Flooding in Zion

That happened in an area known as the Narrows. You actually hike through a water filled area. Not deep but when the flash floods come your in a very narrow canyon. This is just one area of Zion. There are other areas to hike with little danger of flooding. However you have to always be aware of the dangers of nature. We were there 3 weeks ago.

I was visiting Zion Tuesday afternoon. Not hiking, just riding the shuttle and sightseeing. I didn't even hear about these deaths until several days later although there was a sign stating the Narrows was closed due to expected flash floods.

That's correct, in this morning's paper it stated the hikers went out not knowing that the storm began in a canyon above them and that the park service issued warnings for people to seek high ground. This happened so fast. They were a group from California and Nevada in their 40's and 50's.

It rained for only 30 minutes but the 1-1/2" created such water force that concrete bridge pillars were tossed around. This happened just south of Zion in the Hildale area. Two vehicles of 3 women and 13 children were swept away, killing all but 3 children.

Folks need to remember that in desert regions the rains can't soak in fast so the runoff goes into lower areas. It can rain hard 100 miles away and eventually that water collected along the way will appear and be deadly.

IIRC when I was at Zion at the entrance to the canyon there were signs warning of this danger of flash floods. evidently the weather was not threatening when these folks started out. I know I was anxious the entire time I was wading up the river/creek/stream.
bumpy

Hiking in canyons this time of year (monsoon season) is dangerous. It can rain many miles away and you wouldn't know it until it suddenly comes rushing down the canyon. This is a tragedy as they seemed experienced.