rcwild
05-28-2005, 05:25 PM
Hurricane Valley Journal
May 25, 2005
Conditions in many of Zion National Park ‘s popular canyons will be dramatically different this summer than what has been seen in recent years. The Virgin River Drainage has one of the largest snow packs on record, with more than three times normal levels. Park officials believe that flows through the Zion Narrows will be too high for safe travel until sometime in July.
Many of the park’s other canyons are also expected to have high water flows this spring/summer. As an example, a search effort was organized on May 5 to locate an overdue party in the Subway, a popular canyoneering route. The party spent an unintended night in the canyon bottom after their attempt to travel down the canyon was blocked by high water flows. They were able to hike out the following day after climbing back up to the top of the route.
Visitors are reminded that hiking the Narrows and other canyons in the park can be dangerous and should not be underestimated. Flash floods, cold water, and strong currents present real dangers that can be life-threatening. Good planning, proper equipment and sound judgment are essential for a safe and successful trip. Permits are required for hiking the Narrows from Chamberlain’s Ranch down and for most other canyon routes in the park.
Hikers should check with a park ranger or call the park’s backcountry information line at 435-772-0170 to get the most up to date information regarding their canyon route.
May 25, 2005
Conditions in many of Zion National Park ‘s popular canyons will be dramatically different this summer than what has been seen in recent years. The Virgin River Drainage has one of the largest snow packs on record, with more than three times normal levels. Park officials believe that flows through the Zion Narrows will be too high for safe travel until sometime in July.
Many of the park’s other canyons are also expected to have high water flows this spring/summer. As an example, a search effort was organized on May 5 to locate an overdue party in the Subway, a popular canyoneering route. The party spent an unintended night in the canyon bottom after their attempt to travel down the canyon was blocked by high water flows. They were able to hike out the following day after climbing back up to the top of the route.
Visitors are reminded that hiking the Narrows and other canyons in the park can be dangerous and should not be underestimated. Flash floods, cold water, and strong currents present real dangers that can be life-threatening. Good planning, proper equipment and sound judgment are essential for a safe and successful trip. Permits are required for hiking the Narrows from Chamberlain’s Ranch down and for most other canyon routes in the park.
Hikers should check with a park ranger or call the park’s backcountry information line at 435-772-0170 to get the most up to date information regarding their canyon route.