Flash floods hit Zion National Park as Escalante and Paria rivers rise
The National Weather Service said parts of the Escalante River basin saw up to 3.5 inches of rain in 36 hours.
Based on reporting by The Salt Lake Tribune. Read the original story →
Flash floods struck Zion National Park, New Harmony and Virgin on Thursday, and prolonged rain pushed the Escalante River in Garfield County sharply higher, The Salt Lake Tribune reported, citing the National Weather Service. The National Park Service had closed the Virgin River Narrows and all slot canyons Wednesday in anticipation of flooding. [1]
National Weather Service hydrologist Glen Merrill said the Escalante River basin got up to 3.5 inches of rain in 36 hours and that the river peaked at 1,620 cubic feet per second, flooding trails but harming no structures. Across southeastern Utah, he said, waterways were running high and fast, with the Paria River rising from almost no flow to 2,600 cubic feet per second. Flooding also hit Kolob Terrace Road in Virgin. [1]
In Hurricane, one to two inches of rain fell in an hour along Gould's Wash, and Mayor Clark Fawcett declared a local emergency. The city said about 80 homes and 50 recreational vehicles at Willow Wind RV Park were affected. [1]
Rain was expected to continue in southern Utah through midnight Thursday and then diminish Friday. Northern Utah can expect rain Friday, though Merrill said not with the same intensity or impacts and that it would be largely beneficial there. [1]
Sources
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