COALVILLE, Utah, July 16, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — Echo State Park has closed its Dry Hollow Campground after a mudslide caused by a storm Wednesday, and due to concerns over possibly impending storms.
Guests beach camping at Red Rock can still use their camping pass to access the showers at Dry Hollow.
“Everyone is safe, and we appreciate your understanding!,” says a social media post from Echo State Park management.
“Yesterday evening, a mudslide occurred as the storm rolled through. Dry soil from the farm across the road came loose after the heavy rain, bringing down a mix of water, mud, and loose vegetation. Fortunately, our park infrastructure worked exactly as intended: the majority of the flow directed into the culvert and out onto the beach as designed.”
Photo: Echo State Park social media
The park statement said slides are created after prolonged dry weather, when exposed topsoil loses its natural moisture.
“When a sudden, heavy rain hits, that dusty ground acts like a dry sponge that cannot absorb water fast enough. Instead of soaking in, the rainwater flows over the surface, gathering the loose soil and vegetation into a muddy mixture that naturally glides downhill to find the lowest point.”
The park advised looking for early signs of a mudslide:
- Changing Water Colors: Watch for nearby streams or runoff suddenly turning muddy or chocolate-brown, which means soil is moving upstream.
- Trunk and Fence Tilts: Notice if small trees, bushes, or fence posts on hillsides start leaning slightly downward.
- New Trickles: Look for new paths of water or small trickles of mud forming on slopes where water does not usually flow.
- Natural Cracking: Keep an eye out for fresh, unusual cracks appearing in the dirt along hillsides or dirt pathways.
- Nature’s Sounds: Listen for faint, unusual rumbling or clicking sounds from rocks knocking together, which indicates natural movement on the slopes.
“We appreciate you all & please use extreme caution in your travels over the next few days while the storms roll through.”
Photos: Echo State Park
