Plot Synopsis

The snow plows and the Avalanche Control Center of the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) work to keep the roads passable and safe before, during and after extreme winter weather. Using nearly 500 trucks, drivers plow, pre-wet and de-ice roads to maintain safe driving conditions while removing approximately 65 million tons of snow each year. These drivers are often on call as they get their trucks and equipment ready for big unpredictable storms, and then they work tirelessly to re-open dangerous roads. Instead of just making the roads safe for travel, UDOT closes them when avalanche forecasters, who are making life-and-death decisions, identify avalanche conditions in places like Little Cottonwood Canyon. If the forecasters miss an avalanche -- or if residents and tourists ignore their warnings -- the consequences are deadly.