Day 1353: Deadliest day in Utah

Last night heavy rains fell along the Arizona - Utah border causing flash floods in the steep canyons.  Sixteen have bee killed in the last twenty- four hours, making it the deadliest day in Utah's weather history.  Tragically, four from one family were killed here in Zion when their car was swept away and another twelve were lost nearby in a slot canyon.

Families are still awaiting news of their loved ones.  How horrible to be on vacation and suffer such a shocking and horrifying accident.  It illustrates the importance of being totally aware of your surroundings and the weather at all times when hiking in slot canyons and gorges.

As we drove northeast from Las Vegas, the weather went from dry and sunny to dark clouds and scattered rain.  Not what we expected in Utah.  In fact, the news reports indicated it has never happened before to this degree.  In one hour, they got .63 inches of rain.  Zion got a total of 2.05 inches in 24 hours.  In western NY, that's a manageable amount.  The water would be absorbed quickly.  In Utah gorges, it runs off every surface and trickles become raging torrents.

One of the communities most affected was the FLDS, a religious cult that usually avoids outsiders. Apparently, there have been conflicts between the FLDS and their neighbors, but that was put aside as they worked to rescue victims and recover bodies.  Three sisters and several children were killed.
Seven of the lost were swept,away in Keyhole Canyon.

I suspect that parts of the parks will be closed to tours tomorrow.

On the way along route 15, we drove along undulating roads through the Virgin River Gorge.  Dwarfed by towering cliffs, mesas and peaks,  I feel small and insignificant.   Mankind seems powerless when compared to the power of nature. That message was made more evident by the floods today.

We are exhausted after our long day that started at 4 am.  Time to sleep..