Our Capitol Gorge Flash Flood Rescue on June 23rd 2022

See the events as they unfolded the morning of June 23rd the great flash flood that surprised us all.
Also, check out my interview about the incident on The Weather Channel as part of "The Earth Unlocked" series and episode "Canyons".
Capitol Reef National Park is one of the least visited by tourists compared to Zion National Park one of the most popular, but Capitol Reef provides some of the most unique scenery from Cathedral Valley in the north to Bentonite Hills and Capitol Gorge in the south. While mostly remote and beautiful, it can be one of the most dangerous places to visit without proper preparation. While we prepared for hot weather with lots of ice water, food, and extra clothing, we were not prepared for a historic flash flood that caught over 50 visitors by surprise in both gorges.
#nationalpark #flashflood #rescue #helicopterrescue #weatherforecast

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[babybirdhome]

This is a great video showing people just how dangerous flash floods in places like this really are. The one thing I would like to highlight to viewers though is one of the most important facts a visitor should know in an area like this one. Flash floods come from rain, but that _DOESN’T_ mean that they come from rain that you can see or that you even think could affect you. They can happen so far away from where you are that you can’t even tell there are storm clouds in the sky. I live in Arizona, and they’re so common around here that the state actually has a “stupid driver” law that states that if you cross a wash in a road and get yourself into trouble, you have to pay 100% of the rescue costs yourself because people constantly underestimate how dangerous flash flooding can be and what even a couple inches of water can do to you or a vehicle. Around here, we can get flash flooding across the desert from rain storms that happened 50-100 miles away in some cases. When it’s monsoon season in places where it’s normally very dry like this, pay attention to local alerts and warnings and do exactly what the authorities tell you to do. Bad weather in these places is extremely deadly if you do the wrong thing.

[antelopeanders]

Seeing the moment you reunited with your family and the smiles on your children's faces is an absolutey wholesome feeling. Wonderful family. Thank you for sharing. God bless.

[Everydaybodiess]

😳 you had plenty of time to get out instead of staying under the awning. I’ve been in flash floods in a Corolla, van and patriot. User error. Even with no cell service. First rain drop in back country desert you leave fast. Like NASCAR fast. Glad y’all made it out and kids have awesome stories to tell

[dennisduran]

Telling that couple in the car that's floating by. " Hey! it's gonna get worse" was really comforting 😮

[tomatoes]

To see the face of your daughter as she hugged you when you returned was priceless. A great video and you managed it with out a swear word !

[CalebSalstrom]

“Didn’t get a chance to check the weather report” - a great lesson to learn for all. There is always time to check the weather first.

[americancapitalist]

The waterfalls over the gorge would have concerned me, but not living in this type of geography I never would have expected this. If I ever find myself in this type of area I’ll remember this. Thank you for uploading this and I’m glad your family is safe.

Also I’m buying a winch.

[paperandmedals]

As a long time Arizona resident who routinely makes use of the beautiful mountains and canyons of the southwest, this Utah resident knew better. I admire him shamelessly providing this video as a warning to others as he bears so much responsibility for that day’s situation having has endangered the wellbeing of his entire family.

[sierradickinson]

When that couple in their car came washing down I nearly cried. Im so glad theyre ok! That was a harrowing experience. Im sure it was gut wrenching for you guys.

[Wrest]

In the US Southwest, we have dangerous flash floods. I consider myself a "grown up boyscout" and i ALWAYS try to be prepared for bad weather. The weather can be beautiful and clear and the next hour a storm floods everything. ALLWAYS look ahead on weather, ALWAYS try to talk to tourguides, park rangers, etc. Ive been caught in a flash flood while backpacking and had to wait for 2 days to be able to hike out. NEVER underestimate the weather! Esp in mountains, valleys and canyons !
Im so glad nobody died, and while bad, vehicles can be replaced, lives cant be. You showed some real clear thinking. Glad to see you all made it out safe

[nterter]

This is one of the most raw and real videos I have ever seen. Two weeks ago we got a flat tire on a remote mountain pass. After changing the trailer tire we decided returning the way we came was safer instead of risking another flat because it was shortest distance to pavement. Making choices for family safety on these cases is the way to go. This video should be played at the visitor center.

[cassiusvoidkin]

This footage is incredible! I drove through here a few months back (October 2022) and you can just tell looking at the geography that this is what would happen and that this is how these incredible mountains and gorges were formed. It's so cool to see it actually happening.

[hailster]

The smiles on your kid's faces when they saw you at the hotel were simply beautiful. The love you kids have for you definitely showed there!
Great video and I'm glad your family made it out safely!

[BrokeWrench]

Glad everyone was ok. It was definitely best case scenario for you guys. The truck isn't any worse for wear, the family got a helicopter ride, and you have an amazing story with video to go with it

[pcatful]

I'm glad you and your family were OK. A cautionary tale for people like us who have explored these areas over the years--without even 4-W drive. Kudos for managing that maneuver and saving your family. I had doubts about that "island" during the video.

[Polymathically]

What an amazing video. My mom and I went to Capitol Reef as part of a 10-day road trip across Utah and back in 2017. We had originally planned to stay much longer in the park, but then we got a rainy weather update. We changed our plans _real_ quick. I'm glad you and your family got out safely!

[kleuafflatus]

I lived in Arizona during my teens and I got friends who got traped in a flash flood before. In fact that one time during a mission trip in az a youth pastor from Toronto and another guy was stuck in a ditch without signal or anything. They waited a few hours, an off duty fireman happened to come by, called his friends and helped to lift the truck. We waited like 7 hours back at the village and my friend and I happened to be up a hill overlooking the road when the truck returned. It was such an impactful and emotional experience for me.

Thank you for this documentary, I can totally sympathize with you. So glad everyone came out safe!

[robertrose]

I'm in New Zealand and found myself watching every moment on the edge of my seat, I've never seen a flash flood in real life and watching you with your family on that buitiful day laughing and injoying life . To see how quickly things like this can happen and through the grace of God your driveing skills saved your lives . There's no doubt that if you had gotten deeper into the narrow part you mentioned your family and yourself may well be telling a very different story . That bush and your reverseing skills saved your family !!! I have no doubt . The way that car was floating down ... My friend, You saved your kids lives !!! My father and friend resently tryed a simple river crossing going gold prospecting . A Toyota Hilux, . It just started floating down stream, my dad's friend left it in gear and running got out and tryed to get quite big rocks under the wheels. His idea worked !!! Dad was 76 and unable to help other than reach over and turn the steering.. It would be the most terrible sorrow to lose any family member on a special day . Your a real hero . You definitely saved your family's lives. GOD bless you and your loved ones and thank you for the reminder of how important family are .

[tedsmith]

I've been near there numerous times as a young man. You have a loving and wonderful family. I can see why. You're one in a million. Nice work Josh.

[davidlake]

Wow, just saw this! What an amazing story of survival! My wife and I went to Capital Reef shortly after we were married 13 years ago and loved it! Picked some fruit from trees planted by pioneers! So many spiritual lessons from your story!