Photographing a Waterfall. In a Flash Flood. In Moab.

[BretEdge]

I live in Moab and found a little canyon with lots of potential for exciting images in the right conditions. Those conditions happen to be in a flash flood. Everything came together last week and I was able to make some photographs of a waterfall that only exists for a few hours each year. Also caught some iPhone video of the flood coming down the wash. Here's one of the photos and if you'd like to read the whole story, you can check it out on my blog.

 

[BIGGUY]

That's cool. I've been down several times during the Easter Safari and at other times when some of the cliffs all of a sudden come alive with waterfalls from far off storms. Really shocking the first few times you see it especially when you don't know what's happening.

 

[bad luck]

My wife works in Arches, and she told me that the rain flooded one of the washes in the park. There were 40 vehicles stuck at the parking lot for Delicate Arch viewpoint. The park people thought they might have to spend the night there, but after a couple hours it receded enough to get all the vehicles out of there, but the road to the viewpoint parking lot is still closed.

 

[nwoods]

Very cool! Would live to see your waterfall photos too. This guy sets the bar pretty high:
http://youtu.be/rHrxpbxmQbE

 

[BretEdge]

My wife works in Arches, and she told me that the rain flooded one of the washes in the park. There were 40 vehicles stuck at the parking lot for Delicate Arch viewpoint. The park people thought they might have to spend the night there, but after a couple hours it receded enough to get all the vehicles out of there, but the road to the viewpoint parking lot is still closed.

I remember a few years ago when they did some construction on the culvert there to keep that from happening. One of my friends who was a ranger at the time told me they were making it way too small to mitigate flooding. He was right. It's flooded a whole bunch of times since then. Glad they were able to get everyone out this time around!

 

[BretEdge]

Very cool! Would live to see your waterfall photos too. This guy sets the bar pretty high:
http://youtu.be/rHrxpbxmQbE

Yes he does! I've seen that video before and it's impressive. I'd love to do a higher quality video some time.

 

[Fireman78]

Desert Flash floods are one of my favorite things. I've been enthralled by them my entire life. Cool pics and vids! Thanks

Sent from highest tree in the woods trying to get a signal

 

[Pathfinder]

Great videos and images of flash flooding.

Just remember, there are two ways water can kill you in the desert.

Lack of water, of course, but, statistically, it is not the real killer.

That would be drowning, with flash floods.....

I am sure the OP knows this, but there may be readers who do not fully grasp how dangerous flash flooding in the desert can be.

 

[Fireman78]

I thought it would be cool to seek out and find a perfect desert canyon prime for a flash flood. Check the weather and then..... I would like to toss my running GOPro camera into it, and somehow be able to retrieve it later. Finding it would be tough, of course I would need a GPS locator or something of that nature. Also some kind of floating super tough case. I think it would be awesome. Watching the video if the camera was ever found would probably make you queezy though. http://www.amazon.com/The-Secret-Knowledge-Water-Discovering/dp/0316610690 So, I met this author several years ago, a true desert wanderer. Excellent book for those loving the magic desert water events.

 

[Pathfinder]

Craig Childs is a great author - it is from this book, that I learned of the real danger of drowning in the desert.

If you liked "The Secret Knowledge of Water" you will likely enjoy "The House of Rain" and "The Way Out: A True Story of Ruin and Survival" as well

Great books for desert travelers!

 

[BretEdge]

Great videos and images of flash flooding.

Just remember, there are two ways water can kill you in the desert.

Lack of water, of course, but, statistically, it is not the real killer.

That would be drowning, with flash floods.....

I am sure the OP knows this, but there may be readers who do not fully grasp how dangerous flash flooding in the desert can be.

Very good point and thank you for sharing it. I've lived in the desert for 25 years so it's common knowledge for me but those who haven't spent much time in a desert environment may not realize how dangerous water can be here. The deaths at The Wave this year illustrate your point well.

 

[BretEdge]

I thought it would be cool to seek out and find a perfect desert canyon prime for a flash flood. Check the weather and then..... I would like to toss my running GOPro camera into it, and somehow be able to retrieve it later. Finding it would be tough, of course I would need a GPS locator or something of that nature. Also some kind of floating super tough case. I think it would be awesome. Watching the video if the camera was ever found would probably make you queezy though. http://www.amazon.com/The-Secret-Knowledge-Water-Discovering/dp/0316610690 So, I met this author several years ago, a true desert wanderer. Excellent book for those loving the magic desert water events.

I'll have to pick up this book. Looks great! Craig Childs is a talented writer and I've enjoyed some of his other work. Thanks for the suggestion!