As Zion National Park braces for snowstorm, delays and closures likely
By Aly Baltrus
The National Weather Service predicts heavy snowfall for Zion National Park and southern Utah beginning the evening of Feb. 20. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued from noon Feb. 20 through 4 p.m. Feb. 22. Six to 24 inches of snow are expected. Higher elevations will be hit hardest.
The park will clear roads with the priorities being the facilities in lower Zion Canyon and the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive from the South Entrance through Canyon Junction and to the Zion Lodge in order to maintain emergency service access to park facilities. Until roads can be safely plowed, visitors should expect delays or closures on the Zion Mount Carmel Highway from the East Entrance through the tunnels and to Canyon Junction, on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive north of the Zion Lodge, and on the Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Kolob Canyons Visitor Center may also be closed or have a delayed opening depending on conditions.
Snow levels in the backcountry of the park will be especially high, upwards of two feet deep. Wilderness recreation is not recommended, especially as the park will have limited search and rescue capabilities under storm conditions.
Visitors are encouraged to check online for the latest status on road closures and conditions before visiting the park during the winter storm. Those who do enter the park are also encouraged to drive carefully and use traction devices on the trails. Rockfalls and falling ice are common in Zion, even in the main canyon, during major weather events.
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