Forecasters warn of flash flooding risk in Utah’s national parks
Jun 2, 2025, 1:30 PM | Updated: 7:02 pm
FILE: Sept. 2015, in Zion National Park, flood that left 3 dead and four missing. (Scott G Winterton/Deseret News)
(Scott G Winterton/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — On Monday, officials warned about the risk of flash flooding in southern Utah and all of the state’s national parks.
“The ingredients are there, there’s an abundance of moisture,” National Weather Service Meteorologist Jon Wilson said.
Related: How to survive flash flooding in a Utah slot canyon and elsewhere
The National Weather Service said this danger is linked to tropical storm remnants that are making their way into the state.
Wilson said the risk of flash flooding would be higher in areas like Zion National Park, Snow Canyon State Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante.
While flooding is not guaranteed, forecasters urged people to check the weather ahead of time and consider a Plan B if they’re thinking about visiting a slot canyon.
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“It only takes around six inches of flowing water to take you off your feet. And so these slot canyons can fill up much higher than that,” Wilson said.
It’s important to note that slot canyons tend to fill up from water that falls elsewhere and runs into them. So while it might not be raining where you are, you could still be in the path of a flash flood.
“Just know the weather forecast prior to going out into these areas,” Wilson said.
Wilson also said there will be a risk of flash flooding in these areas through Wednesday, but that the risk should dissipate after that.
