Virgin River Narrows Safety

 

Rescues in The Narrows are lengthy and uncomfortable. Keep yourself safe using the information below.

NPS Photo

 

Plan Ahead and Be Prepared

Traveling into the Virgin River Narrows requires careful planning. At least 60% of the hike will be spent wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the river. Even on short trips, this hike can be challenging and risky. Your safety depends on your own good judgment, adequate preparation, and constant observation. Keep reading to learn about appropriate knowledge, clothing, equipment, and behavior for a hike through The Narrows.

Flash Floods

Flash floods, often caused by storms miles away, are a very real danger and can be life threatening. During a flash flood, the water level rises quickly, within minutes or even seconds. A flash flood can rush down a canyon in a wall of water 12 feet high or more.

Before starting any trip into a narrow canyon, speak with a park ranger at a visitor center or read online about current conditions, weather forecasts, and flash flood potential. If bad weather threatens your area, do not enter narrow canyons.

 

Above is an example of a National Weather Service Flash Flood Forecast for southern Utah. Note how the forecast can change dramatically by day and location.

NWS

Flash Flood Potential Forecasts

NOT EXPECTED: Flash Flooding is not expected.
POSSIBLE: Some slot canyons may experience flash flooding.
PROBABLE: Some slot canyons are expected to experience flash flooding.
EXPECTED: Many slot canyons are expected to experience flash flooding.

"Possible," "probable," and "expected" flash flood potential ratings should be a serious cause for concern. If you see any of these ratings, consider making alternative plans that avoid narrow canyons.

At the same time, keep in mind that flash floods can still occur during periods when they are not expected. When the National Weather Service states that there is a "30 percent chance of rain," they are not stating that there is a 30 percent chance that it will rain. They are stating that 30 percent of the forecast area will be affected by measurable precipitation. Continuously evaluate weather conditions and watch for these indications of a possible flash flood:

• Any deterioration in weather conditions
• Buildup of clouds or sounds of thunder
• Sudden changes in water clarity from clear to muddy
• Floating debris, such as branches
• Audible roar of water up-canyon

If you observe any of these signs, seek higher ground immediately. Climbing even a few feet higher may save your life. Remain on high ground until conditions improve — water levels usually drop within 24 hours.

The Virgin River Narrows are closed when the National Weather Service issues a Flash Flood Warning.

 

Clothing and Equipment

Over half of your time in The Narrows will be spent wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the river. The water is cold and fast-flowing, and the riverbed is mostly large, slippery boulders. Use appropriate clothing and equipment to help protect you and your belongings.

Footwear

Clothing

Hiking Poles / Sticks

Dry Bags

Extra Food

First Aid Kit

Flashlight / Headlamp

 

Cyanobacteria and Water Sources

All hikers should be aware that there may be a risk of cyanotoxin exposure when recreating in water in Zion. Cyanotoxins can cause illness and/or death if ingested or absorbed through an opening in the skin. The risk of exposure increases during and immediately after any precipitation events.

Never drink from rivers or streams; recreational filtration methods are not effective at reducing cyanotoxins to safe levels. Drinking water is available at visitor centers, campgrounds, and the Temple of Sinawava. Carry enough water, one gallon per person per day, and drink it.

If you plan to refill your water in The Narrows, collect drinking water directly from springs and filter, disinfect, or otherwise treat it as you would in the backcountry. Water flow at natural springs can vary — check for information at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk.

Do Not Jump!

Lower leg fractures are among the most common injuries suffered in the Wilderness. The most common cause of lower leg injuries is jumping from rocks. Do not jump from any height – lower yourself down slowly or find an easier way around.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body is cooled to dangerous levels. It is the number one killer of outdoor recreationists, even in summer.

Hypothermia usually happens without the victim's awareness. It is a greater hazard in narrow canyons, because immersion in water is the quickest way to cool the body. To prevent hypothermia, avoid cotton clothing (it provides no insulation when wet) and eat high-energy food before you are chilled. Signs of hypothermia include:

• Uncontrollable shivering
• Stumbling and poor coordination
• Fatigue and weakness
• Confusion or slurred speech

If you recognize any of these signs, stop hiking and immediately replace wet clothing with dry clothing. Warm the victim with your own body and a warm drink, and shelter the individual from breezes. A pre-warmed sleeping bag will also help prevent further heat loss.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion often occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. Signs of heat exhaustion include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches, pale appearance, stomach cramps, and cool clammy skin. If a member of your party begins to experience any of these symptoms, stop your hike immediately. Find a cool, shady area and rest with your feet up to distribute fluids throughout your body.

It is important to drink fluids, but it is also important to eat. Drinking lots of fluids and not eating, while suffering from heat exhaustion, can lead to a potentially dangerous condition of low blood salt. If heat exhaustion symptoms persist for more than two hours, seek medical help.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is an advanced stage of heat exhaustion, where the body is unable to cool itself. Symptoms include confusion, disorientation, behavior changes, and seizures. If you believe that a member of your party is suffering from heat stroke, it is imperative to cool them using any available means and obtain immediate medical assistance.