The blast was at least 3 miles off course. Avalanche-control operations are being temporarily suspended in Provo Canyon until officials can determine how the accident happened.

UDOT blames the misfire on too much gunpowder.

UDOT spokesman Geoff DuPaix said the shells come pre-packaged in bundles, so it isn't clear who is responsible for using the larger charge.

Carlos Braceras, UDOT deputy director, said UDOT takes responsibility for the accident and wants to make certain it doesn't happen again. Exact damage estimates are still coming in, but it could reach $100,000.

"We obviously have a little bit of work to do here," he said.

Investigators for the Federal Bureau of Investigation were initially called to the scene until it was determined no terrorist or malicious intent was involved.

"We were actually relieved to find it was so random, not a targeted event against us," Connors said.

Connors said insurance investigators are trying to estimate the extent of the damage, and UDOT Executive Director John Njord has promised Thursday that the department would do what it can to restore things.

Meanwhile, the Utah County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the exact cause of the overshoot, and the Connors are collecting shrapnel and counting their blessings.

"You just don't think you'll have a bomb in the back yard," said Lori Connors. "It's just not something you think you have to worry about."

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Contributing: Sam Penrod, KSL-TV

E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com