Canyonlands National Park
Flood Watch issued October 29 at 9:42PM MDT until November 2 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of southwest Colorado, including the following areas, Animas River Basin, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, San Juan River Basin and Southwest San Juan Mountains and southeast Utah, including the following areas, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains and Southeast Utah. * WHEN...From Sunday morning through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, recently burned areas, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected across portions of southeast Utah and southwest Colorado from Sunday morning through Monday morning over soils that are still saturated from recent rainfall and flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 29 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT Low pressure begins to dig southward from the PACNW on Friday, tapping into a fetch of Pacific moisture that will evolve into an atmospheric river streaming into the Desert Southwest this weekend. Showers and thunderstorms develop on Friday and Saturday across the region. Lighter rainfall totals Friday and Saturday will reflect, initially lower, moisture. However, a few thunderstorms could produce impactful downpours on saturated soils left over from last weekend's historic rainfall. Deeper moisture develops Saturday night and early Sunday. This is expected to produce heavier and more widespread rainfall across southeast UT and southwest CO Sunday and Monday, mostly below 10000 feet. While rivers are forecast to remain below action stage, a growing concern lies in the potential for runoff around saturated hillsides in the region. This could produce rock, mud, and debris flows onto roadways, as well as flash flood prone burn scars, washes, slot canyons, and arroyos. Early estimates predict an area of 1 to 2 inches of new rainfall for portions of southeast UT and southwest CO. This is a preliminary forecast that hinges on slight shifts in a strong moisture plume impacting the region. It also attempts to capture the most statistically likely outcome, despite stronger and weaker outlier predictions. Outdoor enthusiasts, motorists, and residents of recent flood impacted areas are encouraged to remain abreast of the developing forecast in the coming days.
Overview
Canyonlands National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, with no current major closures. The park is divided into four distinct districts—Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the Rivers—carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers, with no roads connecting them. As of winter 2024-2025, the Island in the Sky Visitor Center operates daily 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (December through March), closing early on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, and fully closed Christmas Day. The Needles Visitor Center closed for winter on December 7, 2024, and will reopen February 13, 2025; backcountry and day-use permits are available via self-registration at the visitor center porch. Campgrounds remain open throughout winter, and entrance fees are still collected. The Maze District remains the most remote and challenging, requiring 4WD and extensive planning. Winter visitors should note that trails can become icy in shaded areas, traction devices are recommended, and all visitor services (lodging, food, fuel) are unavailable within the park—come fully equipped. The desert remains extremely dry even in winter, so carry ample water. Law enforcement staff remain on duty year-round.
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