Elk Ridge Community Working Together Amidst Flood Watch

ELK RIDGE, Utah – Behind the beautiful foliage lies a looming burn scar in Elk Ridge.

It’s a stark reminder of the recent wildfire and a stern reminder of what’s could come.

Community members of all kinds have been coming together in droves to prepare for possible floods and mudslides, even those who don’t have homes directly in the drainage path.

“I’m just going to start at the very top and hit everybody’s property today and kind of make it work,” said Stephen Clough, one of many taking time from his work day to dig diversions for forecasted rain from his neighbor’s homes.

Clough lives in this neighborhood.

“For years, I’ve monitored this canyon as far as the drainages,” he said. “In the winter, I keep my grater in here. Keep the snow out.”

Clough owns Wasatch Excavation, and while his day’s work won’t result in a paycheck, it doesn’t matter.

“No, you don’t get paid. There are a couple of neighbors (who say), ‘I’m demanding trade,’ and trade is Oreo cookies, but I don’t let my wife know because of the carbs,” he said laughing.

Clough has watched his Loafer Canyon neighbors take hit after hit from mother nature, but despite their understandable stress, he saw the day’s efforts as a breath of fresh air.

“The cool about it all is again, in the political climate that we’re at, to see everybody  — nobody is Republican, Democrat — we’re all Loafer Canyon Residents here and taking care of each other. It’s like rock and roll,” he said.

On the fringe of this beautiful foliage, the community has more than just the burn scar behind them. They have each other.

A spokesperson for Elk Ridge said they are so thankful for all of the volunteers so far. As of Monday, she said they are all set, but they will let folks know if they’re in need of more assistance.