We need some feedback from avid dawn patrollers. Over the recent years some unaware dawn patrollers have disrupted early morning UDOT avalanche mitigation missions by being in terrain where UDOT is planning to shoot very large explosive bullets. The obvious fear is someone getting hit by an explosive or the resulting avalanche taking them out. Artillery shells are capable of throwing lethal shrapnel up to 1500 feet. There is a very good chance that an artillery injury or fatality could bring the use of military weapons to a halt in the U.S. Artillery is the most effective means available for keeping mountain roads open.
As a courtesy to the public as well as canyon residents, and the ski resorts, UDOT keeps the road open as long as the avalanche hazard allows, or shortly before avalanche control work is scheduled to start. They post signs in an attempt to inform the public which terrain above the roads is closed to backcountry travel. Just because the road is open does not mean that all the adjacent backcountry terrain is open. It is unlawful to be in this terrain during scheduled avalanche control work. Instead of imposing overnight road closures and taking legal actions against violators, we need to figure out a method that works to get information out to the public about planned avalanche control work.
Currently, people can get information about planned avalanche control work from a number of sources.
- UDOT website: http://www.udot.utah.gov/avalanche
- UDOT avalanche control hotline: (801) 975-4838
- Both the above resources are posted on the daily Utah Avalanche Center's forecast.
- UDOT posts a message on the UAC website which is visible in the left hand column of every page.
- Control work messages are broadcast through Twitter via UDOTavy or UACwasatch
- Control work messages are broadcast via text messaging from the Salt Lake County Sheriff.
- Little Cottonwood highway radio: tune to 530AM
- Signage at popular trailheads
Unfortunately, this is not a negotiable situation. People absolutely cannot be in areas where avalanche control work will be conducted. We need to show that we can be responsible in knowing when avalanche control work will be conducted and abide by those closures. Help us out!!
Photo: Dave Richarrds
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