Canyonlands National Park
Flood Watch issued October 9 at 1:04PM MDT until October 12 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
Moisture associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel will impact Utah this weekend bringing widespread rainfall totals ranging from 2-4". Some highly localized amounts to 6-8" are also possible, particularly across terrain-favored locations in southwestern Utah, the Book Cliffs, and Bear River Range. * WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...A portion of Utah, including the following areas, Castle Country, Central Mountains, Eastern Juab/Millard Counties, San Rafael Swell, Sanpete Valley, Sevier Valley, Wasatch Plateau/Book Cliffs, Bryce Canyon Country, Capitol Reef National Park and Vicinity, Glen Canyon Recreation Area/Lake Powell, South Central Utah, Southern Mountains, Upper Sevier River Valleys, Western Canyonlands, Lower Washington County, Southwest Utah and Zion National Park. This also includes recent burn scars such as Forsyth, Cottonwood, Silver King, France Canyon, and Monroe Canyon. * WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, dry washes, slot canyons, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations such as slickrock areas and recent burn scars. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Anomalously high moisture is forecast to impact the region with the arrival of the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel. While this is expected to be a long duration rainfall event, scattered instances of heavier rainfall rates are expected with stronger storms yielding flash flooding concerns given saturated soils and prior burn scars. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 9 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT A strong low pressure system off the Pacific Coast will begin to draw in tropical moisture associated with Topical Storm Rachel this weekend. This strong southerly fetch will draw anomalously high moisture content across the Desert Southwest and into eastern Utah and western Colorado. The chance for widespread precipitation increases Saturday evening into Sunday. Total precipitation forecasts range from 1 to 3 inches across high terrain, with highest amounts favoring the Uintas, Tavaputs and the Southwest San Juan mountains. Embedded thunderstorms are also possible Sunday afternoon, increasing the threat for flash flooding across vulnerable terrain. While confidence in location and rainfall rates remain low at this time, the potential for rapidly rising rivers, streams, normally dry arroyos and slot canyons are possible Sunday through Monday. Please follow the evolving forecast, especially if your plans including recreating or commuting across eastern Utah and western Colorado Sunday onward. Also, keep in mind weather potential above your location and upstream, particularly for those who reside below sensitive terrain like recent burn scars.
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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