SR-210 remains closed after avalanche hits three cars Tuesday evening

The scene on SR-210 after an avalanche hit three cars traveling between Alta and Snowbird Tuesday evening. Photo: UDOT

LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON – Three vehicles were hit by an avalanche that slid across SR-210 on Tuesday evening after the road had been closed for avalanche control work and reopened.

Though no injuries were reported, the slide was big enough to push the cars sideways and turn them around in their tracks. A KSL video showed the vehicles engulfed in snow as both Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) personnel and ski patrol assisted in freeing them.

UDOT has revised its earlier estimate for reopening Little Cottonwood Canyon after an overnight closure prompted by the avalanche that trapped several cars.

As of the latest update, UDOT reported there is no estimated time for the road to reopen.

Earlier, the department had projected the canyon would reopen around 8:30 a.m., but ongoing conditions have delayed that timeline.

 

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Following the avalanche Tuesday evening, all drivers in the canyon were instructed to return to resort parking areas and Snowbird Village was interlodged while UDOT crews worked to clear the highway for downhill traffic.

According to its Wednesday morning snow report, Snowbird has received 31″ of snow in 48 hours and 73″ in the past week.