http://www.ksl.com/?sid=21938739&nid=148 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb3C7IpYpMM http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2012/08/30/flash-flood-takes-zion-hikers-by-surprise-1/
Flash flood leaves hikers stranded in Zion overnight By Mike Whitelock, ksl.com Contributor August 30th, 2012 @ 3:27pm
ZION NATIONAL PARK — Many people are spending time out recreating this summer, and while exploring the beautiful scenery of Utah, it is always smart to be prepared for any scenario that can come you’re way, as one group found out.
On Aug. 25, a group of 13 set out to hike “Fat Mans Misery”, a famous slot canyon hike in Zion National Park in Southern Utah. The group checked the weather and researched the hike well, Stgnews.com reports.
While the group was crossing a stream mid way through the hike, they noticed a change in the stream and heard the sound of rushing water and quickly realized it was a flash flood. One of the hikers was able to video part of the flash flood.
“Really, there is no way we could have anticipated the flash flood because the weather didn’t show any activity up in that area for Saturday,” said Joeseph Holland to Stgnews.com. “The best thing that happened was that we were prepared for a worst-case scenario.”
The group had to rig up a rope system to get everyone onto the same side to higher ground, because the flood had split the group up on both sides of the stream. Two of the adults then rock climbed and hiked out of the canyon to get cellphone reception to let their families know of their situation. They made a make shift camp with a small camp fire and survived through the night with limiter supplies.
The group made their way out of the canyon safely the following morning, lucky everyone was OK.
Flash flood strands hikers in Zion overnight Written by Chris Caldwell on August 30, 2012 in Local News, News, Outdoors –
ZION NATIONAL PARK – Southern Utah is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts; it provides access to a myriad of activities, and contains some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. However, when enjoying these natural wonders, adventurers need to be careful and prepared for the unexpected, as one group’s experience this past weekend attests.
The group before the hike, Zion National Park, Aug. 25, 2012 | Photo by Dawn Holland
On Aug. 25, a group of hikers set out on the trail known as “Fat Man’s Misery” near Zion National Park. The group of 13 included Joseph Holland, Travis Sanders, David Vick, Shano Matautia and Rob Heiser, along with a combination of their kids. They did their research and checked the weather, but partway through their hike they were blindsided by a flash flood.
While crossing what started off as a stream, the group saw unusual movement up stream as well as unfamiliar noises. When they pieced together that it was a flash flood, they had mere seconds to get to higher ground.
“The best thing that happened was that we were prepared for a worst-case scenario.”
“Really, there is no way we could have anticipated the flash flood because the weather didn’t show any activity up in that area for Saturday,” Holland said. “The best thing that happened was that we were prepared for a worst-case scenario.”