazardous material incidents can expose people to dangerous vapors, gases, liquids, or contaminated surfaces. Depending on the substance, a release may cause poisoning, chemical burns, fires, explosions, or environmental contamination. Significant incidents can require evacuations, restrict transportation, disrupt businesses, and complicate emergency response operations.
On March 11, 2023, approximately 1,650 gallons of jet fuel spilled during a transfer at Provo Municipal Airport. Responders contained the fuel and protected drainage systems leading toward Utah Lake.
Aviation Accident
Aviation accidents occur when aircraft operations result in serious injuries, fatalities, or substantial aircraft damage. Accidents can happen during takeoff, flight, approach, landing, or ground operations. They may involve commercial airliners, private aircraft, helicopters, or other types of aircraft, with consequences ranging from localized damage to large-scale emergencies.
Provo is home to Provo Airport, which supports commercial passenger service, general aviation, and other flight operations. The airport's continued development has increased the importance of aviation-related emergency planning. Utah Valley's surrounding mountains, variable weather conditions, and growing aviation activity create considerations for aircraft operating in and around the region.
Aviation accidents can cause fatalities, serious injuries, fires, fuel spills, and damage to nearby property or infrastructure. Incidents occurring at airports may disrupt flight operations and require specialized emergency response resources. Accidents involving larger aircraft or populated areas can create complex rescue, medical, and public-safety challenges.
On November 24, 2025, a Piper aircraft made an emergency return to Provo Airport. Its hard landing caused a fuel leak and fire. All four occupants escaped, and airport operations were temporarily suspended.
Train Derailment
Train derailments occur when one or more wheels of a railroad vehicle leave the rails. They can result from track defects, mechanical failures, excessive speed, collisions, or other conditions that disrupt the interaction between the wheels and track. Derailments range from relatively minor incidents involving a single railcar to major accidents involving multiple locomotives and railcars.
Provo contains active railroad infrastructure, including the Union Pacific rail corridor and connections serving regional freight and passenger transportation. Railroad tracks pass through developed areas and intersect several transportation routes. These corridors create potential locations where a derailment could affect nearby neighborhoods, businesses, and emergency access.
Train derailments can damage rail infrastructure, block roadways, disrupt transportation, and threaten nearby structures. Depending on the type of train and cargo involved, an accident may also cause fires, fuel spills, or hazardous material releases. Major incidents can require extensive emergency response operations and interrupt rail service for extended periods.
On April 3, 2026, five Union Pacific freight cars derailed in Provo. Railroad records attributed the incident to a track switch problem; no injuries or hazardous materials release were reported.
Industrial Accident
Industrial accidents are unexpected events involving machinery, equipment, structures, or processes at industrial and commercial facilities. They can include fires, explosions, mechanical failures, structural collapses, and uncontrolled chemical reactions. These incidents may result from equipment malfunctions, human error, environmental conditions, or failures of safety systems.
Provo contains industrial, commercial, and utility facilities that depend on mechanical equipment, electrical systems, and complex operating processes. Facilities such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, processing operations, and utility installations can present different types of industrial hazards. The potential consequences depend on the materials, equipment, and activities involved at each location.
Industrial accidents can cause serious injuries, fatalities, fires, explosions, and damage to buildings or nearby infrastructure. Significant incidents may disrupt electricity, water, transportation, or commercial operations and require specialized emergency response resources. In some cases, an initial equipment failure can trigger additional failures that increase the overall severity of the incident.
On March 19, 2025, a chemical explosion at a storage facility in nearby American Fork injured two people and prompted a regional hazardous materials response.
Power Outage
Power outages occur when the electrical system can no longer deliver electricity to homes, businesses, or other facilities. Interruptions can result from equipment failures, damaged power lines, severe weather, accidents, or disturbances affecting the larger electrical grid. Outages may affect individual buildings, entire neighborhoods, or large geographic regions.
Provo operates its own municipal electric utility, Provo Power, which maintains electrical distribution infrastructure throughout the city. The system depends on substations, transformers, power lines, and connections to regional electricity resources. Damage to this infrastructure or disruptions to the broader electrical network can interrupt service to Provo residents and businesses.
Power outages can disrupt heating, cooling, lighting, communications, traffic signals, businesses, and other essential services. Extended outages may also affect medical equipment, water and wastewater infrastructure, refrigeration, and emergency response operations. Widespread electrical failures can create cascading disruptions as other critical systems lose power.
In September 2026, a third-party outage tracker reported approximately 405 customers without electricity in Provo.
Acts of Violence
Acts of violence are intentional actions that cause or threaten physical harm to people, property, or critical infrastructure. Large-scale incidents may include active assailant attacks, mass violence, terrorism, or deliberate attacks against essential facilities. Unlike natural disasters, these emergencies result from human actions and can develop rapidly with little or no warning.
Provo's universities, schools, public gathering places, transportation facilities, and developed neighborhoods create environments where serious violent incidents could affect multiple people or disrupt community operations. Although the circumstances of such incidents are difficult to predict, their consequences can extend beyond the immediate location and require coordination among multiple public-safety agencies.
Significant acts of violence can cause injuries, fatalities, property damage, and widespread psychological distress. Major incidents may require evacuations, restricted access to affected areas, extensive emergency medical resources, and prolonged law-enforcement operations. Attacks against essential infrastructure may also disrupt utilities, transportation, communications, or other public services.
On May 4, 2026, a threatening phone call prompted a lockdown and police response at Provo High School. Officers later determined there was no credible threat.
Cyber Attack
Cyber attacks are deliberate attempts to gain unauthorized access to computer systems, steal or alter information, or disrupt digital operations. They can involve malicious software, compromised accounts, deceptive communications, or attacks against network infrastructure. Cyber incidents range from isolated compromises of individual devices to large-scale disruptions affecting entire organizations.
Provo depends on digital technology to support essential municipal services, utilities, healthcare, transportation, businesses, and emergency communications. Many of these systems rely on interconnected networks, specialized software, and external service providers. A cyberattack affecting one organization or shared technology provider could disrupt services used throughout the community.
Cyber attacks can expose sensitive information, disrupt communications, interrupt financial transactions, and prevent organizations from accessing critical computer systems. Attacks involving operational technology may also interfere with the monitoring or control of physical infrastructure. Significant incidents can create widespread operational disruptions and require extended recovery efforts.
In February 2026, NewspaperArchive, a Provo-associated online archive service, reported a cyberattack that disrupted access to its systems.
Water Contamination
Water contamination occurs when harmful microorganisms, chemicals, radioactive substances, or other pollutants enter a water supply. Contaminants may originate from natural geological processes, agricultural and industrial activities, sewage, or damaged infrastructure. Depending on the substance involved, contaminated water may become unsafe for drinking, cooking, or other uses.
Provo relies primarily on springs and groundwater wells, along with treated surface water from regional sources. These supplies can be vulnerable to different forms of contamination depending on surrounding land use, geological conditions, and infrastructure integrity. Protecting water sources and maintaining reliable treatment and distribution systems are important components of the city's water infrastructure.
Water contamination can cause illness, expose residents to harmful chemicals, and interrupt access to safe drinking water. Significant incidents may require public water advisories, additional treatment, or temporary restrictions on water use. Contamination affecting major water infrastructure could disrupt homes, businesses, healthcare facilities, and other essential community services.
On November 28, 2015, a tanker overturned in Provo Canyon, releasing approximately 4,500 gallons of crude oil. Some entered the Provo River, and officials temporarily closed a downstream drinking-water intake.
Poor Air Quality
Poor air quality occurs when airborne pollutants reach concentrations that may harm human health or the environment. Common pollutants include fine particulate matter, ground-level ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide. These substances may be emitted directly into the atmosphere or form through chemical reactions involving other pollutants.
Provo is located in Utah Valley, where surrounding mountains and seasonal weather patterns can contribute to pollution accumulation. During winter temperature inversions, cold air becomes trapped beneath warmer air, limiting atmospheric mixing and allowing fine particulate matter to build up. Wildfire smoke and summertime ozone formation can also reduce air quality throughout the region.
Exposure to elevated air pollution can irritate the respiratory system, aggravate asthma, and increase the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory problems. Fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, while certain gaseous pollutants can inflame airways and reduce lung function. Severe or prolonged pollution episodes can affect public health, outdoor activities, and community operations.
On January 22, 2013, a Provo air monitor recorded a 24-hour PM2.5 concentration of 124.5 micrograms per cubic meter during a winter inversion.
Disaster and mitigation information on this page is based primarily on the 2022 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan