LOCAL NEWS

UDOT helicopter crew lowers avalanche danger across Cottonwood canyons

Jan 12, 2023, 3:16 PM | Updated: 3:30 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — Lots of snow this winter means Utah Department of Transportation workers are having to do a lot of extra work in keeping the Cottonwood canyons safe from avalanche danger.

On Thursday morning, there was a very brief closure of Big Cottonwood Canyon — a longer one in Little Cottonwood Canyon on Wednesday — as mitigation work was done by helicopter.

While all of the new snow is a good thing for several reasons, we can expect more of the same in the coming weeks.

As you pass through the canyon for your next ski trip, it’s easy to take for granted the clear roads and safer mountainsides.

“The last couple of weeks in the canyon, we’ve just been getting so much snow,” said John Gleason, UDOT spokesperson.

As Gleason pointed out, this kind of work has to be done to avoid more dangerous, naturally-occurring avalanches, even though on Thursday, it wasn’t quite what they expected.

UDOT performs avalanche mitigation work in Little Cottonwood Canyon on Jan. 11, 2023. (UDOT)

“As it is right now, we didn’t get a lot of results, which is a good thing, because it means that the snowpack is stable and that we’re not going to have any issues up there,” he said.

But Wednesday, they did set off some much bigger activity — snow that plow crews later had to clear from the road.

While it may not look that way from a distance, charges are placed in carefully chosen spots because a planned avalanche is often better than the unexpected.

“And so, we have to do everything we can to make sure that the roads are safe, because there are so many people that are trying to get up there to enjoy themselves: skiing and snowboarding.”

(KSL Chopper 5) (KSL Chopper 5)

Gleason said we should be prepared for those delays, too.

Delays like the one that occurred more than week ago can take some time. Be patient and understand it’s for safer conditions ahead.

The UDOT spokesperson said crews were able to trigger about three to four slides in Little Cottonwood Canyon on Wednesday — one of them measured 13-feet deep.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

35 minutes ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

1 hour ago

Chad Daybell and his attorney, John Prior, appear in a hearing on Oct. 29, 2020...

Larry D. Curtis

Gag order issued for upcoming Chad Daybell murder trial

With jury selection only days away in the murder trial of former Utahn Chad Guy Daybell, the court has issued a gag order concerning the case.

2 hours ago

Lehi homes...

Daniel Woodruff

Governor highlights bills to help Utah homebuyers

Gov. Spencer Cox on Thursday highlighted several new bills he just signed into law that are aimed at getting more buyers into the market.

2 hours ago

The Brigham Young University national landscaping team posing in front of the grounds....

Lindsay Aerts

BYU wins National Collegiate Landscaping Competition for the 5th time in 6 years

The BYU Cougars claimed have claimed their fifth National Collegiate Landscaping Competition in six years.

2 hours ago

A previous drug bust where authorities found Fentanyl....

Brianna Chavez

DEA says fentanyl seizure on track to surpass last year’s numbers

A troubling trend for law enforcement as the DEA says more fentanyl is making its way to Utah.

2 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

UDOT helicopter crew lowers avalanche danger across Cottonwood canyons