Flash Flood in Arizona, July 15, 1999

Six to Seven inches of rain fell in the headwaters of Sabino and Bear Canyons on the south slopes of the Catalina mountains early in the morning. At one point 2 inches of rain in 20 minutes was recorded by a remote rain gage. Most of the rain fell over a three hour periof between 3 am and 6am. The river gage on Sabino Creek where the creek comes out of the mountains rose from 214 CFS at 6:15 AM to a peak flow of 10,600 CFS at 8:30 AM. The flow of 10,600 is the highest summer flow recorded by this rain gage which has a history back to 1932. The resulting food washed out much of the recreational facilities along the creek at the Sabino Canyon Recreation area. Between 10 and 20 people were evacuated by helicopter after being trapped when the water rose after they had entered the canyon. A large section of the Catalina Highway was washed out where the highway crosses the headwaters of Bear Canyon. The highway was clsoed for 2 weeks after being washed away. The only other road to the top of the Catalina Mountains is a back country road suitable for 4 wheel drive only. Several hundred campers were trapped on themountain due to the main road being closed including about 170 boy and girl scouts. Arrangements were made to smooth the back country road to allow residents and visitors alike access off the mountain. Several residence along Bear and Sabino Creek were flooded as the water filled the flood plain when leaving the mountains. Property damage included washing out several horse corrals.