Avalanche warning and Big Cottonwood Canyon road closure

SALT LAKE CITY — Due to a avalanche warning the Utah Department of Transportation has extended its closure of Big Cottonwood Canyon. State Route 190 will be closed between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. today due to unprecedented spring avalanche hazard conditions.

The decision comes as UDOT continues to closely monitor the weather and snow conditions in the area to ensure public safety.

UDOT has specifically closed uphill travel at the mouth of the canyon, and downhill travel at Cardiff Fork (milepost 10.7.) Travel above Cardiff is permitted.

🚧 #RoadClosureUpdate 🚧 #SR190 CLOSURE EXTENDED: road closed from 11am – 5pm due to avalanche hazard.

‼️Uphill: closed at mouth
‼️Downhill: closed at Cardiff Fork (MP 10.7), travel above Cardiff permitted.@SolitudeMTN @BrightonResort @BrightonUT @UtahDOT @UDOTTraffic pic.twitter.com/c1iZq6J38K

— UDOT Cottonwood Canyons (@UDOTcottonwoods) April 11, 2023

UDOT cites the deep snowpack and warmer weather as factors that “warrant extreme caution.” 

In addition, the Utah Avalanche Center has issued an avalanche warning for Skyline and Uinta mountains. Hikers and mountain bikers are also asked to take caution.

This morning April 11 we added the Skyline and Uinta mountains to our avalanche warning. Large wet-slab avalanches may run onto hiking trails and mountain trailheads. Be aware of what sort of terrain is above you as the day warms up. Get more info here:https://t.co/nhr8ERnHyt pic.twitter.com/05roH5siSR

— UtahAvalancheCenter (@UACwasatch) April 11, 2023

“Large wet slab avalanches may run onto hiking trails and mountain trailheads,” the agency said.  “Be aware of what sort of terrain is above you as the day warms up.”

Both UDOT and the Utah Avalanche Center are working diligently to assess the situation and provide updates to the public.

Related reading: 

• Cottonwood canyons partially closed for several days for avalanche control
• Expert shares tips on keeping floodwater away from your home