The National Weather Service has issued several flash flood warnings across east central and southeastern Utah, as well as parts of Colorado. Thunderstorms producing heavy rain are creating immediate threats of life-threatening flash flooding in various counties and national parks.
In eastern Utah, a Flash Flood Warning was issued for southern Grand County and northern San Juan County until 9:45 PM MDT. Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain, with rainfall rates expected to reach 3 to 4 inches in one hour. Dead Horse Point State Park is among the locations that may experience flooding.
Additional warnings cover south central Grand County, specifically impacting areas near North Fork Mill Creek, Grandstaff Canyon, and Castle Creek. Moab and Castle Valley are noted as locations that could experience flash flooding. In central San Juan County, heavy rain is expected to cause flash flooding in small creeks, streams, slot canyons, and arroyos.
In southeastern Utah, a warning was issued for the Deer Creek burn scar in northeastern San Juan County. Officials warned that excessive rainfall over this area could result in debris flows consisting of rock, mud, and vegetation moving through Twomile, Hop, and La Sal Creeks.
In southern Utah, a Flash Flood Warning was issued for portions of Capitol Reef National Park, including Capitol Gorge, Pleasant Creek, Burro Wash, Cottonwood Wash, Five Mile Wash, and Sheets Gulch.
A flood watch remains in effect through this evening for the San Rafael Swell, Capitol Reef National Park, Glen Canyon Recreation Area/Lake Powell, and Western Canyonlands. Additionally, a flood watch has been expanded to include portions of southwest and south central Utah, covering areas such as Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon Country, and the Southern Mountains, effective from Friday afternoon through Friday evening.
The National Weather Service advises travelers to turn around, do not drown when encountering flooded roads. In areas with active burn scars, such as the Gold Mountain Fire in Colorado, officials warn that heavy rain can trigger dangerous debris flows and mudslides. Campers and hikers are urged to avoid streams or creeks during these weather events.
