LOCAL NEWS

Search and rescue operation underway in Zion National Park following flash flood

Aug 19, 2022, 4:28 PM | Updated: Aug 20, 2022, 12:29 pm

The Virgin River flows through the Zion Narrows in Zion National Park (Google Earth Pro)...

The Virgin River flows through the Zion Narrows in Zion National Park (Google Earth Pro)

(Google Earth Pro)

UPDATE: Search and rescue crews have resumed their search for a person who was reported missing late Friday evening.

Zion National Park spokesperson Jonathan Shafer said the park mobilized its search team early Saturday morning to go back out and continue the search through the Narrows and down the Virgin River.

The area was hit by flash flooding Thursday afternoon, and multiple visitors were swept off their feet near the Temple Sinawava in the Narrows.

One person who had been swept off their feet was carried several hundred yards in the Virgin River before being rescued. Shafer said that person was taken to an area hospital.


UPDATE: Around 2:15 p.m., the park received a report that multiple visitors were swept off their feet by a flash flood in the Narrows, near the Temple of Sinawava, according to Jonathan Shafer, spokesperson for Zion National Park.

The National Park Service immediately sent rangers to assess the situation, Shafer said, and began mobilizing additional resources for a large-scale response.

Park rangers hiked up Riverside Walk where they found several hikers on high ground who were isolated by high water. Shafer said rangers spoke with the visitors and directed them to remain in place.

“Zion National Park maintenance staff, who were clearing debris from a prior slide that affected the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, immediately moved to positions along the Virgin River to monitor it. And more than 20 park rangers and members of the Zion Search and Rescue team are deployed with location devices and ropes along the Virgin River in an attempt to reach visitors who might be in the water.”

Shafer said park rangers began interviewing every group of visitors exiting Riverside Walk to ensure they’re not missing a member of their party.

As of 5:45 p.m. Friday, they have not had any hikers reported missing.

Our original story continues below.


SPRINGDALE, Utah — A search and rescue operation is underway on the Virgin River in Zion National Park following a flash flood.

Jonathan Shafer, spokesperson for Zion National Park, said the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning around 1:30 p.m. Shortly after, the National Park Service closed the Narrows, along with all other slot canyons in the park.

Park officials said shuttles are only moving visitors south on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive due to the ongoing incident.

Details about how many victims were involved and how many agencies were responding was not immediately available.

According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, flash flooding is probable in Zion National Park, and several other national parks in southern Utah, throughout the weekend.

“Make sure to check in with local visitor centers or ranger stations before heading out and have a plan if threatening weather approaches,” read a Friday afternoon tweet from NWS.

This article will be updated as additional information becomes available.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

(KSL TV)...

Lauren Steinbrecher

Clinton police launch internal investigation after women report ‘concerning’ officer encounter

Two women are recounting an interaction with a Clinton police officer during a traffic stop in Roy that left them concerned.

5 minutes ago

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

11 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

11 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

12 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

14 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

14 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Search and rescue operation underway in Zion National Park following flash flood