SPRINGDALE – The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway in Zion National Park was reopened Thursday after being closed overnight due to flood damage and repair.
On Wednesday at 2:30 p.m, flood debris plugged a culvert under the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway about a mile from the small tunnel. Water backed up, crossing the roadway and started to undermine the opposite lane. Traffic was shut down through the park while the park’s road crew worked to save the road.
No additional damage occurred over night, which allowed road crews to finish stabilizing the section and reopen it.
Drivers can expect a rough gravel patch for the next few days. Road crews will also be pouring cement caps on either side of the road to further stabilize the culvert. During that work, drivers should expect one-way traffic and up to 15 minute delays.
The east side of the park received over an inch of rain Wednesday in just a few hours. The extraordinary volume of water overwhelmed the drainage system and damaged the road.
More rain is expected over the next few days. Slot canyons, including The Narrows, are expected to experience flash flooding today and will likely experience flash flooding on Friday and Saturday as well.
Park visitors are encouraged to consult the weather forecast and the Flash Flood Potential Rating before entering a narrow canyon.
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Submitted by: Zion National Park
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