On the Site:

LOCAL NEWS

Park officials urge visitor safety as water flows at Gunlock State Park

Mar 17, 2023, 7:17 PM | Updated: Apr 17, 2023, 4:18 pm

GUNLOCK STATE PARK, Utah — An urgent safety warning for anyone who plans to visit the stunning waterfalls at Gunlock State Park in Southern Utah.

“It’s just not safe with that type of water and the speed that it’s moving,” said Sgt. Darrell Cashin from the Washington County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team.

While surveying the falls Friday, Sgt. Cashin observed dozens of visitors climbing the rocks for a closer look. While many kept a safe distance, many did not.

“I know it’s enticing for people to go up there but they’re actually crossing the water and getting into other areas and one misstep, and it will take them off their feet and push them off those cliffs,” Cashin said.

Jason Whipple, Director of Washington County Emergency Services said the rivers are running really high and flooding is expected in some parts of the Virgin River.

Main highways and roads are closed due to water runoff.

Whipple encouraged people to stay away from flooding areas. He said Gunlock has a lot of people climbing the rocks to view the waterfalls and runoff, but it’s dangerous.

The falls at Gunlock State Park don’t happen every year, only when the reservoir reaches capacity and flows over the spillway. The last time it happened was in 2020, and during the season SAR responded to dozens of rescues.

“We were out here a couple times of week dealing with broken ankles, dealing with people who went off the falls, people who jumped off the falls deliberately,” said Cashin. “I remember a gentleman, his 7-year-old started getting swept and he grabbed him and got him out of the water but when he went down, he actually fractured his back in two places.”

The Washington County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team is pleading with visitors to use extreme caution.

“I understand looking at them and how beautiful they are and how they draw you to them, but I would ask visitors to stay at least 10 feet back and do not cross any water,” Cushin said. “Especially keep their little ones way back, it only takes a few seconds and then they’re gone.”

Even though there are warning signs near the falls, visitors are responsible for their own safety. Park staff and rangers have increased patrols, reminding visitors of the risks. But even with those extra efforts, WCSO search and rescue is on high alert preparing to be called out.

“My worst fear is that I’m going to be right back out here,” Cushin said. “That somebody stepped wrong, went in wrong, and it swept them off those cliffs.”

With Utah’s current snowpack, the water at Gunlock Reservoir is expected to flow over the spillway until the end of June.

Click here to get more information about safety while visiting Gunlock Falls.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

(Photo courtesy: Sadie Poarch)...

Lauren Steinbrecher

Utah family stranded while cutting Christmas tree rescued by strangers

A family is thanking the good Samaritans who rescued them in the mountains after the family became stranded while looking for a Christmas tree.

2 hours ago

After a crash that left a 12-year-old dirt bike rider dead on a state road just outside of city lim...

Andrew Adams

Grantsville officials stepping up efforts to avoid another tragedy

After a crash that left a 12-year-old dirt bike rider dead on a state road just outside of city limits, the mayor said he wanted to step up education and enforcement efforts in town in hopes of avoiding another tragedy in the future.

12 hours ago

The Idaho State Police say a multi-vehicle collision Tuesday morning on Interstate 86 was weather-r...

Mark Jones

Only minor injuries reported in 30-vehicle crash west of Pocatello

The Idaho State Police say a multi-vehicle collision Tuesday morning on Interstate 86 was weather-related. 

14 hours ago

FILE — A Roosevelt police officer received minor injuries Sunday while trying to stop a wrong-way...

Mark Jones

Roosevelt police officer hurt in collision with wrong-way driver

The Roosevelt Police Department says one its officers suffered minor injuries Sunday, while trying to stop a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction.

14 hours ago

A Logan musician who had a traumatic brain injury and lost the ability and drive to make music is t...

Peter Rosen

Musician returning to stage following a traumatic brain injury

A Logan musician who had a traumatic brain injury and lost the ability and drive to make music is taking the stage again, thanks, in part, to his bandmates.

15 hours ago

Sean Reyes...

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com

Lawsuit accuses AG Sean Reyes of intimidating critic of Tim Ballard, OUR

A lawsuit filed against Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes on Monday alleges he engaged in witness tampering and intimidated a critic of Operation Underground Railroad and its founder Tim Ballard when she brought complaints against the anti-sex trafficking organization.

15 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

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.

Users display warnings about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), access to malicious software ...

Les Olson

How to Stay Safe from Cybersecurity Threats

Read our tips for reading for how to respond to rising cybersecurity threats in 2023 and beyond to keep yourself and your company safe.

Design mockup half in white and half in color of luxury house interior with open plan living room a...

Lighting Design

Lighting Design 101: Learn the Basics

These lighting design basics will help you when designing your home, so you can meet both practical and aesthetic needs.

an antler with large horns int he wilderness...

Three Bear Lodge

Yellowstone in the Fall: A Wildlife Spectacle Worth Witnessing

While most people travel to this park in the summer, late fall in Yellowstone provides a wealth of highlights to make a memorable experience.

a diverse group of students raising their hands in a classroom...

Little Orchard Preschool

6 Benefits of Preschool for Kids

Some of the benefits of preschool for kids include developing independence, curiosity, and learning more about the world.

Park officials urge visitor safety as water flows at Gunlock State Park