9:00AM - S.R. 210 (Little Cottonwood Canyon) is closed to ALL travel UDOT avalanche control work. No estimated time of opening for the public at this time.
The final report about the Wilson Glade avalanche in Millcreek Canyon
has been published. Our deepest condolences go out to the friends and families involved in this tragic accident.
NOTE: FEB 1-8th was one of the deadlier weeks on record with 15 backcountry fatalities in the US.
This morning, it is snowing heavily in the mountains, up to 2" of snow per hour. Mountain temperatures are in the mid-teens F. Westerly winds increased since yesterday and are averaging 15-30 mph and gusting 60-80 mph at upper elevations. The new snowfall and high winds are rapidly loading our snowpack.
Today, the heavy snowfall and high winds will continue. Temperatures will stay in the mid-teens F, and westerly winds will average 20-30 mph and gust up to 55 mph at the upper elevations. Snowfall rates should stay consistent, averaging 1" an hour and peaking near 2" an hour. The Cottonwoods should pick up another 9-16" of snow before 5 PM this evening.
For this storm, the heavy snowfall and wind should continue into Wednesday morning before tapering off into dry weather Thursday. We can expect a total 2-3 feet of snow by Wednesday morning.
Storm totals with the last 24 hours:
- Little Cottonwood Canyon : 11 - 19" (1.06" - 1.31" H2O)
- Big Cottonwood Canyon : 10 - 17" (.78" - 1.47" H2O)
- Park City Ridgeline : 7 - 11" (.62" - 1.1" H2O)
Yesterday, there was one report of a naturally triggered avalanche in
Mineral Fork of Big Cottonwood Canyon. This avalanche occurred in the afternoon as the winds increased, on the East facing terrain and
ran all the way to the road at the base of Mineral Fork.
Overnight,
a large natural avalanche cycle occurred within Little Cottonwood Canyon with many slides crossing the road.
Photo of the East Mineral Debris Pile (J. Diamond)