Warning: Flash flood alert along Pack Creek

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning today for the Pack Creek Fire burn area in the Spanish Valley area of Grand & San Juan counties. The warning is expected to last until at least 6:15 p.m. tonight. Some flooding in arroyos and small streams in wider Grand County and Moab is also predicted.

Weather service officials said that radar indicated thunderstorms were producing heavy rain over the area impacted by last year’s Pack Creek Fire.

“Excessive rainfall over the burn scar will result in debris flow moving through the Pack Creek Burn Area,” an alert warning cautions. “The debris flow can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials.”

“If you encounter flood waters…climb to safety,” the alert instructs. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

Last year, ash and debris flooded Pack Creek causing property damage and closing roads.

See current weather alerts for Utah.