Usually when parties float Utah’s San Juan River they expect a leisurely, relaxing Class I-II float through some of the best scenery in the state. Not so on a trip this June 20, when a flash flood scoured through the canyon, forcing rafting parties to scramble for their lives (and gear).
Posts on MountainBuzz were abuzz about the flood, which swelled the San Juan to 27,000 cfs washing out campsites downstream where rafting parties were overnighting, including those at Grand Gulch, Oljeto Wash and Steer Gulch. Several parties lost their boats in the deluge, but thankfully no serious injuries or deaths were reported.
Watch Instagram footie here:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8gYd5ygn4-/?igsh=MTc4d3oyaDhhZHdsMw==
Read Sample Mountain Buzz Posts Here:
“The Juan flashed big yesterday, 20,700 cfs, dropped to 3,500, and then up to a steady 9k(-ish) from which it’s only now starting to slowly drop. I’m hearing stories of empty boats floating by Mexican Hat. Any news? Is everyone ok?Spoke to a friend who was camped at Oljeto Yesterday and he said to post the following.
“What I’ve heard so far -a group of 23 lost their boats when Lime Creek flashed big. People stranded at Ledge camp. Folks being evacuated and cared for at Recapture Lodge in Bluff. Helo flew from Bluff downstream last night but no word on which agency or info on injuries.Group of 23 lost boats when Lime Creek flashed big. 20 people stranded at Ledge camp. Folks being evacuated and cared for at Recapture Lodge in Bluff. Helo flew from Bluff downstream last night but no word on which agency or info on injuries.”
“We were at Steer Gulch. Lost 2 boats and had to abandon a lot of gear in the camp, but all are safe. The Oljeto group took two of our members on their boats. Looks like all camps below Slickhorn A and B were under a lot of water. Steer was 3 feet deep in mud when we left. The 2 missing boats are a blue Highside and Blue NRS, both 14 feet.”
“We were camped at Grand Gulch last night (party of five). We fortunately had high ground that we could move to as the river came up very rapidly and we were surrounded by water down low. It was a super scary situation and the strength of the storm and the scene we witnessed were unbelievable. Very sorry to hear about others that lost boats and gear.”
“I was in the washed-out Oljeto group. Our party of 15 made it out safe with a couple extra from Steer. 8 tents and some camping gear were under 2ft of mud. Oljeto was a river from wall to wall. The high ground downsteam was a lifesaver. The flash flood that peaked with 5 minutes of 2” hail lasted 15 minutes or so. 15 minutes later, camp was gone. Glad to hear that everyone is currently safe.
“The groups at Grand Gulch, Oljeto Wash and Steer Gulch are safe and accounted for. There is tent and camping debris left at Oljeto. “
Read More Here:
https://www.mountainbuzz.com/posts/914979/