A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City for northeastern Garfield County and south central Wayne County on September 12. The warning was in effect until 6:30 PM MDT that day.
At 3:34 PM MDT on September 12, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across parts of Capitol Reef National Park. The specific areas noted included Pleasant Creek, Burro Wash, Cottonwood Wash, Five Mile Wash, and Sheets Gulch.
Between 0.25 and 0.5 inches of rain had fallen, and additional rainfall of up to 0.25 inches was possible in the warned area. The National Weather Service reported that life-threatening flash flooding of creeks, normally dry washes, and slot canyons was occurring or expected to begin shortly.
The National Weather Service noted that the flash flood damage threat was considered considerable. Officials advised individuals to stay away from river banks, culverts, streams, dry washes, and slot canyons, as these areas can become unstable and unsafe during heavy rains.
