A flash flood emergency was declared Sunday afternoon for Beaver as a massive debris flow moved down the canyon toward residential neighborhoods. The event was triggered by runoff from the Cottonwood Burn Scar.
The National Weather Service issued the emergency alert at 3:16 p.m., alongside a broader Flash Flood Warning for the Cottonwood Burn Scar area in Beaver County, which was set to remain in effect until 8 p.m.
Forecasters warned that a large debris flow had already surged over a diversion dam in the canyon and was continuing down Highway 153 in the lower canyon. Officials stated that additional waves of debris flow were expected to arrive in surges as the flow moves downstream toward the Grove neighborhood.
A separate debris flow was also reported moving through the North Creek area. Authorities described the event as a particularly dangerous situation, labeling the flash flooding as life-threatening.
The National Weather Service assigned the flash flood damage threat the highest designation of catastrophic.
Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain fell over much of Beaver, with flash flooding underway prior to the issuance of the alert. Officials stated that immediate evacuation was necessary for residents in and around the burn scar.
Authorities warned that roads and driveways could be washed out and advised people to avoid traveling unless they were fleeing the flood zone or under an evacuation order.
