A flood watch was issued for portions of Utah, including eastern Juab and Millard counties, due to the potential for flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall, according to an August 13 statement from NWS Salt Lake City UT.
The watch, which was effective from August 13 until August 14, covered several areas including the central mountains, Bryce Canyon country, Capitol Reef National Park and vicinity, south central Utah, southern mountains, upper Sevier River valleys, lower Washington County, southwest Utah, and Zion National Park.
Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall could result in the flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, dry washes, slot canyons, and other low-lying or flood-prone locations such as slickrock areas and recent burn scars. Officials noted that area creeks and streams were running high and could flood with more heavy rain. Low-water crossings may also be flooded.
Specific areas of concern included recent burn scars such as Forsyth, Cottonwood, Widemouth 2, France Canyon, Monroe Canyon, and Silver King. The Cottonwood burn scar was identified as a problematic area that may see flash flooding, while the Widemouth 2 burn scar could result in debris flows near Kanosh, Meadow, and Fillmore.
The NWS Salt Lake City UT indicated that excessive rainfall from thunderstorms was expected across the threat area, particularly impacting problematic areas such as burn scars.
