Flash Flooding in Southern Utah

In September of 2015, flash flooding in the city of Hildale and Zion National Park, Utah killed 18 people, becoming the most devastating weather disaster in the history of the state. The debris flow was triggered by multiple rain falls in a short period of time, which, according to geologists, was one of the main issues that caused the extreme flow that swept away multiple vehicles. The saturated ground and loose materials that make up the geological surface of southern Utah are prime ingredients for what media calls a "landslide" which carries everything and anything in its path as rivers overflow their capacity and natural waterways are followed by the debris flow as pictured below:


In Zion National Park, water eroded sandstone canyons are home to tourists each year that wish to view natures beauty. The canyons become deadly in just seconds however when rain falls and there is no escape. As almost 90% of Zion National Park is wilderness, it's almost impossible to contact people in certain areas to warn them of danger. It is a wild place with sometimes wild, unexpected endings. The best advice for any travelers in Southern Utah is to continuously check national park weather stations and travel with experienced guides to avoid dangerous circumstances.


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