International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings - Montana State University Library

Item: How Little Cottonwood Canyon got this way and what can be done to fix it

• • Title: How Little Cottonwood Canyon got this way and what can be done to fix it

    Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2018, Innsbruck, Austria

    Authors:

    • Bill Nalli  [ Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Avalanche Safety, Alta, Utah USA ]
    • Matt Mckee  [ Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Avalanche Safety, Alta, Utah USA ]

    Date: 2018-10-07

    Abstract: To understand the distinct avalanche issues faced in Little Cottonwood Canyon today, it helps to look back at its history starting as a booming mining town. Beginning in the 1870s, the town of Alta was continually being destroyed by avalanches and rebuilt until the price of silver dropped in 1927 and the town was abandoned. The next era brought skiers and Monty Atwater, a 10th Mountain Division Veteran, Snow Ranger for the United States Forest Service (USFS), now considered the grandfather of the avalanche profession in the US. He was the first to use artillery to control avalanche danger. Fast-forward to now; much still is done the way that Monty did it in the 40s with artillery being the primary tool. What has changed is that Little Cottonwood is now home to Alta and Snowbird ski resorts and is situated next to over two million people along the Wasatch Front. On average over 1200 cm of annual snowfall mixes with nine hotels, 132 residential buildings, and a robust backcountry scene. This is all fed by a two lane 13 km long dead-end highway crossing 64 avalanche paths. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is now tasked with managing the avalanche threat to the highway and by default, the Town of Alta and the Village of Snowbird. This case study examines UDOT’s efforts to keep Utah State Hwy 210 and the canyon structures safe with two WWII era Howitzers, 550 rounds of artillery flying over many inhabited buildings, 21 Gazex® exploders, two O’Bellx® Exploders, a DaisyBell®, one Wyssen Tower®, six forecasters and a dog. Further, it explores plans for the Highway Avalanche Safety Program to evolve and better manage the avalanche problem into the future balancing the needs of the municipalities, multiple agencies, businesses, recreationists and residences.

    Object ID: ISSW2018_O03.9.pdf

    Language of Article: English

    Presenter(s):

    Keywords: avalanche, transportation, Alta, RACS, artillery, risk management, infrastructure.

    Page Number(s): 246-250

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