UTAH

UDOT tests howitzers to prepare for avalanche season

Nov 22, 2022, 7:30 PM

The Utah Department of Transportation test-fired howitzers on Tuesday to prepare for the avalanche season. Photo credit: Utah Department of Transportation.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Transportation spent Tuesday preparing for the avalanche season.

In Big and Little Cottonwood canyons, UDOT was test-firing howitzers that will be used to create controlled avalanches. According to a news release from UDOT, the test-firing is needed to make sure the howitzers are on target.

The controlled avalanches will help keep drivers safe on SR-190 and SR-210 during the winter months.

“Our goal is to make sure people can travel safely in our canyons throughout the winter,” said Steven Clark, UDOT avalanche program manager in a news release. “We’re always working to keep these vital highways open as much as possible. So, Utahns and visitors can get to our state’s world-class outdoor recreation areas.”  

In addition to howitzers, UDOT uses other methods in its efforts to control avalanches. Those methods include:

  • Explosives. Placed by hand or helicopter.
  • Avalaunchers. This uses compressed gas to create a small explosive. 
  • Remote Avalanche Control Systems. Small towers placed in the paths of known avalanches. These use air/fuel mixtures to create a small explosion when activated remotely. 

According to the news release, there are 70 avalanche paths in Little Cottonwood Canyon that cross SR-210. Having a variety of tools gives UDOT multiple options in controlling avalanches in not just Little Cottonwood Canyon, but also SR-190 in Big Cottonwood Canyon and US-189 in Provo Canyon.  

“UDOT is one of the leaders in transportation avalanche mitigation,” Clark said. “We utilize the newest technologies and are always looking to incorporate new techniques and equipment to ensure safety for all canyon travelers.”

Motorists can obtain the latest road information from UDOT by clicking here

Read more:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah

a person pumps gas, which is expected to lower in price in 2023...

Andrew Adams, KSL TV

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

AAA gas prices showed Utah with an average price of $3.77 as of Thursday morning, up from nearly $3.13 a month ago.

2 hours ago

Killer Mike poses in the press room with three trophies he won at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on ...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Recent Grammy winners highlight Ogden Twilight Concert Series lineup

Hip hop star Michael Render, known by his stage name Killer Mike, fresh off of three Grammy Award wins last month, is one of several musical artists set to headline this year's Ogden Twilight Concert Series.

13 hours ago

pets...

Curt Gresseth

Don’t surrender pets to a shelter. Send in a pro to reverse bad behavior, says Utah trainer

An expert discusses controlling the unwanted behavior of pets.

15 hours ago

Exclusive video obtained by KSL NewsRadio shows Salt Lake hit-and-run in the Avenues neighborhood. ...

Eric Cabrera

WATCH: Exclusive video shows woman survives Salt Lake City hit and run

KSL NewsRadio has exclusively obtained footage of a Salt Lake City hit-and-run, where a woman was struck while out for a run in the Avenues.

15 hours ago

(Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio)...

Simone Seikaly

Possible carjacking in West Valley City leads to car fire, ramp closure

The UHP said a car was following another car eastbound on the 201 and moved onto the ramp toward NB I-15 when one car rolled and caught fire.

18 hours ago

(Loren Richardson via KSL.com)...

Simone Seikaly

Brighton resident charged with aggravated assault for confronting snowboarder

According to court documents, and based on witness accounts, Brighton resident Keith Robert Stebbings threatened a snowboarder with a shotgun.

19 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

UDOT tests howitzers to prepare for avalanche season