Zion Fully Reopens Following Major Flooding Event

Virgin River
Virgin River

NPS

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News Release Date: September 9, 2014

Contact: Aly Baltrus, 435-772-0160

Springdale, Utah–Water levels on the Virgin River in Zion National Park rose from 174 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 4,790 cfs in a matter of hours today. This was the 7th highest river level in more than one hundred years. Flooding and debris on both the Scenic Drive and the Zion - Mount Carmel Highway forced the park to close at 1:00 P.M. Visitors up Zion Canyon, except those staying at the lodge, were evacuated.

As the water began to recede, park maintenance staff checked the roads and used heavy equipment to remove the mud and debris. A section of the Zion- Mount Carmel Highway was undercut by flood waters, but was quickly fixed. The main park road and the Scenic Drive reopened at 3:30 P.M. with limited shuttle service. Park staff will continue to check on Zion's popular trails as well as the Kolob Terrace Road accesses.  



Last updated: February 24, 2015

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Zion National Park
1 Zion Park Blvd.

Springdale, UT 84767

Phone:

435-772-3256
If you have questions, please email zion_park_information@nps.gov. Listen to recorded information by calling anytime 24 hours a day. Rangers answer phone calls from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. MT, but a ranger may not answer if they are already speaking with someone else.

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