Frost Line Depth in Orem, Utah
- Orem’s adopted code
- Checked Oct 2026
- Sources
Verified
30in
76 cm · 2 ft 6 in
Set in the building code Orem has adopted.
Source and how we checked
Document: orem.gov
Climate: 108 nights a year at or below 32 °F (NOAA 1991–2020, Orem Trtmt Plt, 2.5 mi).
Checked Oct 2026. Report a correction
How deep is the frost line in Orem?
Orem's building authority sets the frost line depth at 30 in (76 cm). Footings, piers and other permanent supports must reach at least this depth (IRC R403.1.4.1).
Who sets the frost line depth in Orem?
Utah leaves the frost line depth to each city or county, and Orem fills it in when it adopts the residential code. The value above comes from Orem’s own document on orem.gov. See how Utah sets frost line depth.
How deep do footings, decks and water lines need to be in Orem?
House or garage footing in Orem: dig at least 30 in (76 cm). Below the frost line and at least 12 in deep (IRC R403.1.4).
| Project | Depth | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| House or garage footing | 30 in | Below the frost line and at least 12 in deep (IRC R403.1.4) |
| Deck footing (attached) | 30 in | Below the frost line and at least 12 in deep (IRC R507.3) |
| Water service line | 36 in | 6 in below the frost line and at least 12 in deep (IRC P2603.5) |
| Fence post bottom | 30 in | No code rule; common practice is below the frost line |
Work out posts, concrete and footing sizes with the fence post depth calculator or the deck footing calculator.
How cold does it get in Orem?
- J
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- M
- A
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Average lows are at or below freezing from Nov to Feb. 108 nights a year reach 32 °F or colder; Jan is coldest, with an average low of 20.3 °F.
NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Orem Trtmt Plt station, 2.5 mi away, elevation 4,510 ft.
Monthly temperatures as a table
| °F | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 20.3 | 25.6 | 33.3 | 39.3 | 48.1 | 56.7 | 63.9 | 62.4 | 52.3 | 40.2 | 29.9 | 22 |
| High | 37.5 | 44.6 | 55.5 | 64 | 73.9 | 85.7 | 92.5 | 89.6 | 80 | 65.3 | 49.4 | 38.2 |
Orem has fewer freezing nights than 21 of the 25 other Utah places we track. The Utah median is 118. Coldest: Summit County; mildest: St. George.
What frost line depth do towns near Orem use?
3 official codes near Orem are verified; each links to its document.
| Place | Verified frost line | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Provo | 30 in | 5 mi away |
| Eagle Mountain | 30 in | 16 mi away |
| Riverton | 30 in | 21 mi away |
How likely is the soil in Orem to heave?
USDA rates the sampled soil around Orem as 75% moderate, 25% high for frost action (main soils: Bramwell, McMurdie, Lakewin).
USDA NRCS soil survey, 9 sample points within 2 mi. Higher frost action means more risk of heave; see frost heave.
How do you confirm the frost line before you dig in Orem?
Orem at a glance
- Frost line depth
- 30 in
- County
- Utah County
- Population (2023 est.)
- 95,519
- Mean annual temperature
- 52.9 °F
- ZIP codes (6)
- 84057 · 84058 · 84059 · 84062 · 84097 · 84604