An avalanche mitigation caused snow to plunge down the mountain in Utah.

Dramatic footage shows the avalanche gathering speed as it slides down a hillside on January 5, blocking the SR-210 road.

The Utah Department of Transportation confirmed that the road has since reopened, but drivers were advised to expect delays, with traffic likely to come to a standstill until the congestion clears, especially near Snowbird and Alta.

Avalanche mitigation involves measures to reduce the risk and impact of avalanches, ensuring the safety of people, infrastructure, and critical transportation routes in snow-prone areas.

The Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) reported 902 avalanches during the 2023-24 ski season, resulting in two fatalities. The report also noted that Utah experienced a record-breaking two-year period for snowfall, with 131 per cent of the average snowfall from October 2022 to May 2024.