Weather
Utah Flood Warning Oct. 21-22: Slot Canyons at Risk
Escalante, UT – A flood warning is in effect across portions of southern Utah through Thursday afternoon, Oct. 22, as heavy rainfall threatens to flood slot canyons, normally dry washes and backcountr
By Cole Barrett · 2026-10-21T18:51:56.486Z
Escalante, UT – A flood warning is in effect across portions of southern Utah through Thursday afternoon, Oct. 22, as heavy rainfall threatens to flood slot canyons, normally dry washes and backcountry roads near Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, the warning was issued Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 12:35 p.m. MDT and remains in effect until 12:15 p.m. Thursday.
Flooding Could Become Dangerous Overnight
The warning covers portions of Kane and Garfield counties in southern Utah, along with San Juan County in southeastern Utah.
Forecasters report that excessive rainfall is expected to produce flooding in normally dry washes, slot canyons, creeks and other low lying locations.
Between 0.25 and 0.75 inches of rain had already fallen as of Wednesday afternoon, with an additional 1 to 2.5 inches possible through Thursday morning.
Saturated soils could cause water levels to rise rapidly across the warned area.
Popular Recreation Areas Face Flooding Risk
Locations of concern include Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Kodachrome State Park, Tropic, Cannonville, Escalante and Big Water.
Waterways at risk include the Paria River, Wahweap Creek, Warm Creek, Last Chance Creek, Croton Canyon and the Escalante River Basin.
The National Weather Service warns that numerous backcountry roads could become impassable as flooding develops.
Hikers and Campers Urged to Avoid Canyons
Officials are advising visitors to avoid hiking and camping in the affected areas, particularly within slot canyons and normally dry washes.
Floodwaters can rise suddenly, even when heavy rainfall occurs upstream rather than directly overhead.
Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roads, and visitors should remain away from unstable riverbanks.
The warning remains active through Thursday afternoon, although flooding could develop earlier as additional rainfall moves across the region.
Residents and travelers should monitor National Weather Service updates and avoid entering flood prone backcountry areas until conditions improve.