Flash Floods in May? (Halls Creek Narrows, Utah)

On Day 18 of my Zion to Capitol Reef Hike I passed through Halls Creek Narrows during an unseasonable storm. It made for an unforgettable adventure. SPOILER ALERT...
It all ended OK because I was alert and prepared. Watch to learn more about Flash Floods while backpacking in Utah.
Full-Trip Video Report: • Hiking Across Utah: Zi...
Written Report/Map/Photo Gallery: www.acrossutah....
#AcrossUtah #JamalGreen #Backpacking

[@Lesloi6227]

In Australia, in the outback, you never sleep in a dry river bed. For this exact reason.

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- that's good advice for southern Utah as well. Thanks for watching and the comment.

[@cowboykelly6590]

Ya, in AMERICA too. This guys Dorky.

[@ryalmaxwell-lyster2012]

@@cowboykelly6590 did you not watch the video 😂

[@VoklstWestie]

Im buying an RV next year & yet I repeatedly see people parking in the dry riverbed or smack-dab right next to??? What?? Really? I've seen vids where people boondocking, wake up to a torrential downpour, and all other campers are driving off in the mudd and said videographer still has not even packed-up their outside gear yet!!

[@silverbackanimal7215]

Learned that the bad way , big wide part too luckily

[@teti_99]

My cousin died in a flash flood here in Utah a few years ago on a scouting trip.. Those things are no joke.

[@Acrossutah]

Sorry for your loss. I'm guessing that was the accident in New Mexico which was definitely a tragedy. I know I look somewhat a fool in this video, but my hope really was to make others aware that floods can happen during any season and to be cautious. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.

[@teti_99]

@@Acrossutah thanks man I appreciate it. He’s in a better place now. Yeah man I respect what you’re doing! People don’t realize how dangerous these things really are sometimes. They are no joke!

[@voornaam3191]

@@Acrossutah This video is a good lesson, watch out when it rains, in valleys and canyons you can get trapped. And that flood can catch you, a day or so later than you expected it. Oops.

[@pdrhound]

nothing is more beautiful then rain and running water in the desert. What a blessed day.

[@shaihulud4515]

The greatest danger to us, who are doing things like that since childhood, is that withing time we feel experienced and aware enough, maybe too self confident, to admit to ourselfs in the face of danger that this before our eyes is, what we would every rookie warn of. Glad you made it fella, your video is very cool, and I see you were rewarded with some great sights and photos.

[@bowlerballer6852]

Damn, so much undeserved hate in the comments. Sad to see that so many people have nothing better to do than disparage you and your experience. As a fellow lover of hiking and the outdoors, cheers to you mate! The narrows in Utah are beautiful.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! The hateful comments have definitely picked up in the last few years (this video is from 2015!) I just find it funny that half the haters think I deserve to die for being such a risk-taking moron and the other half think I'm an exaggerating drama queen. In hindsight I wish I'd made it differently, but I never thought a somewhat self-deprecating video making a point about the seasonality of storms would garner such a backlash from a select few. Oh well... thanks for watching and the comment!

[@Patty-to3rp]

I agree. I don't know why people can't be kind even when they disagree. I get frustrated with people who don't bother to learn about the dangers and risks involved in hiking in the Southwest, but you are experienced and know what you're doing.

[@dominusetdeus060644]

I'm a forest man myself but God those landscapes are beyond gorgeous. I spend days on Google Earth just looking at your canions and mountains. You are lucky to have such scenery. I salute you, fellow explorer

[@decordelights_]

omg I do the same google maps is such a treasure few people use this way

[@dominusetdeus060644]

@@decordelights_ right???? I found so many incredible places this way. Just flying around and reading about places

[@theangelonyourshoulder]

Why are there so many recent comments? I first saw this video years ago and when I saw it in my recommended, I clicked because I was bored. These newer comments are so mean, thank you for sharing your adventure, man.

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- it's crazy, this video has taken on a life of its own in the last few years getting far more views/comments than my other vids. And you are correct that many of the more recent comments are far more negative than early on. What's funny is the haters tend to come in two groups at opposite ends of the spectrum: either I'm a careless moron that deserves to die OR I'm a big wuss just exaggerating to get attention. 😱 Ahhhh... the internet! Anyway -- thanks for watching (again) and for the nice comment.😀 👍

[@Lwah0812]

I believe that the nastier comments will continue and get worse as time goes on due to the nature of social media, on all platforms it’s getting worse. I hope I’m wrong but that’s the trend I’ve been seeing. I am glad you made it out of the narrows safely.

[@oneinchme3289]

To me it was really intresting to see how quickly it changed from a nice hike to heavy current that made you have to set up camp and wait it out. Nature is amazing!

[@Acrossutah]

Glad you enjoyed it -- thanks for watching and leaving a comment. 👍

[@atcdork4112]

A few years ago, we took a guided tour through a slot canyon near Page, AZ. Some thunderstaorms were forming in the distance and our guide got really nervous. He cut the tour short. At the time, I didn’t really understand why he was that nervous. This video shows what can happen. Thanks.

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- in 1997 eleven people died in a flash flood in Antelope Canyon near page. Definitely wise to not take any chances there as that's a true Slot Canyon and much more dangerous than a "Narrows" canyon like seen here. Thanks for watching and commenting with your experience. 👍

[@mbnyus]

What an amazing sight and adventure, I visited three times the narrows and I was scared hiking there because of the flash floods. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks and yes it's always best to be alert and use caution (I did know that this canyon had ample high ground if needed.) Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞👍

[@iainhunneybell]

Great story and glad you made it out okay. Wonderful pictures. Thanks for sharing and (continue to) take care 🙂

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks so much! 👍

[@kevinhines6066]

Good video, with some important lessons for everyone. I've been hiking Utah canyons since childhood, and was just showing my young kids some cautionary videos as we talked about doing that stuff later this year. I remember seeing my first flash floods in southern Utah (first was along the Virgin River Narrows in Zion, and second was in the Escalante), and it was terrifying to see how fast conditions changed from beautiful to potentially deadly. Fortunately KZbin allows us to show these lessons to future adventurers when they haven't yet experienced these things! Sometimes we earn a C- for decision making, and an A+ for luck/good fortune!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. Cheers! 🌞✌

[@goozh]

This video was well shot and narrated...both dramatic and enjoyable. Thanks for posting!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@halakedida1944]

I've fear of water and confined spaces but because of good guys like You ,with the balls of steel, we enjoy this video. Thank you.

[@MegaSb360]

This is like watching a short documentary. Loved it. Also composition and colors of still shots are brilliant. Thanks for sharing..

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks so much!

[@kimlindsey5178]

Your photographs are gorgeous! Glad you made it out safe.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks!

[@Khadija-uu4vm]

The landscapes are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheFrogsmog]

Im laughing imagening him setting up camera then going back and walking by it again lol

[@Acrossutah]

Glad I could make you laugh. I do it ALL the time -- check it out in my other videos. 😀👍

[@TheFrogsmog]

I think flash floods are cool forget what everyone is saying about you being dumb xD

[@Acrossutah]

@@MrGododgego You seem to be spending a lot of time here for somebody who said there was nothing to see... move along.

[@nini28745]

@@Acrossutah . 😆

[@lunatic3783]

a lot of people carry their camera

[@suzieq2268]

I'm glad you educated me about flash floods while hiking. I have been in flash floods while driving a car, and I recognize that Mother Nature is swift and unforgiving. You don't hear a flood rising towards you in a car at night, but you sure can hear your heartbeat race once you realize that you are in trouble 😅

[@thomaskatayama3336]

Thanks for the tip about the wind as the first sign of a flash flood through the narrows. That was scary imagining what was coming around the bend. Glad you're safe and sound.

[@derekwhite9932]

Yeah, I have watched most flash flood videos on youtube and never heard that. Great advice for people visiting a slot canyon.

[@updownstate]

Like a subway rain pushing the air in front of it into the station.

[@ufp1701]

Good video to raise awareness! I hike the Escalante River system a lot and flash floods are a real danger. Screw these armchair warriors and their nasty comments. I see them all the time and as an avid backcountry snowboarder dealing with avalanches, I read comments from people who have never strapped a board on or a pair of skis much less a backpack. On a 20 day hike like this, weather changes and you can't just run back up the paved wheelchair accessible path back to the visitor center. You make the best decisions you can based on observations in the field and you have to keep moving to a degree or other problems arise far more risky. You used decent risk management when deciding to get through the narrows and mitigated the hazard as best you could. When you heard the wind, you recognized the hazard instantly and got out of harm's way quickly. The armchair warriors making their shitty comments would never have even recognized what was going on until too late.. The important thing is sharing your experience to help others be more aware. Glad you made it through safely and glad you shared your experience for others to learn from

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment. Much appreciated. 👍

[@wasatchrangerailway6921]

Utah is the most beautiful place on the face of this earth! Cedar Breaks is stunningly beautiful. I hope it survives for the many generations to come!

[@masterg3269]

Wasatch Range Railway /youve obiviously never left home then!

[@docpedersen7582]

Master G Depends on what you are looking for... I HAVE left home (Utah) and traveled from California to New York, and Montreal to Mazatlan. Not a world traveler, but fairly well traveled in North America. For scenic beauty and diversity Utah is among the most beautiful. From high altitude (above timberline) to Vegas altitude deserts. Just about everything in between.

[@danieltomita2523]

Its so cool to live in Cedar City now.

[@moniquej2997]

Definitely not the most beautiful but one of the most beautiful

[@VoklstWestie]

Thank you for showing everyone how fast this can happen, and yes the smell!!!! and debris picked up along the way...

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment! 👍

[@HolisticFreedomLifestyleDesign]

Hi Jamal. Only just found your vid. I thought it was fantastic. Not just because of the flood but because your taking such massive responsibility for yourself. It’s something people lack these days. The nay sayers and haters that call you stupid are the ones who are sat behind their monitors lapping up KZbin wishing they had the guts to get out there and explore. While you, like great explorers that have filled history books, got out there with nature, faced danger literally rushing toward you, and lived life. Your a champion for the common man: A real American hero.

[@Acrossutah]

Thank you. I'm not a hero though -- I just enjoy hiking and sharing my story. This video is a departure from my regular videos that I've been making for 10+ years in that in it I really wanted to make a point (that flash floods can happen any time of year and that one should always be prepared.) In doing so I played up the drama and somewhat made myself look foolish. Long-time viewers of my channel understand this I think, but many new viewers are sure I'm either a fool or a drama queen (or maybe both). Oh well -- I can take it and I'm going to keep making my videos. :) The irony is that all the comments (good and bad) actually perpetuate the popularity of this video -- so those accusing me of clickbait are just helping spread my message. Thanks for watching and for the comment.

[@2manyspruces]

One look at the sky was all it took for me.

[@SSL0707Star]

Thanks for sharing the wind part, it’s educational. Stay safe!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

[@brucejeralds9763]

Combining your skills as a hiker and vidiographer along with your narration and photos, I was captured by the beauty and the challenges along with you. Thank you for sharing your adventure!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment.

[@Foxyfreedom]

Really awesome video and glad you were aware of flash floods and knew what to do just in case instead of just refusing to go because it's raining.

[@cathygilani4663]

Glad you made it out safely. Great still photos btw. Happy hiking!!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks and thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞

[@mixmusicarts9592]

Wow...great video and still camera work also A+ job on narration and editing. Enjoyed the views and thrill of adventure minus the actual work and uncertainty of dangers and concerns around the next corner. Thanks for being a window of sight and sound to a place I will probably never get to experience in person. 👍👍

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.

[@jamesneilsongrahamloveinth1301]

Checking round each corner for an escape route to higher ground - should the unthinkable happen - is a prudent approach. You are aware of the risks and seek to manage them, though the significance of the wind getting up took a while to register. A gripping video with astonishing topography. Glad I stumbled on this . . .

[@vickiekelly7479]

I have always wanted to hike those canyons. How fascinating and potentially terrifying flash flooding through them must be! Thanks for documenting the inherent danger - it's a sober warning.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching!

[@danmart9087]

I witnessed, a flash flood in Oak Creek Canyon when I was a kid they are incredible , the noise that they make. What a great life experience you have had.Thank you so much for videoing it and sharing it.God bless you. 🥰🙏

[@Acrossutah]

Thank you! 🌞

[@zacharyz161]

I find the concept of camera work on solo trips amusing since it usually means you made 3 trips thru the same section, 1 to set up the camera, once more in reverse to get to the starting position, and one final time to finish the shot and retrieve the camera.

[@nathanrocks2562]

Nothing is better than being close to nature. No deserts in the southeast, I grew up trekking the woods and trails and have encountered many a snake, boarhog, coyote, spider, and even a flash flood. It's about knowing your surroundings. The more time you spend in nature, the more you can understand it and be comfortable in it and be able to take action in a dire situation. There's something humbling about this close the sheer beauty and power of Mother Nature. Glad you made it safely out! For all the negative reviews, this video could save someone's life if they see it and then they decide NOT to walk through a canyon in Utah, in the rain, in May 👍

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@SilentKnight43]

Beautiful photos...great story. As a fellow photographer with decades of urbex experience and taking all sorts of precautions in sketchy abandoned locations...even the best of us get surprised sometimes. The price we pay for adventure, good photos and an enjoyable time. Glad you made it out.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and leaving comment. Happy Travels!

[@PaulPavlinovich]

Quite an amazing experience. Good thing you know the canyon and you knew what to do and had a high spot.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah, I wish I'd talked about it more in the video but I knew this canyon had frequent open spots. I would have never been seemingly so carefree in a SLOT or unknown canyon. Thanks for watching!

[@frequencyfluxfandango8504]

Thank you for taking the time to record your adventure. I really enjoyed it. I don't know if I'll ever get to see that place for myself but I loved to see all the landscape, canyon etc. Then a natural phenomena ! -Good Job mister.

[@Acrossutah]

Glad you enjoy my videos and thanks for watching.

[@frequencyfluxfandango8504]

Jamal Green ...My Pleasure and Happy New Year 2017

[@kakka1054]

Absolutely stunning place.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching!

[@mbarker1958]

Well done! Ignore the negative comments, most people never go anywhere without cars.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! And.... yeah, after so many years I'm used to a lot of "feedback" from arm-chair warriors on my channel! :) You should see the ones I delete!

[@mbarker1958]

@@Acrossutah such beautiful scenery to explore, I would love to do what you have done so keep going! Pushing the boundaries has been part of human development; KZbin seems now to be a place for trolls, sadly. Live life, don't watch it!

[@rsturkey]

Beautiful country! Utah has so much to offer. Thanks for sharing your experience; close call! I hike the Mojave desert a lot. I have a GPS tracker and try to be safe (keeping off rocky mountains, always take a lot of water, appropriate clothing to cover whole body, etc.) I understand your enjoyment. Many people think I am crazy and it would be boring out there. I agree with their assessment. I do not encourage them to try; less people out there then. There are so many washes in the desert. I would like to see a flood from a safe distant. Be safe and keep enjoying the outdoors.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks so much!

[@Rick-tt6yq]

Wow, good lesson! I remember a yachting instructor teaching me about going into a harbour in a storm. His message seems appropriate here: “If in doubt then stay out”

[@hg7240]

Thank you for sharing that . It will benefit many people like me from the East. We've all pushed it and narrowly gotten away with it - glad you shared your lesson with us all. cheers

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Cheers!

[@NotSureWhyIDoThis]

2:09 Every guy knows what just happened lol

[@TheJessC]

I have so many memories of standing in thigh level water inching slowly forward so many times.

[@amandagrace7300]

Those photos were AMAZING. Great talent, amazing setting. It's so gorgeous there.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks and thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@georgiaatthelake8142]

Just when I thought I would never get to witness one of nature's wonders, the flash flood, this video appeared! And I witnessed this marvel from the safety of my living room - beautiful footage, thank you!

[@dannynicastro3207]

With all due respect...ALWAYS HIKE WITH A BUDDY OR TWO! YOU ARE ONE LUCKY MAN. KNOW YOUR WAY AROUND. SMART. GOD BLESS AND HAPPY TRAILS IN 2019. From Danielle in PhillyPA.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! But... one doesn't always have to hike with a buddy if he/she is experienced and prepared to hike alone. There have been studies which show that it's a bit of a myth -- a la don't swim after eating. But... I appreciate you watching and the comment all the same. Cheers!

[@sherbjorkgren2769]

Very interesting experience and I'm glad you made it back. Keep shooting. Thanks for sharing.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! I just finished another big hike with a new series of videos. Most of my videos are more "trip report"-oriented and don't focus on one event and "lesson" like this one. Thanks for watching!

[@moogybannahilstopaflingon6803]

That’s a really cool little video. Lucky you were in a place you could bail out of quickly. It doesn’t take a huge depth of water to make you lose your footing and once that happens your in really serious trouble and can drown easily. Safe travels brother... stay alert! Beautiful scenery by the way! 👍

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks!

[@Nershedify]

So is anyone else getting old horror history and flash flood videos suggested to them recently?

[@pmgpmm]

Thanks for sharing. I see that many folks are missing the point of your video, that caution should be taken in all months and that you need to be alert at all times. What many critics here tend to overlook is the concept of catchment areas, that is the area that drains into a canyon. It could be raining miles away and sunny where you are, but you'd still be in danger if it was raining in the catchment area of the canyon you were traversing. I believe these were the conditions during a tragic flash flood at Antelope Canyon many years ago. They had no obvious indication that they were in danger. Conversely, a canyon with a small catchment area might be safe even it's raining right on top of you. You seemed to know the area well and the canyon had many options for higher ground. Not the best conditions on the day, but it's not as if you were on a day hike. Sometimes, you have to make a judgement call, and it wasn't as reckless as some are making it out to be. Be safe.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment. This is an old video and gained a lot of popularity beyond my normal channel which is more focused on long-distance hiking. You are correct -- I did know that canyon well and knew there was plenty of high ground and really just wanted to highlight the seasonality of storms and how one should always be alert/prepared (but that doesn't mean one has to NOT hike anywhere in canyon country if there's a chance of rain.) In hindsight I wish I'd made a more all-encompassing informative flood video. On my latest episodic video (Bryce to Bears Ears) I do talk about catchment basins and how that impacts risk assessment. Thanks for watching! 👍🌞

[@gregpubols9668]

Jamal, I really enjoyed this. What an experience!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@colinjones5209]

For all the negative criticism you actually know where the show is! and it’s not on Netflix getting fat, eating chips and drinking coke, and getting ready to die. Amazing place that tempts men to go have a look and then get into trouble. Mother Nature sometimes has a twist that’s outside the normal perameters but you followed your gut feeling (in the end) and survived with some extra cool footage and memories. My bet is those black clouds will have a message next time that stops you before the narrows.

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah... in five years since this video was posted I've heard from many keyboard warriors. What's hilarious to me is that there are two distinct groups at opposite ends of the spectrum: those who think I'm an idiot taking careless risks in a super-dangerous situation VS those who think I'm a drama queen and/or faking the whole thing. Gotta love the Internet! Actually... I'd rather be out hiking! 😉 Thanks for watching and the comment.

[@colinjones5209]

@@Acrossutah yes agree, I’m from Brisbane Australia, lots of stuff here to kill you besides water. It could be a local tradition in your area to reprimand certain things. Possible Geographical commenting... It is also a wave, comment subject matter gives rise to resonate group thought and I’ll tack on another to make it swell lol. Is why elections are so interesting..

[@downyourtube]

Good video Sir. Thanks for taking the time to show us.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching!

[@downyourtube]

@@Acrossutah I'm sure there are many people who never think about the rushing wind coming at you... thanks for sharing.

[@ShalliniSheeran]

Thank you for the video and so glad you came out safely.

[@Acrossutah]

Thank you! I appreciate you for watching and the comment. 🌞

[@badandy102]

That's why you carry an extra couple days of food and water if you can. Just in case you get stuck for a bit longer than you think the hike will take because of weather conditions

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- you are absolutely correct. I had several extra days of food at this point of my hike and knew there was plenty of high ground in this canyon, so i knew I'd be OK if I had to stay put for a while. Much better approach than trying to wade though the flood as others have suggested (even though this wasn't a huge flood, that's seldom a good idea.) Thanks for watching and the comment. 👍

[@jonathanstache1634]

Wow that’s crazy. I’ve only hiked the narrows in Utah once in august and you can’t help but keep these floods in the back of your mind the entire time. Constantly scanning the surroundings for high ground

[@brandi_with_an_i]

I forgot how beautiful Utah is. It's been so long since I've visited. Would LOVE to see the narrows.

[@Acrossutah]

They are definitely amazing to see. The Narrows in Zion are a little easier to access, but these in Capitol Reef are much less crowded. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@thomaschainey3230]

Great video thanks. Best not to go canyoning or caving when there is rain or a chance anywhere near or far. Storm can be far off but the flash floods can travel to you. There may be more deaths in June, July and August because more people hike in the summer to avoid the rains so more people more deaths and May is not safer just less people around to die. Glad he made it and warning others.

[@Acrossutah]

Seems plausible, but that's actually not the case. You can see a long discussion about this earlier in the comments, but the visitation is only up about 10% in those summer months compared to May, but the death rate is about 800% higher. It really is a factor of more and bigger floods during those months. BUT... the point is that just because floods are much more common during those months, it doesn't mean that the ONLY time they happen and can be dangerous. Thanks for watching and raising the question.

[@PM-ql1nx]

Lucky you. So beautiful. Mother nature, as you did, never underestimate her. Very cool.

[@brookehansen9882]

Excellent story-telling of high adventure.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks!

[@4jqxc]

Like how you made the best of it and just stayed the night. Granted didnt have alot of choice but in guessing you came prepared with gear.

[@2011blueman]

Rule number one of canyons: If you see dark rain clouds on the horizon before you go, DON'T GO!!!

[@Acrossutah]

That's way too general/limiting of a rule. In a similar fashion one is 3 times more likely to be a auto accident when it's raining -- but do you always stay home when it rains? Truth is one can hike in a canyon like this (NOT a slot canyon, but just a narrows with plenty of high ground) if alert and prepared. But, really... the video is about the seasonality of floods. Thanks for watching.

[@2011blueman]

@@Acrossutah No it's a fairly basic rule that all experienced locals follow, and I'd say a more correct analogy would be do you always stay off the golf course in a thunderstorm? Going into a canyon when there are clearly visible rain clouds is really like golfing in a thunderstorm.

[@anupray8242]

Beautiful video & The information is so nice. Thank you. Carry on trekking.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@clevelandbci9562]

Was going to check on a church member in Kingman AZ as a kid with my dad. He'd said whoever decided on her new house's location was an idiot. They'd literally tried blocking a "wash" with loads of dirt. Right as we hit her road it broke through (Rain and snowmelt from Hualapai Mountains). Water got halfway up our trucks doors and we bobbed right past her house. I'll always remember 2 things like it was yesterday. Her screaming "Arent you gonna turn?" like my dads stupid and him saying "God, if you take my son and I, please take that b***h too!" I was maybe 7 and still laugh thinking about it. My daughter's made me re-tell it a thousand times. And yes, it was scarier than heck.

[@StephenStHill-si7en]

Hi Jamal, despite the "Ice Trucker" style drama, long term independent adventurers such as yourself tend to quickly develop calm critical thinking in a crisis, and forward planning. My wife and I go canyoning in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney (Australia). Your warnings and insight into thought process remain relevant across the world. Thanks.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! I don't watch Ice Truckers -- but I bet I know what you mean as I admit I somewhat play up the drama to make a point here. Read the comments and you will see that many think that I'm a careless idiot and conversely just as many think I'm a drama queen. They say you can't please everyone and... I"m definitely not even trying! Thanks for watching and the comment.

[@wildscissors]

Thanks so much for posting this. We really enjoyed it. You are a great story teller!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks!

[@angora34]

I'm really happy that you're alive and safe! :) unfortunately 1 boy and 9 girls died 2.5 years ago as a result of flash flood in my country (Israel) , it was a major negligence of their teachers who probaly will go to jail for that. sad story

[@lauracrogton711]

@Melinda Pelfrey why?

[@kyle18934]

it's the hind sight that gets ya. glad you were in a wider spot with high ground. that's a cool story to have and experience to remember. I don't think I'd walk in there when it's raining again though

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment. 👍🌞

[@basilbcf]

Wow - some of the nasty comments. Sign of the times - sad. I enjoyed your combination of video, pictures, narrration and text.

[@E3ECO]

So did I. Some people just gotta be nasty.

[@carlbernard7615]

Me too.

[@voornaam3191]

I is just one character. In the rest of the world, I has THREE characters. Maybe that explains a lot. English speakers don't care about themselves. I is half your cross on your grave, right? Is that nasty?

[@carlbernard7615]

@@voornaam3191 no but it literally has no relation to anything being discussed here. Just some advice, stop trying to push hateful rhetoric to make yourself feel better. As you've pointed out, nobody here in the English speaking world cares. Goodbye.

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah... what's funny is half the nasty comments say something like I deserve to die for being a moron and the other half think I'm exaggerating or just a wuss. I wish the two groups would get together to figure out which it really is! 😀 Also... this video is over 5 years old and the comments have DEFINITELY gotten more and more nasty over time. That's a sign o' the times I guess like you said. Thanks for watching and sharing your observation.

[@coashddjj2]

That was really an interesting video. That landscape is so beautiful. Glad you are ok. I felt nervous for you, just watching this video.

[@Acrossutah]

Thank you! And thanks for the comment.

[@jimviau327]

Amazing! Wish I could venture like you did. Mother Nature will never cease to amaze me. Thanks for sharing.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching.

[@lucyhusky]

Glad you are OK and knew what to watch out for. Not sure why so many negative comments. Good video to remind all of us about flash floods and how dangerous it could be.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment. Over time the comments seems to have become more negative. Many think I deserve to die for being too careless VS those at the other end of the spectrum that think I'm exaggerating the whole situation. I think I could have done some things better in the video -- but alas, this was almost 5 years ago now! Cheers!

[@lucyhusky]

@@Acrossutah people type some crazy stuff while hiding behind their computers. Life saving video to me.

[@patriciamccormick9321]

Seven experienced hikers died in a flash flood in a canyon in Zion National Park on Sept 18, 2015 in a single incident. No one from the group survived. This was extremely dangerous and he was lucky.

[@Acrossutah]

That was a tragic event -- but an entirely different situation since that was a canyoneering expedition through a true SLOT canyon (and during the Monsoon Season no less.) The main point to my video is that floods can happen even outside the Monsoon Season and thus one should always be prepared. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@wumbosaurus9121]

"I made a mental note of the nearest high ground as I rounded each corner." Wouldn't want any sneaky Vaders creeping up on you, would we?

[@larrycrawley-woods4515]

Thank you, Jamal. I've never understood how someone could be caught in a flash flood. Certainly, I would never be. But coming from someone as experienced as you, this was very sobering. Keep on hiking....and happy trails to you!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks. Slot Canyons should absolutely be avoided in such conditions, but wider canyon canyons can still be enjoyed as long as one is careful and has a plan in case of a flood. I knew this canyon well beforehand (ie plenty of high ground, location of the bad spots are, etc.) and had extra supplies to extend my stay if needed.

[@kevinking7414]

Larry Crawley-Woods what does experience have to do with it. He didn’t use experience to walk around the corners, he said so himself he had no idea where it was. It’s luck not experience

[@robertmiller5735]

always remember the rhyme "first canyon rain, then canyon drain"

[@SA-ho2nw]

I'm glad you posted this video. Even the confident, experienced and self assured get caught off guard by mother nature. Glad you made it out safely. You are lucky there is a next time. Like you mentioned before, if the flood would have caught you where there was no high ground. We would not be watching your video.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate the comment. 😀👍

[@DoctorKnowDoctorKnow]

Wow..thanks for the video...I never knew that "wind in the canyon" tip...now I do.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@billadmond9450]

Thanks for sharing your experience and the beautiful environment.

[@oliverburke]

Yup! Thanks for the tip!

[@ivonnecampos8381]

I love the video and the stunning pics, also enjoyed reading the story on the screen, thanks!!!

[@ismaelrodriguez6522]

Thank you for this post! Been wanting to check out the canyons in Utah. It’s good to know the risks and adversities one may face exploring some place new. Great content, I don’t know why people are complaining about the reading keep doing your thing! Take care brotha man 🙏

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment. Yeah... a lot of people hate the text, but I thought it was the best option when I made the video four years ago. If KZbin let me load and alternate audio track now I could update it -- but that's not an option.

[@stephensavage9845]

I enjoyed it and appreciated the narrative. Glad you are safe. Don’t bother responding to the armchair haters that post stuff here.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah... I know you're right, but I just can't help responding when I have extra time to show there's a real person behind this channel. I delete the ones that are really bad ie racist/homophobic/cultist/crude/etc. Cheers!

[@christyhernandez8625]

Your very lucky you paid attention. Stay safe.

[@robinadil4324]

Awesome experience and superbly documented!!! Thanks for sharing 😆

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and for leaving a comment.

[@WretchedHobbit]

This guy seems like a fun guy to be with

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-tf1bu3ym8f]

Reminds me of a flash flood in Coyote Gulch back in May 2016! My first solo Utah backpack and was caught without all my gear (left it near junction with Escalante to go up Stevens Canyon the next day). Made for a very interesting trip back down the canyon! Won't make that mistake again. Love your videos and the website.

[@Acrossutah]

I've heard a few horror stories of floods sneaking up on people in Coyote Gulch. The bottom end of that canyon especially could be a bad place to if not alert and a flood came through. Thanks for watching and the comment. Cheers! ✌

[@maggiesue4825]

Dangerously beautiful!!

[@123456wasp]

Lessons learned and shared are the best!👍

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment.

[@MrMeSoMAD]

We're planing a trip to Arizona, Utah in 2017. visiting for a month. Can't wait to go back and see more. Great video. Thanks

[@immadinosaur6897]

Marc Doiron please tell me you know that Arizona is not in Utah.

[@CypherJj4457]

This was very cool to watch glad you got to have such a daring adventure, keep your wits up

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@PepeVega]

Its cool how you have all this accumulated knowledge about the area. You may be saving someone's life. :-)

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment. 👍

[@jeffabercrombie167]

Glad to see you made it out, wow scary, hope ppl recognize

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-eb4io1bt4c]

God....this place is so beautiful!!!

[@Acrossutah]

I agree. Thanks for watching.

[@almightyyak675]

Mister, you saw the storm, you knew the dangers, yet you went in anyway. That's how people die. You came close to receiving your Darwin Award. Good to see you made it. We don't even need to tell you to be careful in the future, after going through what you went through, you will never forget this day.

[@Acrossutah]

No, *this* is not how people die. See... I actually know this canyon well and was alert and prepared. I would have never attempted this in a SLOT canyon. I made the video (and somewhat mocked myself in the process) to tell the story of how floods can happen any time of year and not JUST during monsoon season. Thanks for watching.

[@jesseberger5173]

i like your narration! kinda had me laughing... "i turned to see how close the water was and..." "...it was far" hahaha very interesting man! id love to do something like that!.. minus the close call!!!

[@theboatman360]

Beautiful Country and nice adventure. Thanks for sharing.

[@PaulyD0859]

His epitaph will read, "He knew better but was often overwhelmed by stupidity"

[@Acrossutah]

Oh brother... what will yours read?! "Died at home while feverishly commenting on KZbin!" Sorry you missed the point, but thanks for watching! 😉✌

[@archmasterone]

It's not that dangerous if you start heading out as soon as you see the rain start. Been there three times during a rain and never ran once. Lots of sissy grown men posting without knowing any facts first hand.

[@msruag]

@@Acrossutah oh my god you just roasted this man so much he got vaporized 😭😂😂😂😂😂

[@para1324]

Glad you had experience otherwise we would not see this video.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah, in hindsight I'd probably change some parts of the presentation of this video to focus on that. Thanks for watching and the comment. 👍

[@Caver461]

Thanks - enjoyed that. Beautiful scenery.

[@billharris7235]

It's not the weather above you that causes flooding, it's the weather upstream, sometimes many miles.

[@Acrossutah]

Very true -- knowing the catch basin for a region is very important and I wish I'd talked about this in the video. Thanks for watching! 👍