Rain and snow closes section of Logan Canyon – Cache Valley Daily

UDOT barricade at the mouth of Logan Canyon, US-89, warning motorists of the highway closure from Beaver Mountain to Garden City (Will Feelright).

LOGAN — A mix of rain and snow caused multiple traffic problems Friday morning, closing a portion of Logan Canyon and injuring a Utah Highway Patrol trooper in Sardine Canyon.

UHP Sgt. Cade Brenchley reported that troopers closed Logan Canyon, US-89 from the Beaver Mountain Ski Resort to Garden City around 6 a.m. The highway was covered with a mix of heavy wet snow and crews had been unable to clear it. There were also several vehicles that had become stranded and tow trucks had not been able to clear them off the roads.

Crews from the Utah Department of Transportation placed a flashing barricade at the mouth of Logan Canyon, warning motorists about the closure.

The canyon is expected to remain closed for several hours and possibly a majority of the day. Motorists needing to travel to Bear Lake or Wyoming are advised to use Emigration Canyon, SR-36 in Idaho.

Brenchley also said a UHP Sgt. was hit responding to an accident in Sardine Canyon, US-89/91. The man was in his patrol vehicle near the summit, when a car lost control and hit him around 7 a.m.

The Sgt. had whiplash and other minor injuries. He was taken to the hospital to be checked out.

Brenchley, who was also hit two years ago in similar type weather, is asking motorists to drive cautiously. The mix of rain and snow is producing very slick and slushy roads.

The Utah Avalanche Center has also issued an avalanche warning for the backcountry. They said conditions are very dangerous at all elevations today. Large, long running natural and human triggered avalanches are likely through the weekend.

will@cvradio.com