Muddy Floodwater And Rocks Sweep Across Utah’s Big Cottonwood Canyon Road

Floodwater carrying mud and rocks swept across State Route 190 in Big Cottonwood Canyon on October 11, forcing officials to restrict uphill traffic as crews responded to flooding and debris.

The flooding followed heavy rain from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel. Vehicles were turned around near the canyon mouth while crews worked to address the hazards. Downhill traffic was later rerouted via Guardsman Pass.

Crews continued working overnight, including clearing a debris-blocked culvert at Storm Mountain near milepost 4.25, where water and debris rushed across the roadway as an excavator worked beside the flow.

The canyon reopened to traffic in both directions at around 2 a.m. on October 12 after crews cleared the debris. Officials warned that more rain was forecast and further weather-related delays remained possible.