06-08-2005, 02:47 PM
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Experts warn of high water danger
DAILY HERALD
Caleb Warnock
Lakes and rivers can kill.
Eight people have died in water-related accidents around the state so far this year, and experts are concerned that number will rise.
"Please stay away from high water and even some lakes," said Sgt. Darren Gilbert of the Utah County Sheriff's Office. [url "http://heraldextra.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=display_ads&file=index&func=display_ad&ad=00266067"][/url]![[Image: adlog.php?bannerid=208&clientid=192&...0d32bb5616]](http://adserver.heraldextra.com/adlog.php?bannerid=208&clientid=192&zoneid=27&source=&block=0&capping=0&cb=a2607402585036f825c4380d32bb5616)
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[/url] "Obviously we are concerned because of high water this time of year. Because of the snowmelt, the water is not only high but also fast and cold and tends to paralyze your muscles and sap your energy."
Adults and children both must stay away from rivers and practice extreme caution around lakes, he said.
People underestimate the strength of high water and how cold snow runoff can be after just a few minutes in the water, said Steve Summy of the National Weather Service.
"Even pets need to stay away from the water," he said. "It's snowmelt, and it's just slightly above freezing. Everyone needs to pay special attention."
Children and adults are both curious about high water, said Dennis Harris of the Utah County Sheriff's Office.
"When the weather warms, everyone wants to be outside," he said. "Children especially have a natural tendency to throw sticks and want to be close to the water. We highly recommend parents keep an eye on their children."
Higher than normal rivers may look safe but actually undercut their banks, Harris said.
"It collapses and it's like walking over the edge of a cliff," he said. "A lot of people get swept in."
Once they are in the water, hypothermia sets in within minutes, he said.
Lakes are not benign either, Harris said.
"If people are going out to lakes, whether skiing or boating, they need to wear life jackets and wet suits," he said. "We also encourage them to go with someone, and always take a cell phone or some means of communication."
People should always let family and friends know what time they expect to return, he said.
"We just want this summer to be extremely safe for everyone, and ask them to take extra added precautions," Harris said.
With the cooler than normal weather over Utah during the past week or two, there has been a delay in the snowmelt in the higher mountains, said David James, BYU weather station overseer. The Natural Resources Conservation Service reports that there are still 41 inches of water in the snow at Snowbird, he said.
"One look at Lone Peak north of Alpine also reveals considerable snow yet to melt," he said. "Also, the higher areas of Mount Timpanogos also still have quite a bit of snow yet to melt."
Parts of the Uintas also have between 10 and 15 inches of water in the snowpack, he said.
"When the temperatures rise, as they surely will, this snow will melt and continue to send very cold, rushing water down into our rivers, lakes and reservoirs," James said. "People need to be extra vigilante near rivers and lakes until further notice."
Eight people have lost their lives in Utah's outdoor waters so far this year
On Jan. 10, a 62-year old man drowned when his vehicle got stuck in floodwaters in the Red Cliff Recreation area. His body was later found in Quail Creek Reservoir. His body was recovered on Jan. 16
In mid-April, two BYU students drowned in high waters in Choprock Canyon in Garfield County. Searchers believe that the two men tried to cross the water in a narrow canyon when they drowned.
On May 24, a woman drowned in Mill Creek in Salt Lake County.
On May 27, a 12-year old boy died when he lost his grip on a rope swing and fell into Leeds Creek.
On May 28, a Price man fell from a boat into Lake Powell and drowned.
On May 30, a 24-year old St. George man was swept over a 30-foot waterfall spilling out of Gunlock Reservoir. His body was recovered on June 1.
On June 2, a 30-year old man drowned in Big Cottonwood Creek after he fell in and was washed downstream. His body was recovered the same day. This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A1.
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[/url] | [url "http://www.harktheherald.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Recommend_Us&file=index&req=FriendSend&sid=56885"][/url]Experts warn of high water danger
DAILY HERALD
Caleb Warnock
Lakes and rivers can kill.
Eight people have died in water-related accidents around the state so far this year, and experts are concerned that number will rise.
"Please stay away from high water and even some lakes," said Sgt. Darren Gilbert of the Utah County Sheriff's Office. [url "http://heraldextra.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=display_ads&file=index&func=display_ad&ad=00266067"][/url]
Adults and children both must stay away from rivers and practice extreme caution around lakes, he said.
People underestimate the strength of high water and how cold snow runoff can be after just a few minutes in the water, said Steve Summy of the National Weather Service.
"Even pets need to stay away from the water," he said. "It's snowmelt, and it's just slightly above freezing. Everyone needs to pay special attention."
Children and adults are both curious about high water, said Dennis Harris of the Utah County Sheriff's Office.
"When the weather warms, everyone wants to be outside," he said. "Children especially have a natural tendency to throw sticks and want to be close to the water. We highly recommend parents keep an eye on their children."
Higher than normal rivers may look safe but actually undercut their banks, Harris said.
"It collapses and it's like walking over the edge of a cliff," he said. "A lot of people get swept in."
Once they are in the water, hypothermia sets in within minutes, he said.
Lakes are not benign either, Harris said.
"If people are going out to lakes, whether skiing or boating, they need to wear life jackets and wet suits," he said. "We also encourage them to go with someone, and always take a cell phone or some means of communication."
People should always let family and friends know what time they expect to return, he said.
"We just want this summer to be extremely safe for everyone, and ask them to take extra added precautions," Harris said.
With the cooler than normal weather over Utah during the past week or two, there has been a delay in the snowmelt in the higher mountains, said David James, BYU weather station overseer. The Natural Resources Conservation Service reports that there are still 41 inches of water in the snow at Snowbird, he said.
"One look at Lone Peak north of Alpine also reveals considerable snow yet to melt," he said. "Also, the higher areas of Mount Timpanogos also still have quite a bit of snow yet to melt."
Parts of the Uintas also have between 10 and 15 inches of water in the snowpack, he said.
"When the temperatures rise, as they surely will, this snow will melt and continue to send very cold, rushing water down into our rivers, lakes and reservoirs," James said. "People need to be extra vigilante near rivers and lakes until further notice."
Eight people have lost their lives in Utah's outdoor waters so far this year
On Jan. 10, a 62-year old man drowned when his vehicle got stuck in floodwaters in the Red Cliff Recreation area. His body was later found in Quail Creek Reservoir. His body was recovered on Jan. 16
In mid-April, two BYU students drowned in high waters in Choprock Canyon in Garfield County. Searchers believe that the two men tried to cross the water in a narrow canyon when they drowned.
On May 24, a woman drowned in Mill Creek in Salt Lake County.
On May 27, a 12-year old boy died when he lost his grip on a rope swing and fell into Leeds Creek.
On May 28, a Price man fell from a boat into Lake Powell and drowned.
On May 30, a 24-year old St. George man was swept over a 30-foot waterfall spilling out of Gunlock Reservoir. His body was recovered on June 1.
On June 2, a 30-year old man drowned in Big Cottonwood Creek after he fell in and was washed downstream. His body was recovered the same day. This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A1.
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