Armed with little more than a headlamp and determination, an injured canyoneer in Zion National Park managed to save himself and two buddies after the three were washed down canyon by a flash flood.
The Las Vegas men, whose names were not released, were canyoneering in the park's Spry Canyon on Saturday when a flash flood -- spawned by a thunderstorm that dropped an inch of rain in less than 30 minutes -- roared down on them. All three were washed over a 40-foot drop, the Park Service said, and two of the three then went over a 60-foot drop.
One of the three used his headlamp to signal a distress call, and as luck would have it an off-duty ranger hiking on the switchbacks west of the Zion Mt-Carmel Tunnel reported seeing the flashing light at the top of the last rappel in Spry Canyon, the agency said, explaining that Spry Canyon drains into Pine Creek and is visible from the switchbacks.
Two rangers sent to investigate found the three men. Their injuries were not reported by the Park Service.
A helicopter was used to short-haul the two most seriously injured men to air ambulances that then transported them to the Dixie Regional Medical Center in nearby St. George, Utah, park officials said. The third man was assisted out by foot and then transported by ground ambulance to Dixie Regional Medical Center. The rescue effort involved 20 park personnel and three helicopters.
The weather report for Saturday called for just a 30 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms but the U.S. Weather Service said there was a "moderate potential" for flash flooding, according to the Park Service.
"This incident emphasizes the importance heeding the weather and flash flood potential reports and seriously considering the advisability of entering narrow canyons when rain and flash flooding are a possibility," the Park Service added.
Comments
So glad your husband is doing well. I spoke with the other two and they seem to be recovering and getting it together. I would have been with them if not for a family commitment. It must have been terrifying but at thankfully they all made it through. Please pass onto Joe my best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Joe, I used to climb with Jason in CT... Cathy called me yesterday and left a message but I have not been able to get in touch with Jason yet. If you talk to him, let him know I will get in touch. If anyone could pull off getting through a flash flood like that it would be Jason!
Hi Joey,
We are the Jersey Shore wish you much love and hope for a 100% recovery
Aunt Jacqueline, cousins Virginia, Patricia, Jerry, and Jacquie.
I am the third canyoneer that went over both water falls and had minor injuries. I want to thank everyone for their well wishes and prayers for Jason and Joe's speedy recovery. I visited Jason yesterday in the hospital and he was in good spirits and happy to be alive. I spoke to Joe the day before and he seems to be managing OK as well, albeit in a lot of pain. I know I can speak for the three of us when I say that we were very lucky and feel extremely blessed to have survived, much less with injuries that will not be life altering.
I want to extend a special thank you to Ian and Shane Morales and Eve Gasarch (the group ahead of us that helped Joe to shore). Without their help I do not know if Joe would have survived and I do not know how long it would have taken the rangers to find us. I want to set the record straight that it was one of them that used a headlamp to signal for help. Their heads up thinking, outdoor/first aid knowledge, and calmness under pressure was critical to the rescue. Shane lead me down the canyon by himself in the dark with one head lamp between us until Rangers were able to meet up with us about half way down. Ian and Eve stayed back to help the group of 6 that were behind us make it out in the dark.
I want to personally thank Rangers Ryan McDonald-O'Lear and Dan Hovanec for helping me the rest of the way down the canyon and for supplying first aid on the ambulance ride into St. George. Their professionalism and patience are to be commended.
Dave, the three of you are blessed in a way most of us will never understand! Good to hear that you are doing well and I heard from Jason today that he was sent home! I don't know Joe but it sounds like he got the worst of it? How is he doing?
Dave-
I am glad you are ok, after your ordeal. Do you have any idea of when I will get my shoes back?
Your bro.
David, I was horrrified to hear of your ordeal, but am so glad you're ok! We did not tell Nonnie. My prayers are with your friends to make speedy and complete recoveries. I'm so proud of you for your fitness, your training, and cool head in an emergencies. Love ya, too!
David, I am so glad to hear that you and the others are ok. What a beautiful way you spoke of all the others, you have always been so gracious. I have you and your friends, as well as everyone who helped you, in my thoughts.
Love you and miss you.