Visiting Zion National Park During Monsoon Season

Contact: Zion National Park Newsdesk

SPRINGDALE, Utah - While visiting Zion National Park from July through September can bring adventure, it may also include rapidly changing weather. Clear morning skies can quickly build into intense afternoon thunderstorms - transforming the landscape and creating serious hazards. The National Park Service urges visitors to stay informed and be ready for sudden weather changes, including the potential for flash floods.

Monsoon season sweeps into the Southwest each summer, bringing a dramatic shift in weather that reshapes the region's rhythm. From July through September, moist air fuels unstable atmospheric conditions that can spark sudden downpours.

Flash floods are a powerful force in Zion, reshaping canyons with sudden, fastmoving water. During monsoon storms, intense rainfall can funnel into slot canyons and slickrock drainages, creating dangerous conditions even when skies nearby appear clear. Because storms can form 15 to 20 miles upstream, visitors may never see the rainfall that sends water rushing through the 288 square mile watershed feeding the Narrows. Floodwaters can carry rocks, debris and tree limbs, and conditions can change rapidly. During rainstorms, visitors may also see streams of water flowing from the ledges and cliffs in various locations in the park - which can be enjoyed from a safe distance, as waterfalls may also carry debris. The National Park Service urges visitors to stay aware of upstream weather and remain prepared for flash floods that may occur without warning.

"For the health and safety of all visitors, Zion National Park provides numerous online tools and visitor center resources that can help visitors plan for a safe trip through the park,"saidZion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh."The park also offers many fun, free, activities like ranger talks, Zion Lodge evening programs, and junior ranger programs that provide visitors with excellent park experiences regardless of the weather," said Bradybaugh.

Visitors are responsible for their own safety and are encouraged to check the weather forecast and flash flood potential before entering any canyon, including the Narrows.

Visitors can greatly improve their personal safety by following these tips:

Stay Informed

Be Alert

• Maintain situational awareness of rapidly changing weather conditions. Conditions far away or upstream of your current location can change quickly and impact your trip.
• Be aware. For public safety purposes and depending upon conditions, the park may issue closures for the Narrows and all slot canyons.
• Follow posted closures. Signs are placed along the Riverside Walk and other locations, and wilderness permits are not issued for slot canyons during closures.
• Never cross flooded areas.

Adapt Plans and Enjoy the Park

• Be flexible. Have a backup plan to keep your group, friends, and family safe.
• Make it fun! Check Zion National Park's Calendar of Events page to find fun, alternate activities. The park offers many free alternate activities to continue to enjoy the park even if the weather changes. Check out a Ranger Talk, Ride with a Ranger, Nature Center Youth Program, Junior Ranger Program, or Zion Lodge Evening program.

For the media: As a courtesy, Zion National Park maintains a digital gallery. Access video b-roll of summer rains.

www.nps.gov/zion

About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.