HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah, June 15, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — Hill Air Force Base announced late Monday morning that it plans a large rocket motor detonation today at the Utah Test and Training Range.
The announcement did not give any estimated time.
The detonation will be “part of the Air Force’s ongoing effort to safely eliminate outdated rocket motors,” the announcement says.
Before each detonation, the Air Force uses an atmospheric prediction model to ensure sound levels remain within acceptable limits along the Wasatch Front. If conditions are unfavorable, operations are delayed, the alert says.
“Safety and minimizing impacts to our surrounding communities remain our top priorities,” said Amanda Burton, Environmental Branch Chief for the 75th Civil Engineer Group.
While the model is highly reliable, changing weather conditions can occasionally result in audible noise or mild vibrations in northern Utah communities, the alert says.
“Additional detonations may occur throughout the season as weather and workload allow.”
