SPRINGDALE, Utah, June 30, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — Zion National Park will be in modified operations Wednesday as cleanup begins following Tuesday’s flooding.
Officials will be working to reopen state Route 9, the south and east entrances for inbound and outbound traffic, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, and the Park Store, said a news release from Zion National Park. Shuttle buses will be running in Zion Canyon.
Shuttle service through the town of Springdale is temporarily suspended as the road is being cleared.
Alternate east and west routes are available via U.S. Highway 59 from Hurricane to Fredonia, Arizona and U.S. Highway 14 from Cedar City to Long Valley Junction and U.S. Highway 89.
“Visitors should expect traffic delays, debris on roads, and potential closures of trails and parking areas as cleanup continues and damage is being assessed,” the news release said.
The oversized-vehicle lot is closed until further notice. The park has very limited oversized-vehicle parking due to this closure. Visitors should plan on parking in town, where parking for oversized vehicles is available on Lion Boulevard and in other parking areas.
According to the National Weather Service, the flash flood rating for Zion National Park for Wednesday, June 30, is probable.
“Zion National Park experiences monsoons from mid-July into September that result in an increased risk of flash floods,” the news release said. “These floods often occur without warning and can increase water flow by over 100 times. Plan ahead and be prepared.”
The news release added: “Always be aware of the threat of storms and lightning and be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Flash floods, often caused by storms miles away, are a very real danger and can be life-threatening. Know the weather and flash flood potential ratings before starting your trip. If bad weather threatens, do not enter a narrow canyon.
“Three critical steps to flash flood safety are: get to higher ground, do not drive in water, and stay informed. When an area is flooded turn around, don’t drown.”
Gephardt Daily will have more on this developing story as information is made available.
