Ten people safe after flash flooding in Goblin Valley State Park

EMERY COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — Thunderstorms in southern Utah caused more than just a headache for nearly a dozen people in Goblin Valley State Park on Friday evening.

The park says that ten people were in the Little Wildhorse Canyon area yesterday when an isolated thunderstorm formed over the area in the evening, causing a sudden flash flooding event. Multiple groups who were in the area were forced to seek higher ground quickly.

The Emery County Sheriff’s Office was notified by 911 dispatch and they, along with park rangers, responded to the area. The park says that six people were found quickly, but the remaining four remained missing.

Units from Emery County Search and Rescue, along with the Utah Department of Natural Resources responded to assist with search efforts. Thankfully, all remaining individuals were able to hike out safely just after dark.

Park officials say this is a good reminder of the power of nature and the risk of hiking in slot canyons.