News

Actions

Avalanche covers roadway in American Fork Canyon

Posted at 10:49 AM, Jan 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-30 13:15:37-05

UTAH COUNTY — A natural avalanche tumbled onto the highway in American Fork Canyon overnight.

The Utah Department of Transportation closed State Route 92 Friday night because of high avalanche danger. The avalanche blocked the road by the fee station.

The road is expected to reopen at 5 p.m.

The Utah Avalanche Center issued a high a avalanche warning in the mountains for northern Utah, including Beaver River Range, Western Uintas, the Wasatch Range and the mountains of southeast Idaho.

Officials say natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely on steep slopes at the mid and upper elevations.

There is also considerable danger at the lower elevations.

“We’re recommending people avoid being on or beneath steep mountain slopes and avoid terrain traps like gullies, road banks and creek beds where even a small slide can pile up deeply,” officials say.

Monitor avalanche conditions at www.utahavalanchecenter.org. Call Utah Department of Transportation at 801-975-4838 for information on road closures.