Dangerous flash flood traps 20 people in dark canyon. See photos of lengthy rescue
A severe thunderstorm caused flash flooding that stranded 20 people in a Utah canyon as darkness fell, rescuers said.
The Friday, June 21, rescue operation lasted 6 hours and ended after midnight, Grand County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue said in a June 24 Facebook post.
One group of hikers called to report three of them were stranded by the high floodwaters in Grandstaff Canyon, a hiking area just south of the Colorado River, rescuers said.
Rescuers hiked as far up the canyon as they could until the high water blocked them and were able to contact the people who called 911, officials said. They also noticed lights farther up the canyon.
Officials confirmed 17 more people were stranded in the canyon using a drone with thermal capabilities launched from the canyon trail’s parking area.
Rescuers requested Utah Department of Public Safety’s rescue helicopter in case the floodwaters didn’t subside in time to allow for a ground rescue, as the hikers were cold and wet and the risk of hypothermia was increasing, officials said.
After approximately 4.5 hours, the water had receded enough for rescuers to cross the creek and establish a hard line using a rope and by linking arms to guide hikers across the creek at about 11 p.m., photos show.
Several hikers did not bring any source of light, officials said.
Rescuers brought them to the trailhead and Grand County EMS assessed their condition, officials said.
At almost the same time, other rescue teams set out to search for hikers who could be trapped in the popular Mill Creek Canyon or Medieval Chamber areas, but found all occupants of cars parked in the Mill Creek parking area, officials said.
Before using the drone to find trapped hikers in Grandstaff Canyon, rescuers used it to confirm no one was trapped farther up Mill Creek or the Medieval Chamber canyoneering route, officials said.
The storm also downed power lines and damaged roads in the Moab area, rescuers said.
Officials reminded hikers to check weather forecasts before setting out on an adventure and warned against entering canyons, washes or streambeds if rain or thunderstorms are forecast.
“They can originate many miles away. Water levels rise extremely fast,” officials said. “Flash floods are often strong enough to carry dangerous debris such as trees and boulders.”
Officials recommended avoiding Courthouse Wash, Mill Creek, Rill Creek, Pack Creek, Kane Creek, Grandstaff Canyon, Onion Creek, Professor Creek and Fisher Towers.
“As with any backcountry adventure, make sure to bring extra water, snacks, layers, light sources and an emergency satellite messaging device,” officials said. “Please remember that entering flood waters is a dangerous risk for everyone, rescuers included.”
What to do in a flood
Floods are the most common natural disaster in the U.S., according to the Department of Homeland Security. They can develop both slowly and quickly, and flash floods can come without warning.
If you’re under a flood warning or are experiencing flooding, officials say you should follow these steps to help keep you safe:
Find safe shelter immediately.
Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwaters.
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
Stay in your car if it’s trapped in rapidly moving water, or go on the roof if the water is rising inside the vehicle.
Evacuate if told to do so. Listen to local responders.
Move to higher ground or if you’re trapped in a building, move to the highest possible level.
Only get on your roof if necessary, and don’t climb into a closed attic.
This story was originally published June 25, 2024 at 7:54 AM with the headline "Dangerous flash flood traps 20 people in dark canyon. See photos of lengthy rescue."
