LOCAL NEWS

UDOT crews busy with avalanche control work, cleanup in Provo Canyon

Feb 27, 2023, 12:56 PM | Updated: 6:51 pm

WASATCH COUNTY, Utah — Utah Department of Transportation crews closed U.S. Highway 189 along Deer Creek Reservoir Monday afternoon due to an avalanche that was blocking all lanes.

“This was a good slide, with it being about 12 to 15 feet in depth, covering four lanes of traffic, and being about 20 to 30 yards in width,” said UDOT Senior Communications Manager Geoff Dupaix.

The slide came down after traffic had been stopped on U.S. 189 for previously planned avalanche control work.

“This is an area where we’ve seen enough buildup in the snowpack that they felt it would be safer to trigger it before it triggers on its own,” Dupaix said. “This is something we try to do as needed.”

State troopers closed westbound U.S. 189 lanes at Deer Creek and eastbound lanes at milepost 17 for a few hours Monday afternoon, with all lanes reopening at approximately 2:59 p.m.

“When control measures are implemented, it’s to bring something down hopefully before it happens, and if not, we close the road and bring down these slides and get them cleared off so we don’t run the risk of having them trigger on their own when a vehicle may be passing through the area,” Dupaix said.

The next set of intermittent road closures will take place between Vivian Park and Canyon Glen Park between 6 and 8 p.m. Monday. UDOT said U.S. 189 will close for 15-minute periods during avalanche control work, but longer delays are possible if larger slides are triggered.

“Motor safety is our top priority, and if we bring something down intentionally, that then allows us to keep the roadway safe and traversable,” Dupaix said.

He said state Route 92, from the intersection with U.S. 189 up to Sundance Resort, will close around 9 p.m. Monday and remain closed through 7 a.m. Tuesday for additional avalanche control.

“We’re working hard to make sure these roads stay open during the winter, but sometimes we have to have some of these closures in order to make these roads safe and passable,” Dupaix said.

He urged drivers to check UDOT’s traffic website to make travel plans ahead of time.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Hope Hero Foundation Logo on key chain...

Karah Brackin

Utah’s Hope Hero Foundation is saving teen lives

Discover how The Hope Hero Foundation empowers teens and prevents suicide. Be the hero of your own story!

29 minutes ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

Car fleeing from ‘robbery attempt’ rolls and bursts into flames on I-15

A car rolled and burst into flames on the ramp from 201 to Interstate 15  after fleeing from an attempted robbery, police said.

29 minutes ago

Caroline Gleich wants to change what a senator should look like...

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com

Caroline Gleich wants to change what people think a senator should ‘look’ like

"I don't look like a U.S. senator." It's a message professional ski mountaineer and Democratic Senate candidate Caroline Gleich has heard often enough as she began her first televised ad of the 2024 cycle by addressing it.

2 hours ago

Loren Richardson shoots video of him snowboarding when a Brighton man confronted him on Feb. 26. Th...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Brighton resident charged with threatening, pointing shotgun at snowboarder

A Brighton man was charged Thursday with aggravated assault and accused of pointing a shotgun at a backcountry skier who went on his property on Feb. 26.

4 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

Breeze Airways announces new flights out of Provo to Dallas Fort Worth

Getting to the Lone Star State just got easier. Breeze Airways announced a new flights to Dallas Fort Worth from Provo.

4 hours ago

(KSL TV)...

Andrew Adams

Data shows significant uptick in gas prices over past month in Salt Lake area

Gas prices rose considerably over the past month in the Salt Lake area, according to data from industry watchers.

5 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 crews busy with avalanche control work, cleanup in Provo Canyon