A massive rockslide was recently caught on video somewhere deep in Utah’s Uinta Mountains, capturing the moment a large section of mountainside broke loose and sent rocks cascading down the slope. The video was shared to TikTok earlier this week by user @jdanielson6. Based on the look of the mountain in the video, this appears to have taken place right above Amethyst Lake.
Massive Section Of Rock Breaks Loose
The footage shows a steep mountainside as a large amount of rock sheds from the side of the slope, cascading down the cliffs onto the slope below. There is no indication that the rockslide damaged a road, trail, structure, or other infrastructure.
The lack of development in much of the Uintas means events like this can occur far from populated areas or major roads. Much of the mountain range consists of rugged terrain, with steep slopes, exposed rock formations and large areas of backcountry.
Rockslides Are A Known Hazard In The Uintas
Rockslides and landslides are not unusual geological processes in the region. A hazard assessment for Daggett County notes that small-scale rockslides and landslides occur in the Uinta Mountains and surrounding areas, with some events associated with heavy rainfall. Historical records also document rocks falling across roadways in the area during periods of heavy rain.
The Uinta Mountains stretch across northeastern Utah and into Wyoming and Colorado. The range contains some of the highest peaks in Utah, including 13,528-foot Kings Peak, and its rugged terrain continues to attract hikers, backpackers, hunters and other backcountry users.