Utah: SR-153 through Beaver Canyon closed indefinitely after flooding

State Route 153 through Beaver Canyon remains closed indefinitely after flash flooding and debris flows damaged multiple sections of the highway. Utah transportation officials have not announced when the route will reopen.

The closure disrupts access to mountain recreation areas, Eagle Point Resort and privately owned mountain properties beyond the canyon. UDOT is conducting aerial and ground assessments, but repairs have not been scheduled and no repair cost or completion date has been released.

Where the highway was damaged

According to the Utah Department of Transportation, the hard closure begins near milepost 7.5 east of Beaver. The most severe damage is concentrated between mileposts 7.5 and 10.5.

Near milepost 14, floodwater undercut the highway and washed approximately half of the road into the river. The damage does not mean the entire corridor was destroyed, but officials are assessing several locations before determining what repairs will be required.

Flooding and debris flows can change quickly when storms move across terrain affected by recent wildfires. UDOT warned drivers and mountain-property owners not to enter from either side of the mountain because additional storms could trigger more debris flows and create new hazards.

What the closure means for residents and visitors

Travelers should not treat SR-153 through Beaver Canyon as a passable route or attempt to bypass the closure from either direction. Recreation plans, property visits and travel connected to Eagle Point Resort remain uncertain while the roadway is being evaluated.

The closure affects access to mountain areas in and around Beaver and Piute counties. Officials have warned that entering from either side could expose motorists and property owners to damaged roadway conditions and additional debris-flow hazards.

State emergency declaration

Gov. Spencer J. Cox declared a state of emergency on July 22, 2026, for Beaver, Piute and Sevier counties following wildfires and catastrophic flooding. The declaration supports statewide resource coordination and gives state agencies a framework for responding to the damage and coordinating recovery efforts.

The emergency declaration does not establish a highway reopening date, approve specific repairs or guarantee that all requested aid or reimbursement has been awarded. Those decisions will depend on ongoing assessments and later recovery actions.

What happens next

UDOT’s immediate work is to document roadway damage from the air and on the ground while assessing the conditions along the corridor. The agency has not announced a repair timeline, reopening target or final repair plan.

Until officials provide new guidance, travelers should avoid SR-153 through Beaver Canyon entirely and should not attempt to reach the closure from either side. Additional storm activity could worsen conditions before crews determine how to restore the route.

Sources

• Utah Department of Transportation closure notice
• Office of Gov. Spencer J. Cox emergency declaration
• FOX 13 News report on SR-153 flooding