FAQ Spring Canyons

So how does one approach canyons in spring?

I’ve done one in April but that was last year with way less snow.

So trying to be a wiser man here are some questions:

1. Are canyons this spring going to be susceptible to flashing? Or will they just be full due to snow melt(and chilly)?
2. Do most dry canyons stay dry even with high snow years like this?
3. What are weather patterns one should look for/ avoid/ favor etc?
4. Is mid march too early for Pine Creek? I have some friends interested and would like to take them down it.

This is my first season with so much snowmelt potential. Want to get started right.


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Spring is a great time and probably my favorite time of year to go. Longer days and no monsoon.

Flash flooding in spring is rare, although canyons can have water flow after extended heavy rain. Snowmelt typically only effects canyons with extensive drainage systems with headwaters in mountains. Be advised of canyons that require stream crossings or emptying into canyons that do have mountain runoff.

I would advise against Pine Creek in March with beginner canyoneers. Water is VERY cold and unless they are prepared with thick wetsuits or drysuits, they're likely to have a very unpleasant day. I'd wait until May or later. Zion is best in summer or fall for most.

I'd recommend most canyons in North Wash, Roost, Moab, and some canyons in San Rafael Swell, Capitol Reef, and Escalante.

Answers will vary widely based on the area you are thinking about. I can tell you that "Spring" will come to Zion about June 1st... and The Narrows likely to be closed until July 1st.

Mid-March Pine Creek would be a winter Pine Creek. A winter Pine Creek is not beginner-suitable. Pine Creek would be better if it is cold out (ie, below freezing), otherwise you will have flow that will increase through the day, perhaps "dramatically".

Tom

Tom had a thread back in 2019 when we last had a 'real winter'.

I suggest migrating further discussion back to that thread; good info there, and it's not specific to this current year.

http://canyoncollective.com/threads/zion-implications-of-a-real-winter.25774/#post-114487

Sweet. Thanks for the feedback. I’ll proceed to that other thread.


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