Facts
- Intense rainfall in a brief period can produce more water than the ground can absorb.
- Flooding depends on the intensity and duration of rainfall and ground conditions.
- Flooding occurs with little or no warning and moves at fast speeds.
- Flash flooding can roll rocks and sweep away vehicles.
- Six inches of water can sweep a victim off his feet, and two feet of water can float a vehicle.
- Flash flooding is responsible for more fatalities (over 140 annually) than any other thunderstorm associated hazard.
Causes of Injury
- Traumatic injury from contact with rocks or debris in fast moving turbulent water
- Drowning
Prevention
- Be alert for thunder and lightning in the vicinity.
- Get to high ground at the first sign of a storm.
- Avoid dips, low spots, valleys, washes and ditches.
- Do NOT enter slot canyons and rugged terrain during stormy or wet weather.
- Do NOT attempt to cross a flowing stream by either in a vehicle or on foot.
- Do NOT drive through floodwaters or on flooded roads.
- Do NOT camp or park a vehicle along streams and washes.
- If you MUST cross a stream, select a wide place where the stream is shallow and not as swift. Cross at an angle, heading upstream. As you wade, drag your legs through the water instead of lifting your feet above the surface to avoid losing your balance.
Planning / Packing Guide
- Get the latest weather information before entering the research site:
- Flash Flood Potential Rating - forecasts potential for flooding up to a week out.
- Flash Flood Watch - gives 12-36 hour advance notice of flooding potential.
- Flash Flood Warning - means flooding imminent.
- Call ahead to adjacent ranches for information on flooding and road conditions.
Symptoms
- Drowning - Absence of breathing or heartbeat when victim is pulled from flood waters
- Trauma (lacerations, fractures, head injuries) from hitting rocks or debris in the water
First Aid
- Get the victim out of the water to higher ground.
- Clear the airway.
- Administer CPR.
- Treat traumatic wounds.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Related Links
- Flood Overview http://www.flash.org/peril_flood.php
- Flash Flood Safety in Slot Canyons http://bereadyutah.gov/family/documents/FloodSafetyAwarenessWeek2009.pdf