A flash flood slammed into Huntington Canyon on Thursday, forcing the shutdown of State Route 31 between the towns of Huntington and Fairview and turning the scenic drive into a muddy obstacle course. The sudden surge sent mud, trees and rocks across the pavement, blocking lanes and halting traffic. Eyewitness video from the canyon shows the roadway clogged at Pole Canyon while crews moved in to clear debris off the asphalt. Authorities urged drivers to steer clear of the popular byway while work crews tried to get the route back open.
Crews clear washouts after fast-moving storm
According to KUTV, crews from the Utah Department of Transportation and the Utah Highway Patrol responded to the area to dig out water, mud, trees and rocks that had buried parts of SR-31. The station reports that resident Shawna Prettyman Petersen captured video of the closure at Pole Canyon as crews worked in the muck to reopen the highway.
Monsoon pattern raises flash-flood risk
The closure comes as Utah rides through an active monsoon pattern that has cranked up the number of fast-hitting storms across the state. Those bursts have prompted flood watches this week and raised the odds of sudden, dangerous runoff in steep canyons. As reported by KSL, the National Weather Service warned that slot canyons, low-lying washes, and areas burned by recent wildfires can turn into funnels for intense downpours that quickly turn into travel-stopping floods.
Why SR-31 is vulnerable
SR-31 through Huntington Canyon has a track record of flood and debris closures after heavy rain, especially in stretches where steep hillsides and old burn scars leave loose material just waiting for a good soaking. The Utah Geological Survey has documented earlier washouts and rock-fall incidents in the canyon that triggered cleanup work and temporary shutdowns of the state route.
Where to get updates
Drivers planning a trip on the Huntington Canyon Scenic Byway are being urged to check the Utah Department of Transportation's traffic page for live updates and any detours, and to avoid driving through standing water no matter how shallow it looks. For real-time conditions, see UDOT Traffic and keep an ear on local broadcasters and the National Weather Service for changes to road or weather alerts.
