Backcountry closure planned for 10 p.m. on March 31
Mar 31, 2025, 6:15 PM | Updated: 6:56 pm
A map provided by Utah Department of Transportation shows the boundaries of the backcountry closure going into effect at 10 p.m. on March 31, 2025. (Utah Department of Transportation)
(Utah Department of Transportation)
LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON— Utah Department of Transportation said a backcountry closure will go in place at 10 p.m. on March 31.
According to a post on X, the backcountry closure will stretch from avalanche gate B to Snowbird entrance four. It is expected to last until 5 p.m. on April 1.
🚧 Backcountry Closure Alert 🚧 @UDOTavy Little Cottonwood Canyon backcountry closure for tonight at 10pm through 5pm tomorrow (4/1). https://t.co/XazhhdZn0I
— UDOT Cottonwood Canyons (@UDOTcottonwoods) March 31, 2025
UDOT’s Cottonwood Canyons website includes an interactive map that details the locations of commonly listed locations, such as “Gate B.”
Backcountry closures enable avalanche control
Per UDOT’s website, the closure extends over the ridge, 1,000 meters into Big Cottonwood Canyon. According to a document published on the website, that extension is meant to protect the public from shrapnel emitted from explosives.
Military artillery is most commonly used in Little Cottonwood Canyon, according to UDOT. However, hand-charge explosives, remote avalanche control systems, and sometimes helicopter bombing are also used.
Crews will be using explosives to trigger avalanches that threaten roadways. Closures usually happen before mitigation work begins so backcountry users have time to evacuate the area.
According to UDOT policies, the 10 p.m. closure time is pretty common. It allows work to begin early in the morning after.
Related: Research suggests avalanche activity is being altered by climate change
