Iceaxe
07-31-2007, 09:08 AM
Church group narrowly escapes Zion flooding
BY KEN PETERSON
kpeterson@thespectrum.com
ST. GEORGE - A church group of about 30 people in the lower part of The Narrows at Zion National Park had to escape to higher ground Friday when the North Fork of the Virgin River flash-flooded from heavy rains.
Park superintendent Jock Whit-worth said the group had hiked about three miles up the canyon and was making its way back when the water came up on them. He said they climbed atop some boulders to escape the flood.
A few people got off the boulders before the water subsided. One woman lost her footing and was washed down the river for about a quarter of a mile before she was able to work her way out.
Whitworth said a visitor waded across the river to give her a towel to dry off and she waited there until park rangers came to help her back across the river.
Whitworth said another group was still camping in The Narrows Saturday, but is not expected to come out until late in the evening. Park officials are waiting to see if they make it out safely.
Whitworth cautions people to watch weather forecasts and if rain comes and the water starts to rise, move to higher ground and stay there until the water subsides.
BY KEN PETERSON
kpeterson@thespectrum.com
ST. GEORGE - A church group of about 30 people in the lower part of The Narrows at Zion National Park had to escape to higher ground Friday when the North Fork of the Virgin River flash-flooded from heavy rains.
Park superintendent Jock Whit-worth said the group had hiked about three miles up the canyon and was making its way back when the water came up on them. He said they climbed atop some boulders to escape the flood.
A few people got off the boulders before the water subsided. One woman lost her footing and was washed down the river for about a quarter of a mile before she was able to work her way out.
Whitworth said a visitor waded across the river to give her a towel to dry off and she waited there until park rangers came to help her back across the river.
Whitworth said another group was still camping in The Narrows Saturday, but is not expected to come out until late in the evening. Park officials are waiting to see if they make it out safely.
Whitworth cautions people to watch weather forecasts and if rain comes and the water starts to rise, move to higher ground and stay there until the water subsides.