A flash flood warning was issued for the Paria River basin in Coconino County, Arizona, at 6:17 a.m. MST on August 31. The National Weather Service office in Flagstaff kept the warning in effect until 2:15 p.m. that day, saying radar had detected heavy rain from thunderstorms, with nearly 0.5 inches already fallen and an additional 0.25 inches possible.
Areas Affected
The warning covered Paria Canyon, the Paria River slot canyon, The Wave, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, and Lees Ferry. It also included Colorado River Mile 0 through Mile 1, with Lees Ferry Campground, Paria Beach Campsite, and Lees Ferry Campsite specifically listed. The weather service warned that dry washes and roads along the Paria River, Colorado River, and Ferry Swale Canyon could quickly flood. It also noted that life-threatening fast-moving water could affect urban areas, highways, and underpasses beneath roads.
What RV Travelers Need to Know
Campers staying near or planning to visit Lees Ferry and Paria Canyon should keep in mind that unpaved roads can become muddy and impassable. Paved roads and underpasses may also flood, making nighttime travel best avoided. In narrow canyon sections such as the Paria River slot canyon, water can rise rapidly even under clear skies when rain falls upstream, so entry should be postponed on days with thunderstorm alerts. Campgrounds near the confluence with the Colorado River can flood quickly, so it is safer to move an overnight campsite to higher ground in advance. National Weather Service alerts from the Flagstaff office may continue to be updated as conditions change, so travelers should check the latest warnings both before departure and while camping.
Photo: Grand Canyon National Park / Original photo. CC BY 2.0. Photo date: 2010-05-22 13:27. Resized and compressed for display.
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