It’s not actually a new practice but the concept of avalanche control exercises is new to many in the Uintah Basin as controlled explosions were set off on Tuesday morning in Daniel’s Canyon, temporarily closing Highway 40. UDOT is who conducts the exercises while UHP assists with traffic control. UHP shared with Evans Family Media that Tuesday’s exercises were performed using hand charges released from a helicopter. This helps them perform with more precision. Tuesday’s avalanche control exercise did not cause a slide but UHP shared that several have produced an avalanche over the last few days in Utah County and Wasatch County, covering the roadways but preventing unpredictable avalanches later. The avalanches that covered the road on Friday night around 9pm in Daniels and Provo Canyon both occurred naturally as officials were preparing to perform control exercises in the canyons. Follow UDOT for alerts on any future closures on Highway 40.
