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Little Cottonwood Canyon back open after closing for avalanche control

Posted at 3:40 PM, Feb 05, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-05 21:29:07-05

Canyons in different parts of Utah closed temporarily due to Friday's snow.

WEATHER: Much-needed snow reaches northern Utah Friday

Little Cottonwood Canyon was closed to uphill traffic at about 3:30 p.m. and closed completely at 4:15 for avalanche mitigation, a decision that the Utah Department of Transportation said they had to make as the avalanche risk increased.

Alta Ski Area closed early to allow for skiers to leave the canyon before the closure. Some were unable to get out of the canyon before it closed, however, and were stuck there for about an hour.

The canyon reopened around 5:30.

The "traction law" is in effect for both Little and Big Cottonwood canyons, which requires snow tires or chains.

U.S Highway 89/91 through Sardine Canyon was closed to southbound vehicles around 1:20 p.m. before reopening by 2:40. Cache County dispatch said chains or 4-wheel drive are required.

This article will be updated with any other major road closures.