Alta, Snowbird Interlodge, Little Cottonwood Canyon remains closed

Due to extreme and fast snowfall in the Wasatch mountains in the last few days Little Cottonwood Canyon has been off limits due to extreme avalanche danger and because of this it means both Alta and Snowbird are under ‘Maximum Security Interlodge’ all day. The road up to the canyon remains closed and there is currently no indication on when the road will open. There are continual natural avalanches taking place all up and down the canyon which is putting people and staff at risk 🚧 #RoadClosureUpdate 🚧Here’s a look at a slide that hit at 7 Turns (MP 7) this morning in #SR210. @UtahDOT @johnegleason @UDOTRegionTwo https://t.co/weLBcjWdL6— UDOT Cottonwood Canyons (@UDOTcottonwoods) February 17, 2021 🚧 #RoadClosureUpdate 🚧 #SR210 remains CLOSED to travel in both directions until further notice for continued avalanche control work & avalanche debris that will require extensive clean up. No est time of opening at this time. @UDOTTRAFFIC @UtahDOT @AltaCentral @UPDSL pic.twitter.com/wP5WRqvyJf— UDOT Cottonwood Canyons (@UDOTcottonwoods) February 17, 2021

Pic credit - Snowbird resort Little Cottonwood Canyon remains closed due to natural avalanche activity overnight. No estimated opening time. https://t.co/rOhJ78rI6w— Alta Ski Area (@AltaSkiArea) February 17, 2021 😳 https://t.co/0PxytxapmN— Alta Ski Area (@AltaSkiArea) February 17, 2021 During these extreme situations there is no other option than for the area to be put into an Interlodge situation, Interlodge is a rare event that might only happen once per season but requires everyone who has remained up at the resorts in the canyon to stay indoors and most likely remain in basements or bunkers. You have to know the situation is serious when you cant even sit in the normal lodges.We were in Salt Lake City in early Feb in 2020 and the same situation commenced as a quick and powerful storm smashed into the Wasatch Mountains bringing a few feet to the resorts and over 2ft of snow to downtown Salt Lake City.Here is the rundown of Interlodge courtesy of Snowbird.A Snowbird snowday.Located on Highway 210 (known locally as Little Cottonwood Canyon road), Snowbird is known for its amazing snow and steep terrain. Snowbird averages over 500" of snowfall a year and Highway 210 holds a Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Highway Avalanche Hazard Index of 766, the highest in North America. Because of the avalanche challenges that Little Cottonwood Canyon faces during large snowfalls, it's important that Snowbird Ski Patrol and UDOT perform mitigation work on the resort and highway to keep skiers and visitors safe.What is an Interlodge Event?An Interlodge event is when snow levels are so great and avalanche danger is so extreme that patrons and employees of Snowbird are confined to resort buildings while avalanche work is being done. During Interlodge, road access to Snowbird is shut down as well while UDOT performs avalanche work on it. An Interlodge situation, while a rare occurrence, is performed in the interest of everyone's safety. During an Interlodge event, travel outside of the buildings at Snowbird is illegal. This includes being in your vehicle. Depending on snow conditions, an Interlodge event can last anywhere from an hour to an overnight stay. Most Interlodge events last only a few hours and are pre-planned, controlled situations between Snowbird and UDOT. Much of the pre-planning for Snowbird involves notifying guests so that those who need to leave the canyon have time to do so. Snowbird has multiple systems in place to notify guests of an upcoming Interlodge. Staying Updated During an Interlodge@SnowbirdAlerts Twitter: Up-to-Date news and alerts for Interlodge protocol, road conditions and lift openings/closures.Mountain Report: The Current Conditions section will report on hazardous road conditions, closures and Interlodge proceedings.Under the Alta town ordinances, violating Interlodge is a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and 6 months in jail.Although many Interlodges are planned ahead based on incoming snow forecasts, massive storms and rogue avalanches have resulted in multi-day Interlodge conditions. During overnight Interlodge events, Snowbird will still work to resume normal Tram and lift operations for the next morning. A small convoy of key resort personnel may be allowed to travel up the canyon at this point, but chances are the greater public will be delayed from arriving at Snowbird as Highway 210 is prepared for safe travel.

Pic Credit - Alta Ski Area