Flash Floods In The Desert(Description tells more of the story)

We received a call for a Chevy truck with a broken pitman arm in the Capitol Reef National Park. We grabbed parts from the parts store and loaded tools in the jeep and put the jeep on the trailer. We went to meet the customer at the Visitors Center. On our way over we noticed clouds on the mountain. It began raining as we entered the Park. We continued on to the Visitors Center and picked up the customer. There were reports of flooding throughout the Park. We headed in to talk with the Rangers to see if we could get to where we needed to go but soon realized the severity of what was going on and instead tried to offer our services to help reach any stranded people or help the Rangers access areas they couldn't. It got to the point they had to bring in a helicopter to help get stranded hikers out. We went in to the flood area after being given access by the Park Service, I DO NOT CONDONE HOW WE WENT IN TO A FLOOD AREA WHILE IT WAS STILL RAINING... It was stupid on my part but we were trying to help the Rangers with communication and accessing the situation. Once the second storm hit things got worse and we decided to leave and let them handle it. We talked with them about bringing our trucks in to help with vehicle recovery the following day to help keep their equipment free to opening roads. Our main goal is to try to help in situations like this especially in assisting the Parks in our area during emergencies. However not having any previous dealings with Capital Reef they were hesitant to let us help. (which I completely understand and have no issues with). Luckily in this whole situation nobody was seriously injured. Some vehicles were lost, but those things can be replaced. On the 3rd day we were given permission to access beyond the flood area to get the customers truck out. So we did. I hope you enjoy the video and above all take away on understanding of being careful and mindful of the weather when visiting our beautiful area. Thank you everyone for watching and supporting us.

[@ecka4x4]

I just watched a video on another channel from a family that got stuck in there & narrowly escaped getting swept away. They saw the car with people in it get washed past them & thankfully all of them survived. Not sure how big the event was, but the area is known for flash flooding at certain times of year. Some vehicles were destroyed, but amazingly everyone got out safe. Glad you guys didn't get stuck in it as well. I admire your dedication to getting the job done.

[@dhscts]

They sure were fortunate.

[@huskers4cody]

I just seen that video

[@omarlynn2992]

I watched that video too. Crazy!

[@connectedevolution]

I watched the same video from Owen's Up To Something. I'm not sure if this was suggested from that video or because I'm subscribed to Matt's Offroad Recovery and watch his videos.

[@baileysconstruction7898]

That’s literally what I was watching right before this video

[@donr416]

Raised in west Texas. Have been stranded for two days by flash floods. Stay safe. Be patient. Never camp in a wash. I would not have crossed those washes.

[@skimmer521]

Here in Az, the washes are full of homeless camps. Hundreds of people living in the city washes and drainage tunnels. One microburst from a few miles up the wash will kill a lot of people.

[@sedrickbosh6132]

Agreed. Foolish.

[@gungadingo]

@@sedrickbosh6132 says the armchair critic. Pretty much sure you have NO experience in such matters.

[@coachwendy5618]

@@sedrickbosh6132 Looks like they knew what they were doing to me. They had the right equipment and experience. Not so foolish when you succeed and make a great video.

[@brianellison3525]

@@sedrickbosh6132 You're wrong. Park service was being overly cautious. The Mator is built for that abuse. If you own a gladiator, I can see your fear, and you should prolly be cowering next to your keyboard, making sure you don't get your stamped tin parts wet. Have a nice day

[@grisslebear]

I love to follow these trips on Google maps. Just a note regarding the effort Rory & his crew are putting in... From Moab Motorsports to the Capitol Reef visitors center, going through Hanksville, is 148 miles... ONE WAY!!! The way they had to go out on DAY-1, via Loa & SR72 is 186 miles back home. Rory made that trek 3 DAYS IN A ROW WITH $5+/GAL. GAS & DIESEL to OFFER TO HELP THE U.S.F.S. recover stranded & flooded vehicles. THAT'S VOLUNTEER WORK, with no guarantee of compensation. So just a recap... he drove over 900 road miles, not even counting trail miles, JUST TO FINALLY GET TO THE ORIGINAL CUSTOMER, offering help was just extra.

[@ProthoPectore]

the park should offer him a search n' rescue certification or something so he can go do his thing in his specialized vehicle. he has video proof of what he's capable of.

[@grisslebear]

@@ProthoPectore I was thinking the same thing. Maybe a state SAR certification &/or registry.

[@cosmiccoyotedog-doreenb9605]

Me too, I'm always checking the route on google for all the YT folks that do recoveries. Roy is one awesome gentleman with a mountain load of integrity. ! Brad Forsythe thanks for doing the math on miles and gas prices.

[@gapster46]

@Brad Forsythe I’ve always admired that Rory drives so dang far to do a recovery. I don’t drive 900 miles in 3 months and I just can’t imagine driving the distances he does to recover people, but it’s a small part of why I’m subscribed to this channel.

[@karoylcooper8006]

Brad... thank you so much for your research concerning the miles and days put in by Rory and his crew! Wow!!! Yes and with gasoline so expensive!!! You know, it just goes to show more about the man we already feel in our hearts/souls we know!!! Because he never mentioned any of that mileage (so like him)!!! TX again Brad. Wisconsin

[@dustinnorth6603]

First time in Moab with my dad, went across a small creek crossing that was about a foot deep. Coming back later that day water looked like it was moving faster and a bit muddy but not much different and we didn’t notice that it was a lot deeper. He went to cross and once in the middle we could feel the tires leave the ground and we started floating downstream sideways. Luckily it was a short (yet deep) crossing and we bobbed down and my dad gunned it when he touched bottom. That was enough to get our front tires on the bank and pull out. After that we made note of landmarks to determine water level because not every crossing looks drastically different when flooded.

[@karlt.6507]

Dustin, The same situation happened with my Dad , older brother and I in the Pariah river in Cottonwood canyon south of Tropic Ut. We were in 1958 Dodge Town Wagon. We waited out the flash flood until the morning, loaded up alot of rocks in the back of the wagon and went upstream and started crossing. By the time we drifted down we were able to gun it and cross to the other side and make it to the 24th of July celebration in Henrieville, Cannonville and Tropic Ut.

[@guitardzan5641]

"Live and learn....Yep...That's how it's done.

[@judithwright5084]

Rory so glad you showed this. So many have no idea

[@gowithbazza]

Famous last words "I've got every tool" only to find something missing 🤣🤣🤣

[@OffgridJT]

Rory says “Know the weather in the area” That’s 100% accurate Good work out there!!

[@donwilliams3626]

Persistence Pays! Day one - no go: day two - no go. Day three got em out! Thanks for showing how dangerous flash flooding can be. A wall of water can recarve both creek beds and canyon walls. And it can all happen so quickly; without warning. It was generous for you to offer to help. At least you did all they would let you. Thanks for sharing another adventure.

[@REDMAN298]

Wx is like this concerning aviation too. Old saying "if you crash because of foul weather your funeral will be on a sunny day."

[@jamesmadison6838]

I about spit my drink when he said “this is more like rafting”. Great sense of humor!!

[@dukeflem]

As I started watching this I was really wishing you had come in Trail Mater. YEA! I got my wish! To me, this says more about what the Trail Mater can do than any of the rock crawling events. Great Work! Thank you for your kindnesss and perseverence and to those who ride along to help and take pictures!! I love how someone calls and says "I have broken steering", and you show up in the middle of a flood in the desert, with all the tools and equipment to fix it.

[@lanceleavitt7472]

The old French proverb "No good deed goes unpunished" seems to apply here. It just cost Rory $1,000 to work for free. --- Thanks for the great upload. ---

[@ephjay6t87]

The smell of desert rain ❤️. I swear I could smell it on KZbin. This is one of my favorite episodes, good job!

[@randymiller1604]

Rory you are a man without fear I guess that’s a good thing your average guy would not go where you go you are like a Hero of the desert you save the day and you always know the way there great work great video great man

[@kennethbrown8723]

Love to see how you have developed an arsenal of tools to meet every challenge! Another great trail repair!

[@littlebigjoe1]

"Impassable roads" with Trail Mater loaded on the trailer. Good one... 🤣

[@NCSU4x4]

Not only do you have great purpose built equipment, but your great working knowledge of local conditions and ability to stay calm and positive allows you to continue to be succesful. Another job well done!

[@quincymccarter3837]

rain and thunderstorm now in Grundy County Tenn , I like your channel

[@stephenpoe2037]

Another Great Trail Rescue/Recovery ! I always was weary of any wash in the Desert after July 4th ! What I considered Monsoon Season ! Thanks for Sharing !

[@chrisviking428]

“Oreo Blizzards” hilarious 😂 👍

[@outlawbillionairez9780]

The Desert never plays. Rule.. if you see water in the desert where there wasn't any a minute ago, engage 'running away ' sequence now!! (Unless yer in Trail Mater)

[@thomascaldwell184]

Where I'm from, you can register to be a 4X4 driver for major snow events. I've driven nurses, doctors, firefighters, etc. to their jobs when things get really crazy snow-wise. It seems like it'd be a good thing for something similar (if it doesn't exist) for events like this one, where you can either get called (how they do it here for snow drivers) or show up on site and they have you on a list of authorized drivers. Then they could let you through to assist in the rescue efforts. ...at least, that seems like a good idea from my couch. Also, you guys are fantastic. Rory, you're a consummate professional-- driver, mechanic, welder, small business owner, media manager. You clearly know your shit and have engineered extremely capable tools to do your job. As a small business owner myself, I have NO idea how you get it all done, but I'm glad you are able to share your exploits with the rest of us. Regarding critics... the proof of your capabilities is clear to see. Fuck 'em.

[@kevinpayne9001]

Best comment: "This seems like a bad idea!" ~ Mike. I just love watching these guys.

[@willsmitherman688]

Please tell us the "I'm pulling for you!" Shirt is a Moab Motorsports shirt we can get somewhere! That's an awesome towing shirt! Appreciate all you do Rory especially taking us along for the ride!

[@donaldhalls2189]

Driving through those floods would have been fun, reminded me of, when we would go driving after the floods in Northern Territory when I lived there, all the best to yous and your loved ones

[@spybot6697]

Mike seems like the perfect dude to work with, always positive, always smiling and likes to have a laugh. A great team you have Rory!

[@ericassuvtravels]

I grew up watching my brother fix his cars and as an adult I find it mesmerizing to watch.

[@johnguilfoyle3073]

Rory needs to tell Ranger Smith, "Roads, wherever I go, I don't need... Roads." 🤣🤣

[@igobyscooter]

Oreo Cows....LMAO!!!! Great video, thanks for sharing and glad everyone is safe.

[@brucechapman1946]

Nice work Rory. The Oreo cows, Belted Galloway can survive on the worst pastures others can't survive on and have the best marbled meat.

[@monicadlynn]

UTAH I LOVE YOU I never considered the amount of waterfalls this place has.

[@dixiemae5042]

Gotta love those specialized tools … that’s how ya distinguish the pros from the regular folk’s

[@kathleennelson6692]

"you people" are what makes the world go around. Thank you Utah

[@theresecrouch2924]

And we remembered every tool we're going to need, right Mike....;) you guys are awesome..thanks for taking us along

[@rs2143]

Never estimate a skilled mechanic with a dependable truck . To geter done . And the shoes stayed almost clean .👍😁🙋‍♂️🍺 nice video Thanks 😊 thanks for the flash flood information 👍😀

[@steveleverett2644]

Wow that’s crazy. Glad everyone was okay. You all do a wonderful service.

[@tjtobin86]

Clearly those service rangers were unfamiliar with your work :D. No but seriously, thanks for what you do and for being smart (offering to help, understanding and leaving when they ask you to).

[@MrGaryGG48]

If those rangers had never heard of Rory or Trail Mater they very likely would be a little warry of that strange looking beast. Its spectacular competence isn't obvious to everyone.

[@ronnydowdy7432]

3 days and trips to do the repair recovery wow! How much money just for the gas or fuel? Enjoyed the show

[@brucefrye2292]

I used to make knives for people, a lot of times folks don't realize the heart of what you put in to what you do. But some do. Awesome work!

[@rjay4197]

High instructional value for your viewers again Rory. Outstanding content once again.

[@karoylcooper8006]

Love the ending short clips!!! In southern Wisconsin, we call the cows, Block Cows, because the fashion industry had women’s clothing in block colors when we began to see lots of that breed in the pastures. Loved the clips of the storm when it began, and the powerful runoff of the water from the mountains… And so quickly formed!! (Also my running board “stirrups”..hahaha).

[@billsimmons7754]

In California we used to call them highway patrol cows. (Black cars with white doors).

[@chiefvilla3167]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🚣‍♀️🚨🛶🚤🛳🚜😔😞🙋🏽‍♂️. I pray that those people rescued.🙏🏽

[@BrianAllenBee52100]

Eventually you go to the truck, and then the real work started! Good job Rory!

[@TheShoelaceBandit]

This is the best dang video on the whole internet. What an unlucky turn of events for Jon to break down in a wash right before all that flooding. I’m glad it worked out for him. He sure has a story to tell. I’m sure he’s super glad that there’s people like Rory in this world. He’s a real life super hero.

[@Davidsmith-mc2no]

What you mean to say is absolute legend

[@Lee-mmg]

That is dangerous water big time. As it rains more - more waters going to come down those places. Y'all are gonna float away!!! Y'all are wild and wooly but always ready to lend a hand to help folks. That is awesome. Glad no one lost their lives. You can replace a vehicle as Rory said but not a life.

[@accelement3499]

mother nature changin it up for us viewers was nice

[@vinniebuiltRC]

That was definitely some Utah Summer weather classic pouring rain for 5 minutes and then sunny

[@rattles3044]

Red water rafting ! 👍🏻

[@jerryrossiter2204]

Great show Rory and thank you for the info on the Oreo cows. I always wondered where the Oreo blizzard came from😎

[@papashoes7138]

Excellent video Rory, I learned about the flash floods way back in the summer of 77 when I spent the summer with my dad in Arizona. Scarry thing to see a wall of water headed for you.

[@montegtaylor]

Glad everyone is safe. Keep up offering your service. We need more people like you.

[@RangerMcFriendly]

Former Arches National Park Ranger here: Trust me when we say we appreciate the assistance from the public. It’s astounding how quickly a little bit of rain miles away becomes a hellish torrent coming your way. I remember the summer thunderstorms at Arches. The waterfalls falling off of the giant cliffs above the visitor center were incredible.

[@markf.9281]

LMAO, I was rolling at the call out on the dad shoes. Always was something I chuckled about in previous videos and was a wicked good laugh; those jawns must be so muddy lol!!!

[@hawkinshobbies5123]

I grew up in the deserts of eastern Utah. Our rule was if it starts to rain GET OFF THE DESERT!!! Not sure if it's the same that far south, but our dirt had a ton of clay. The top few inches would get wet, stick to your tires, and turn your awesome mud tires into slimy balls of uselessness. Try to get through the wash, can't get any traction, get stuck, and THEN the flash floods would finish the job!

[@GenMaster124]

Some amazing scenery and weather…that’s for sharing 👏🏻👏🏻

[@donr416]

I love all your specialized tools.

[@drkrypton4410]

my third time crossing a "stream" i was in my 72 blazer, 44" tires with an 8 inch lift. water was coming in under the doors when a tree branch caught the timing belt and flipped it off. got out and was up to my armpits, ran out the winch and pulled me out. luckily i had a screwdriver and got the belt back on. good job Rory. always good to see someone with skills!!

[@jonviol]

Excellent upload . Amazing landscape and natural features -not spolit by crap music or 'clever ?' editing .Simple is quality . Thanks Jonny Shropshire UK

[@phattzoo51]

Specialized tool...lol. That was a good one. Yes, sometimes you gotta use that.

[@bjsnapper]

Dude , love the times your daughter is rolling copilot with you . . . Her comments are priceless!

[@macfilms9904]

I used to do quite a bit of canyoneering in Zion and other desert areas. On a multi-day trip to Capitol Reef, doing slot canyons, we did a canyon that requires rapelling into pools and swimming downstream. We finished the canyon in the main drainage headed to the Lake and started up the plateau back to the vehicle - when a monsoon hit - lightning hitting the plateau we sheltered under an overhang and watched rivulets of water combine into a flash flood that dumped into the slot canyon we had just finished. If the rain had hit an hour earlier, probably would have killed us....

[@michaellafleur2077]

Rory always an adventure, driving 900 miles plus trail miles all for wanting to help out those in need priceless for sure, you are a gentlemen and a scholar. You have a great team rory.

[@einbertalstein]

Hey Rory - cool one! Greats from Germany

[@edgardoCBA1]

Hello Rory, greetings from Córdoba, Argentina. Thank you very much for adding the subtitles, my English is not that fluent and I miss a lot of your comments. And in this video they were essential, it is not usual to see videos of it raining in Moab and the mishaps it causes. Thank you for showing us your work and your "office". Excellent video!!!

[@GemCityRCOutlaws]

i wish more people showed their footwork like you did at the end loading the trailer! always cool to see how everyone drives thru obstacles

[@etherealbolweevil6268]

Thank you for this informative vijeo.

[@hulanbailey5219]

WORD you seem so knowlegbul if i could spell expierence counts keep on keep n on FtWorth Tx

[@7123]

Got to love a belted galloway for a fresh supply of oreo milk :)

[@davidmahan4160]

Great video Rory, I saw the videos of the Capitol Reef floods by a guy who was there with his family when it started to rain. I watched vehicles being washed away one with people in. I also watched videos from people who's vehicles had been washed away and smashed, pretty scary stuff. It was great to see it from your point of view.

[@dianafertig2188]

Watched that family video also. He was so honest about his feelings during the video,

[@laborcreatescapital9483]

Yes watched it too. I commented on my experience last summer with Flash Flood between Cainesville -Capitol Reef VC. then, driving down Scenic Rd which this road, Capitol Gorge branches off. CG was closed due to threats. We drove all way down SR under threat of clouds.

[@lowellcrabb151]

I winter in Lake Havasu City AZ and go out on the side by side all the time. I have always wondered about and wanted to see what the floods did to the washes around there. This is probably the closest I'll get to seeing it. Thanks Rory

[@christianreyes519]

I saw the white shoes before you mentioned them, then later you're like my fancy new dad shoes. I started cracking up! Off road rescue in the fresh white dad shoes😂👍 awesome video thanks for sharing Rory

[@azrider2011]

I love it that you choose to drive a stick shift enjoy your show or channel or whatever they call it very entertaining you do some crazy recoveries reminds me of my teenage years good luck stay safe

[@anthonylee2099]

Great job Rory, your dedication to rescuing people is all Heart! Great repair job. 🤙😎

[@elginnelson7934]

"Yes-ish" is one of the most brilliant answers ever spoken. Much love to Trail Mater videos. Thanks

[@getchasome6230]

I liked your description of how people get caught off guard by the water

[@thedave513]

Gotta love velcro. Flash floods can be terrifying. Another fine installment. Thanks Rory.

[@AntiPattern328]

That is one gnarly pitman arm. Stuck good.

[@gordonmurray3153]

I have a tear in my eye, that was just like summer holiday weather here in Scotland. We tend not to get flash floods though, we're all set up to get rid of rainwater 11months of the year 😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@jms415]

I loved the "specialized tool" to get the broken part off....those zip wheels are a life saver. Another highlight was the moving blanket and the jack, what a "nice to have" while working on a bed of rocks! Kicks ass job, keep them coming!

[@baloghlcb]

I was out in Moab last year and had a reservation to spend a couple days on the White Rim Trail. Ended up cancelling my reservation as many others did as storms were rolling in and flash flood warnings were issued. Talking with Rangers they said I definitely made the right decision especially since my camp site was in a low lying area next to the river. The next day I went up to Hurrah Pass and Chicken corners and crossing Kane Creek you could really tell how bad it was as it was close to two feet deep after the levels had dropped. Just means I gotta back and try White Rim again 😁.

[@michaelf8302]

Amazing patience and determination.. Awesome

[@bernieshort6311]

Hi Rory, that was a fairly straight forward repair once you eventually got to the vehicle. Those flash floods, if they get big enough can tumble boulders cars and anything else in their way down the mountainside. Your right, one has to be aware, they are very powerful. I hope they got to those people who got washed away in time to save them. Thanks for the video, stay safe and stay awesome.

[@lakrfan4980]

Thanks for sharing this road flood experience. Not the usual recovery video. Those flash floods definitely need to be considered when off-roading in stormy weather.

[@usmclee65]

Great job! Flash floods are so under estimated. I have seen interstate 8 wash out and the railroad bed all at once, and spent three days trying to get back to San Diego, having to drive 300 miles around to find roads to get back!

[@barotraumabruce4245]

“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do….” Wait a minute, you did that. Our govment likes to believe if they can’t do it, nobody can. How you remain composed is beyond me. Another superb vid!

[@XxAngii-vp5mb]

That little laugh at 6:18, I knew you was gonna go for it.

[@stevenk5800]

“Seems like a bad idea” proceeds to go down river!! Awesome!!

[@kevininforks]

Good man, helping others, my hay goes off to you. I come from a small town(forks washington) logging town nothing but wheeling for fun, my buddy has a built 1st Jen bobbed yoda on Dana 60s with a cevy v8 in it, we get calls in the middle of the night to go tow people out of rivers and all sorts of stuff. Mad respect man.

[@GEORGEFIRE777]

This video is very good ,shows weather an flash flooding issues, as a retired fire chief i am well aware of working with the agency's in charge ,forestry ,cal fire ,sheriffs ,highway patrol. Its important to respect there range of control, on the same note they respected my range of control. Now those special tools ,LOL AN HAVE USED THEM , Thanks for the great video.

[@norcoredneck]

Those flash floods are no joke. Glad you finally got the original recovery done.

[@fyerfyter339]

Great job. I know and love that area. Dirt biked all over Utah from ranch below Loa. Seeing this makes me want to get back there!

[@aaronmcconnell7358]

I live in west virginia (Appalachia) we have flash floods but nothing like what you have .what we do have is alot of earthen dams that can bust in heavy rains if not being maintained and there was something my grandma always told me ,when your in a creek bed and you hear what sounds like a train coming but you don't hear any whistles get to high ground .it was something her parents told her after the Johnstown pa flood .

[@edchenal821]

I saw you guys W/B on Interstate 70 near Green River while you were enroute to this recovery. A celeb sighting.

[@johnchedsey1306]

I love Capitol Reef and have visited often..just never in monsoon season. That narrow Capitol Gorge road would be terrifying if there's any hint of rain in the region.

[@Dakiraun]

That was some amazing footage of the flash flooding. I never understood how quick those could happen (and how big they can get) until I lived in West Texas for a year and a half. Glad no one was hurt in all that.

[@tufalike1796]

yep, when I lived in Arizona (Phoenix valley) a LOT of people got in trouble not knowing what flash floods were especially tourists and snow birds. Miss it so much. Thanks Rory for taking the time, making the effort and editing plus uploading your work. Hugs from Belgium.

[@RA-dc5qp]

It's always a treat to get to see a new Trail Mater video. We never know what we will get to see but we know it will be an adventure.

[@brucehobbs1734]

“This seems like a bad idea?”

[@cowpolk.]

That flash flood wuz nuts, great job again 👍

[@gregsmechanicshop5446]

I've been down in Big Water in the wash and just barely got out of the wash when a ton of dead wood and mud come ripping through the wash. I was lucky that I had experienced it before and recognized the sound. Fun stuff!