Avalanche Safety
Avalanche Safety
Real Time Alerts
- Twitter @UDOTavy
- Instagram @UDOTavy
- Twitter @UDOTCottonwoods
- Unified Police Department Canyon Alerts
Other Useful Links
Big & Little Cottonwood Canyons UDOT Traffic Cameras
American Fork & Provo Canyons UDOT Traffic Cameras
All Possible Closures
Zoom in for place names and ski runs (courtesy of wbskiing.com). Click on a closure for a pop-up with area descriptions.
Little & Big Cottonwood Canyons, American Fork & Provo Canyons Backcountry Closure Information
Backcountry Closure Overview
Purpose
- UDOT uses explosives and artillery to trigger avalanches that threaten public roads.
- Avalanche control cannot take place if people are near targets.
- Prior to control work specific backcountry areas are temporarily closed under the authority of local law enforcement.
- Backcountry closures begin before planned road closures to ensure complete evacuation.
- A typical closure starts at 10 p.m. the night before control work, with estimated re-open listed on the website and twitter feed.
What you can do
- Respect the closures to protect yourself, the public, and future access for backcountry users.
- Stay informed: Twitter @UDOTavy and Instagram @UDOTavy
- Learn the boundaries and stay clear of the closures. Click on the images above for details.
- Spread the word.
Additional Information about the Avalanche Safety Program
- Avalanche Safety Backcountry Closure Policy (1MB PDF File)
- Highway Avalanche Safety Plan (71MB PDF File)