Utah's Little Cottonwood Canyon Road Closed For Avalanche Mitigation
When it snows, it dumps, and when it dumps, the roads close.
Especially Little Cottonwood Canyon Road, which seems like it closes practically every time it snows.
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Officials at Snowbird reported today in a road update that "SR-210 is scheduled to close at 12 pm today to uphill traffic at the mouth of the canyon while @udotavy performs avalanche mitigation."
According to the UDOT Cottonwood Canyons Info website, "UDOT uses remote avalanche control systems (RACS) and artillery to trigger avalanches that threaten public roads throughout Utah, including Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon. The roads are fully closed to the public when avalanche mitigation is in progress."
From Little Cottonwood Canyon, you can access Alta and Snowbird. From Big Cottonwood Canyon you can reach Brighton and Solitude.
A full canyon closure is one where travel is closed to both uphill and downhill traffic, typically as a result of avalanche mitigation.
Here, SR-210 only closed for uphill traffic, meaning travel is closed in one direction and there are exceptions to the restriction.
Obviously, the roads closed to the public today while this avalanche mitigation occurred. UDOT reported that "downhill access from Entry 1 will close at 1 pm."
"The estimated time of reopening is 2:30 pm. Skiing & riding at Snowbird during the closure will remain open, conditions permitting. Follow @udotcottonwoods for updates."
Check out the live traffic cams from Snowbird here.
The weather also caused UDOT to put the Traction Law in effect today for both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons yesterday.
Some people appear pleased about this turn of events, noting that in the past, when the road through the canyon closed, it meant they got "stuck" at the resort and could ski without feeling bad about having to leave.
Sometimes getting stuck is a blessing!
We hope everyone enjoyed the powder day, and we're glad UDOT was able to carry out these tests safely.
See you out there, but hopefully not on the road unless it's absolutely vital (which we understand it is when hunting down those fresh tracks)!
Related: UDOT Asks Novice Winter Drivers To Avoid Utah's Ski Resorts This Weekend
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