Big Cottonwood Canyon closed for a time on Wednesday due to an avalanche

SALT LAKE CITY — Big Cottonwood Canyon was closed for a time Wednesday due to an avalanche and slick road conditions.

The closure impacted state Route 190 near milepost 10.

UDOT posted on X that a few sluffs hit the road in the downhill lane near Laurel Pines at milepost 9.8.

They say motorists heading up the canyon should be prepared for stopped traffic and delays.

#RoadUpdate 👋 #SR190 travelers, a few sluffs hit the road in the downhill lane near Laurel Pines (MP 9.8). Crews are working to clear. If you’re headed up canyon, be prepared for stopped traffic & delays.

🚧 @UPDSL has traffic stopped/turning around at the mouth at this time. pic.twitter.com/cJEtmg6Gym

— UDOT Cottonwood Canyons (@UDOTcottonwoods) January 17, 2024

KSL TV’s Matt Johnson says most mountains could get between 6 to 12 inches of snow from Wednesday’s storm. However, Johnson also says the Cottonwoods could get between 8 and 16 inches of snow.

Just before 2 p.m., UDOT announced that crews finished clearing sluffs near Laurel Pines. However, traffic is moving slowly in the area. Unified police has opened up traffic at the mouth of the canyon.

UDOT also says that it will continue to watch the conditions in the area.

#RoadUpdate 👋 #SR190 travelers, crews finished clearing sluffs near Laurel Pines (MP 9.8). Traffic is moving (slowly) in the area & @UPDSL has released traffic at the mouth.@UDOTavy will continue evaluating conditions.

‼️An early departure is recommended with ❄️ forecast. pic.twitter.com/42XyRRua80

— UDOT Cottonwood Canyons (@UDOTcottonwoods) January 17, 2024