Flash Flooding and Debris Flow in Utah, September 10 to 14, 2013

Significant long duration rainfall caused widespread flooding across Wayne County. State Route 24 was closed in several locations over the two day period, including between Caineville and Hanksville, as well as near Capitol Reef National Park, where the road was eroded due to the overflowing Fremont River. In addition, State Route 95 was damaged by flood waters and closed near Hanksville. Damage also occurred at Fish Creek Cove, where the road was cut off; this left about a dozen homes inaccessible, some of which were primary residences.

In Capitol Reef National Park, all of the streams and slot canyons were running high; the Scenic Drive was closed for an extended period of time, and many roads around the park sustained damage. Aside from roads, the most significant damage in Wayne County was at a diversion dam near Hanksville on the Fremont River, which will have to be completely rebuilt.

Heavy rainfall fell over a wide area, resulting in flash flooding over most of the washes and drainages within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. There was also damage near the town of Escalante, as flood waters deposited rocks and mud on State Route 12, and some larger boulders also helped to damage the road.

Most local roads were closed for more than a day, and many of these roads sustained damage from flood waters, including significant damage to Hole-in-the-Rock Road. At least three culverts along Hole-in-the-Rock Road were damaged, and at least five culverts required extensive debris removal. By the end of September, road damage across all of Garfield County due to flooding was $320,000, most of which occurred in this event.

Significant flooding impacted Emery County over two days, particularly on the west side of the county. Road damage and high water levels caused multiple highways to close down. State Route 10 closed from Castle Dale to Emery, with many boulders moving onto the road, some as large as cars. State Route 29 closed from mile post 0 to 12, or approximately Orangeville to Joe's Valley Reservoir. State Route 31 was closed multiple times through the event, in part due to multiple debris flows coming off of the Seeley Fire burn scar. In addition to the major routes listed here, many more local roads were closed due to flood waters, including Cottonwood Canyon. Monetary damages to roads were estimated to be approximately $150,000.

Heavy rainfall fell over a wide area, resulting in widespread flash flooding. Similar to Garfield County, most of the washes and drainages within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument experienced flooding, most local roads were closed for more than a day, and many of these roads sustained damage from flood waters, including significant damage to Hole-in-the-Rock Road.

In the central portion of Kane County, many drainages flooded, most notably along the Paria River. In addition, State Route 89 flooded from Kanab to Page.

On the far western part of Kane County, State Route 9 (also known as the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway) was closed for an extended period of time at the east entrance of Zion National Park. Several sections of the road experienced flash flooding, including a ravine where flood waters blocked a road culvert and undercut the road. In total, road damage from this event in Kane County was approximately $185,000.

Long-duration heavy rainfall caused flooding in Washington County, particularly in Zion National Park and the town of Hurricane. Flooding in Zion National Park was widespread, impacting countless streams and washes. State Route 9 (also known as the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway) was impacted on the Washington County side as well as in Kane County, and was closed all the way to the Canyon Junction, after debris and water damaged the road.

In Hurricane, many roads across town experienced water and mud across the road, impairing traffic through the town. In addition, ten homes experienced some flooding; some had water flow into basements, while others simply had damage to lawns or garages.

Heavy rains caused flash flooding and a rockslide along State Route 143 between Parowan and Brian Head, with large boulders over the road.

A rope funnel cloud was spotted and photographed near Midway, Utah. The time listed is approximate.

Heavy rain over multiple days resulting in flooding in Duchesne County, mostly impacting the town of Duchesne and State Route 191. Several streets in Duchesne were flooded, including Main Street, with the worst flooding occurring through the day of September 14. Earlier in the event, on the morning of September 12, multiple mudslides occurred on State Route 191 between Duchesne and Helper. The mud across the road trapped several motorists for a few hours before the debris could be cleaned up, but no injuries occurred due to the slides.

Heavy rain over the Clay Springs Fire burn scar resulted in a debris flow along Fool Creek. Mud flowed out of the drainage, but did not cross the road.

Sulphur Creek in Capitol Reef National Park experienced flash flooding following heavy rainfall.

Significant flash flooding occurred in Herriman, South Jordan, and West Jordan. In Herriman, flood waters entered an apartment complex, impacting about 18 apartment units. In addition, minor flooding occurred at Herriman High School. In South Jordan, 11 homes in the Sunstone subdivision experienced basement flooding, with water several inches deep. In West Jordan, about 10 apartment units were flooded with water and mud, and portions of the Mountain View Corridor were closed so that the Utah Department of Transportation could drain retention ponds that had filled with the heavy rainfall.

Flash flooding occurred along State Route 95, damaging portions of the road, especially near mile marker 31.

A funnel cloud was reported and photographed near Morgan, Utah. The time listed is approximate.

Widespread flooding occurred across Canyonlands National Park, including the far western portions of the park. Many roads were closed due to flooding, and the entire park was even closed for a period of time.

Widespread flash flooding occurred once again across Wayne County due to heavy rainfall. State Route 24 was closed from Fruita to Hanksville, as flood waters flowed over the road. Capitol Reef National Park had flooding and debris along the Scenic Drive and the Grand Wash. Roads across the wide area again experienced damage due to the flood waters.

Hail with a diameter of one inch was reported in Hurricane, and a police car was damaged by the hailstones.