diff --git platform/deploy.provision.inc platform/deploy.provision.inc
index 24839e3..96ef26a 100644
--- platform/deploy.provision.inc
+++ platform/deploy.provision.inc
@@ -81,6 +81,10 @@ function drush_provision_drupal_pre_provision_deploy($backup_file) {
     _provision_drupal_create_settings_file();
 
     $site_packages = drush_get_option('packages', array(), 'site');
+    if (empty($site_packages)) {
+      return drush_set_error('PROVISION_PACKAGES_INFO_FAILURE', dt('Packages information could not be retreived for site scope'));
+    }
+
     $profiles = array_keys($site_packages['profiles']);
     $profile = $profiles[0];