![]() The three had made it through minutes before the flash flood and alerted the park’s rangers of the large group they believed was caught in the canyon when the flood hit, Simmer said.Īlthough the group’s vehicles were located, rangers did not any find sign of the seven and it was determined that rescue operations would be too dangerous. and then participate in a brief dedication ceremony, said Mark Einbund, an avid hiker who knew five of the deceased and helped spearhead the memorial effort.Īn inspirational inscription on the bench will read: “Don’t Walk in Front of Me, Don’t Walk Behind Me, Walk Beside Me and Just Be My Friend, Keyhole 7.”Ī final snapshot of the seven - who are seen smiling in wet suits and helmets with their arms around one another - was taken by three other hikers who had passed the group on their way into the narrow slot canyon. More than 100 people from area hiking clubs are expected to trek to iconic Eagle Rock from various starting points to watch park employees install the bench at 10 a.m. Now friends are paying tribute to the seven Keyhole Canyon hikers - all but one of whom were living in Southern California at the time - with a memorial bench that is set to be installed Sunday morning at Topanga State Park. “To lose seven dear and close friends so suddenly is a deeply awful experience,” said Simmer, organizer of the Valencia Hiking Crew. ![]() The news devastated their families as well as the local hiking communities in which nearly all of them had been so active. “My response was ‘that’s OK - I’ll catch them again some other time because they’ll be going back,’” Simmer of Thousand Oaks said by phone this week.īut his seven friends, all of whom were members of the Valencia Hiking Crew Meetup, died after being swept away by a fierce flash flood while canyoneering - which involves techniques such as hiking, climbing, rappelling and swimming - in a narrow canyon on Sept. When an area is flooded turn around, don't drown.Larry Simmer had been excited by the idea of joining friends on a trip to Zion National Park in Utah last fall for a hiking excursion.īut as the date approached, the IT project manager realized he wasn’t going to be able to take time away from work. "Three critical steps to flash flood safety are: get to higher ground, do not drive in water, and stay informed. "If bad weather threatens, do not enter a narrow canyon," officials added. To avoid getting caught in a flash flood, officials urge visitors to know the weather and the flash flood potential ratings, which predict the likelihood of a flood passing through the area, before their trips. "Flash floods, often caused by storms miles away, are a very real danger and can be life-threatening." Always be aware of the threat of storms and lightning and be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions," park officials wrote. ![]() Moonsoon season typically runs from mid-July through September, according to park officials.ĭuring this time, there is an increased risk of flash floods, which can occur at any time without warning and may increase water flow by over 100 times, the press release stated. RELATED VIDEO: At Least 1 Person Missing After 'Torrential' Rainfall Brings Severe Floods to Hawaii ![]() Visitors who were still in the park and required the oversized vehicle lot amid clean-up operations were advised to park in town, where officials said more spots were available. Officials also noted that the oversized vehicle lot was closed until further notice due to the damage from the flash flood. "This includes the reopening of SR-9, the South and East Entrances for inbound and outbound traffic, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, Park Store, and park and in town shuttle operations. "Motorists should exercise caution," park officials wrote in the press release. RELATED: Hiker Found in Zion National Park 2 Weeks After Going Missing: 'We Are Overjoyed,' Family Says AP/Shutterstock Flash floods at Zion National Park
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |