Electric service in Beaver Mountain areas affected by the Cottonwood Fire will not be restored before winter, according to an update from Rocky Mountain Power. The fire, which burned for more than two months and covered 97,464 acres, caused extensive damage to electrical facilities and the surrounding landscape.
Rebuilding efforts face significant challenges due to post-fire erosion, flooding risks, hazardous vegetation, and road access issues. These conditions currently prevent safe access and construction of the main transmission line serving Beaver Mountain. While a firm restoration timeline is not yet available, crews are continuing assessments and planning alongside partners including the U.S. Forest Service and the Utah Department of Transportation.
Specific damage reports include:
At least 11.6 miles of the main power line serving Beaver Mountain has sustained damage to poles, wires, and related equipment.
In the Kents Lake area, most of the 7.5 miles of power lines extending from the substation were destroyed, including 2.6 miles of overhead lines, 4.9 miles of underground lines, and 50 transformers.
In the Elk Meadows area, crews have identified damage to approximately 1.2 miles of overhead lines and 3.2 miles of underground lines, with 43 transformers requiring replacement.
Rocky Mountain Power has automatically paused billing for customers whose properties cannot currently receive electric service due to fire damage. The company stated it is not providing backup generators and advised customers using backup power to work with a licensed electrician. The Utah Department of Transportation has also closed SR-153 with gates near Milepost 3.5 and Milepost 14.5 to restrict access to the affected area.
The company continues to assess equipment and coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies on land management and environmental requirements. Information regarding recovery planning and rebuilding work is expected to be updated as additional details become available.
