Picture of ephemeral waterfalls flooding at Capitol Reef National Park. Photo credit: Capitol Reef NPS
(SALT LAKE CITY) — Many flash flood warnings have been issued throughout the state today (Thursday), including Capitol Reef, a popular destination for the long weekend.
At Capitol Reef, it rained nearly an inch in 90 minutes. The Scenic Drive is temporarily closed at the fee booth due to floods.
At time of publication, the park has seen 1.17 inches which is “a lot in a place that gets 8 or so inches a year,” said Lori Rome, the point of information officer at Capitol Reef.
But the delay wasn’t all bad. Those waiting out the rain at the visitor center “were treated with ephemeral waterfalls all around. It was quite beautiful,” said Rome.
The National Weather Service (NWS) was expecting flash flooding in the area until 3:45 pm. Monsoon weather is expected throughout the week.
Hanksville, Utah is under a flash flood warning until 6 pm Thursday. The area impacted includes Goblin Valley State Park, Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon, and Ding and Dang Slot Canyons.
Chunks of Southern Utah are under a severe weather warning, including Zion’s National Park.
Hurricane, La Verkin, and Toquerville are under a flash flood warning until 4:30 pm Thursday.
Heavy rain, penny-sized hail, and winds up to 55 mph possible.
A storm is moving towards the southern end of Bryce Canyon National Park. Expect hail up to half an inch, winds up to 55 mph, and strong thunderstorms.
A flash flood warning is in effect for Kane, Garfield, and San Juan County until 6:45 pm Thursday. Areas affected include Peekaboo Slot Canyon, Coyote Gulch, Forty Mile and Fifty Mile Slot Canyons, and Davis Gulch, as well as the Escalante River to Lake Powell.