Southern Utah: Potential for flash floods on Sunday and Monday, some flooding in Capitol Reef reported
Jun 23, 2024, 2:29 PM | Updated: 5:46 pm
Flash floods could appear in Southern Utah on Sunday and Monday. The Virgin River flows through through Zion National Park. (Ravell Call, Deseret News)
(Ravell Call, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — The National Weather Service has announced a series of warnings for Utah on Sunday. One of those warnings involve “threats of flash floods” for both Sunday and Monday.
On Sunday around 2 p.m., the National Weather Service said parts of Capitol Reef did experience flash flooding.
Those areas include Pleasant Creek, Burro Wash and Capitol Gorge. A flash flood warning is in place for these areas until 5 p.m.
At 2 pm, Capitol Reef rangers reported flash flooding was ongoing in Pleasant Creek. This Flash Flood Warning includes Pleasant Creek, Capitol Gorge and Burro Wash and is in effect through 5 pm. #UTwx https://t.co/OvjZM1oGHn
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) June 23, 2024
The NWS said in a post on its X account that other areas in Southern Utah could receive flash floods, including:
- Zion National Park
- Western portions of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Other areas that could receive a flash flood include “slot canyons, normally dry washes and areas near recent burn scars.”
“If you have outdoor plans during this time involving slot canyons, please consider rescheduling them,” the post said.
In a moist airmass with little in the way of steering flow, southern Utah will see a heightened threat of flash flooding both Sunday and Monday. If you have outdoor plans during this time involving slot canyons, please consider rescheduling them. #utwx pic.twitter.com/UQVoC4Zu53
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) June 23, 2024
KSL meteorologist Brett Benson explained what pushes in extreme flooding.
“The rivers are running high and then you get these thunderstorms that dump a bunch of extra water in an isolated area,” Benson said.
“It could be dangerous; you’ve got to be careful if you’re out there.”
Bureau of Land Management warns of elevated risks of potential washouts in the canyons and to stay clear of fast-moving rivers and overflowing streams.
Currently, some roads are closed, including Kane Creek Road and heavy debris has been reported on highway 128.
Zion National Park
Early Sunday evening, the NWS reported that water was going that over the Quail Ridge Road at Zion National Park. And a flood advisory has been issued for Springdale. In nearby Rockville, the NWS said more than half inch of rain fell in 30 minutes.
5:15 pm – A look at Zion Park Blvd at Quail Ridge Road at this hour where water is noted going over the road in a few places. Don’t attempt to drive through water where you don’t know how deep it is. #TADD #UTwx pic.twitter.com/8UPRJ5xein
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) June 23, 2024
Meanwhile at the Salt Lake City International Airport, temperatures reached 101 degress, according to the NWS.
At 4:11 pm, Temperatures have gotten to 101 degrees out here at the airport. #UTwx
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) June 23, 2024
Mark Jones contributed to this story.
