Six days after a rock slide blocked the Scenic Drive in Zion National Park just north of the lodge, the road was reopened Thursday after an estimated 200 tons of mud and rock was cleared and repairs were made.
With rain and snow in the forecast, the slide area will continue to be monitored. Rock fall and slides are common this time of year, especially when soils are saturated. The park urges visitors to check road and trail conditions and plan accordingly.
Park maintenance and local contractors worked with the aim of reopening the road to traffic before the weekend, when visitation increases. To safely clear the debris and remove overhead hazards, the park used water trucks and firefighting equipment instead of performing a "blasting operation." The method was determined to be safer, saved time and money, and limited the impact on wildlife and sensitive areas.
Comments
Sad to see our beautifu rocks crumble.