Flashflood 2007 Causes Trail Closures

Trails were heavily damaged in the Narrows section of Frijoles Canyon.

NPS Collection

THIS TRAIL REOPENED TO THE PUBLIC ON APRIL 13, 2008. TRAIL CREWS HAVE WORKED HARD OVER THE LAST 7 MONTHS TO REPAIR DAMAGE TO THE TRAIL CAUSED BY TWO FLASHFLOODS. USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN HIKING IN THIS AREA.

On Wednesday, August 29, 2007 an intense thunderstorm over the watershed of Frijoles Creek created runoff that exceeded the capacity of the stream, creating a flashflood. During the height of the flood, Frijoles Creek reached flow rates of approximately 800 cfs. Flood waters removed bridges along the Falls Trail (currently open to the public) and destroyed some trails while undercutting others in the area between Alcove House and Upper Crossing (currently closed to the public).

 

Crews continue to repair damage cause by the summer's flashflood.

NPS Collection

Since early September several trail crews have worked to repair the damage. More trail crews will be doing work in the near future. For visitor saftey, the trail between Upper Crossing and Alcove House will remain closed for the foreseeable future. The trail may reopen in early spring 2008.