NEWS BLIPS
Flash Flood Causes Damage to Zion National Park
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through Good4Utah's website.
On July 11, 2018, Utah's Zion National Park received almost three inches of rain in three hours. The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for east central Washington County until 10:45 p.m that night. Zion National Park tweeted that flood damage and rock falls have caused multiple closures in Zion. Currently, the only trails available to hike in Zion Canyon are the Lower Emerald Pools, Grotto to Zion Lodge, Sand Bench, Pa'rus, and Watchman trails.
According to the Good4Utah article, "It is important to know where you are relative to streams, rivers or creeks which can become dangerous during heavy rain. Campers and hikers should avoid streams and creeks (during flash flood warnings)." There have been several rock and debris slides on the switchback below the tunnel. Officials in the park say the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is closed indefinitely between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance. Road crews will assess the damage before removing the debris, making repairs, and reopening roadways. The West Rim trail from the Grotto is closed due to a large trail washout in Refrigerator Canyon. However, hikers can still access the Rim section of the trail from Lava Point. Other notices include the closing of Kayenta Trail and Middle and Upper Emerald Pools Trails until further notice, and Lower Emerald Pools trail from the Emerald Pools Trailhead to just before the waterfall remains open.
For more information on current Zion National Park weather and updates, visit this link.