Utah Flooding Updates & Safety Tips

Michelle Craig

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Utah Flooding Updates & Safety Tips

Delays and Closures

Damage from snowpack run-off may require delays in opening gates, temporary road closures and delayed openings of campgrounds, trails and other recreation areas.

Whether exploring the Wasatch Mountains in the north, Moab in the east or Southern Utah, visitors should check ahead with local visitor centers or ranger stations for accessibility.

Visitor Information Centers

Flood Safety Tips

Always check the weather forecast for the area you plan to recreate and be aware of changing weather conditions.
Educate yourself on the terrain you are entering. And be sure to check with the local ranger station for trail conditions.
Do not enter a narrow or slot canyon if storms threaten. Never camp in a wash bottom and recognize that dry washes are a result of previous flash floods.
If you’re hiking in a stream, be aware of rising water levels or stronger currents and sudden changes in water clarity.
Keep children and pets away from swollen waterways, as very cold and fast flows pose a serious drowning risk.
Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
Roads may become impassable, due to wet and muddy conditions. Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road.
Always tell someone exactly where you are going and when you will return.

Flood Alerts

Flash flood conditions change instantly. Areas along Northern Utah’s Wasatch Front continue to manage flooding and canyon landslides, while certain regions in Southern Utah face the risk of flash flooding and unsafe waters.

Know before you go: Responsible travel equals safe travel. Before hitting the trail or starting the drive, use these sites and apps for the most up-to-date information:

National Park Alerts

See alerts and conditions from the National Park Service for Utah’s Mighty 5 — Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion national parks.

Weather Alerts and Flood Forecasts

Find weather forecasts and flood risks throughout Utah and its neighboring states from the National Weather Service and sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts.

Forecasts by City:

Salt Lake City - Find weather and flood alerts for the Wasatch Front
Ogden - Find weather and flood advisories for Weber River
Provo - Find weather and flood advisories for Provo River
Park City - Find weather and flood advisories for the Wasatch Back
Moab - Find weather and flood advisories for Colorado River, Arches and Canyonlands
Logan - Find weather and flood advisories for Cache County
St. George - Find weather and flood advisories for Southern Utah and Zion

Daily Flood Reports

Use the Utah Department of Public Safety’s daily reports and live waterway cameras to mitigate travel risk.

Current Road Conditions

Discover up-to-date road conditions, closures, traffic and webcams at the Utah Department of Transportation or on the app.

Landslide Information

Turn to Utah Geological Survey for current landslide events in Utah.

State Park Alerts

Read warnings and safety tips for state park travel at Utah State Parks.

Fishing and Hunting Hazards

Utah Department of Natural Resources lists flooding information for fishing and hunting excursions.

"Play it smart, play it safe. Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, turn around, don't drown."

– National Weather Service

3 Tips During a Flood: Stay Out of Flood Waters

Never walk or drive through flood waters. Water levels and flow rate can change quickly — as little as six inches of flowing water can knock you off your feet.

3 Tips During a Flood: Get to Higher Ground

If flooding begins, seek high ground and wait for the water to go down before attempting to walk out.

3 Tips During a Flood: Stay Informed

Do your best to stay informed on changing conditions by checking local radio, television or social media.

What’s Causing Utah to Flood?

Utah locals are no strangers to springtime runoff. But 2023 is different.

Utah broke records this winter for the state’s largest snowpack ever. Ski resorts rejoiced in one of the longest ski seasons on record — The Greatest Snow on Earth^® kept falling (and falling and falling). Alta Ski Area, for example, topped out at a record-breaking 900 inches of snowfall on April 24.

But with epic snow totals and late-season precipitation, flooding is imminent throughout the state. As temperatures rise suddenly, the mountain snowmelt fills rivers and creeks in the valleys rapidly. Hence, the urgency to check weather and road conditions before traveling.

Will Flooding Ease Utah’s Drought and Lake Levels?

Indeed, Utah’s unprecedented snowpack offers some short-term relief for the states drought conditions. Utah drought monitoring maps show some improvement in 2023, over 2022 and 2021, but even with small gains, the majority of the state is still considered “abnormally dry” (as of May 2023).

Lake levels see some improvement, as well. After setting a record low level in the fall, Great Salt Lake water levels have risen five feet (as of May 2023). The same goes for Lake Powell. Some federal water managers predict it will rise 50 to 90 feet this year, after reaching an all-time low earlier this year.

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How To Stay Safe in the Outdoors

Written By Ryan Salm

5 minute read

Know how to stay safe and informed during your Utah trip and who is helping when you get into trouble.