After two deadly avalanches in just 24 hours, state officials are facing renewed questions about how to keep drivers safe along one of Utah’s most avalanche-pro
After two deadly avalanches in just 24 hours, state officials are facing renewed questions about how to keep drivers safe along one of Utah’s most avalanche-prone roadways. At the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon Friday evening, roads were clear but busy as skiers and snowboarders headed up State Route 210 to enjoy fresh snow.
Behind the scenes, transportation crews were working to ensure those trips remain as safe as possible. More than 10,000 vehicles travel through the Cottonwood Canyons each day. In Little Cottonwood Canyon alone, over half of SR-210 is threatened by avalanches. Fifty buildings and 76% of the roadway sit in potential slide paths, making avalanche mitigation a critical operation.“There’s 64 different slide paths along Little Cottonwood Canyon alone,” said John Gleason with the Utah Department of Transportation. “That makes SR-210 one of the most challenging in terms of avalanche control work in the world.” Despite recent storms, UDOT has only had to close Little Cottonwood Canyon once this winter for avalanche control — a rare move that came earlier this week following heavy snowfall.“I think it has gotten better,” Gleason said. “We still use the howitzer in those places that it makes sense, but we’ve been able to replace that live artillery firing over buildings and roads in a lot of places with the towers.” In recent years, UDOT has installed 28 avalanche mitigation towers throughout the canyon. The remote systems drop explosives directly onto targeted slopes, triggering controlled avalanches without firing live artillery over the town of Alta. The howitzer, once the primary tool for avalanche control, is now based out of Snowbird and is primarily used for the mid- to lower canyon areas. “These avalanches are going to happen,” Gleason said. “We want them to happen when the road is closed, and there is not live traffic moving through there.” UDOT maintains a dedicated team that monitors the canyons year-round, analyzing snowpack conditions and weather patterns to determine when mitigation work is necessary.“Big Cottonwood is usually easier to get up and down. Little can be challenging,” said driver Shawn Ross. “There’s lots of debate on different ways to improve the situation in the Cottonwoods, but I think they are doing a good job generally.” The Utah Avalanche Center warns that avalanche danger remains high across much of the state through the weekend. Officials urge anyone heading into the mountains to use extreme caution and stay informed about current conditions. For now, the roads in Little Cottonwood Canyon remain open, but with avalanche season in full swing, state crews stand ready to act at a moment’s notice to keep drivers out of harm’s way.After spending months in custodyand transfers through multiple detention facilities across the country, a woman was deported to her home country of El SalvadorStatements published on the Brigham Young University's website say campus police are legally required to share certain information, including potential Title IXTransportation officials claim truck drivers who ignored chain-up requirements played a major role in traffic problems along Interstate 80 during Wednesday’s wiStudents were dismissed from classes after a fire was reported near the woodshop inside Murray High School.The fire was ignited in the sawdust collector adjacenSearch and rescue teams are on scene at Brighton Ski Resort following reports of skiers being caught in an avalanche.A spokesperson with Brighton Ski Resort co
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Utah State smashes Boise State to complete Mountain West sweepAggies extend lead in MWC standings; Broncos fall to 7-8 in conference play
Read more »
What Boise State coach Leon Rice said after blowout loss at Utah StateAggies cruise by Broncos, 75-56
Read more »
L.A. fire victims say state regulators ignored complaints about State FarmMore than a dozen homeowners and their representatives told The Times that the California Department of Insurance did little to resolve a wide range of complaints, or prevent new problems, in State Farm's handling of their claims.
Read more »
Mistaken identity case at Hawaii state hospital may cost state $200KA bizarre case of mistaken identity that landed a then-homeless man in jail and later caused him to be confined in Hawaiʻi State Hospital for more than two years will cost the state $200,000 under a proposed legal settlement.
Read more »
Arizona State's Tournament Hopes Take Hit After Iowa State LossThe Sun Devils remain hopeful to reach the 68 team field, although the path to reach the group has narrowed.
Read more »
Utah State keeps winning, completes season sweep of Boise StateIt was more competitive the second time around, but the end result was close to the same.
Read more »