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Natural disasters have occurred in many areas around the world in recent weeks, and Utah is no exception. Floods and avalanches have taken lives, destroyed homes, washed out bridges and otherwise wrecked havoc in small areas within our state. Travel was hampered, particularly in the St George area, but is now recovering.
Despite these problems, Utah continues to offer excellent opportunities for travel and recreation.
The St. George area was hit hard by flooding in early January. A massive storm piled up snow in the mountains. Rain and warm temperatures then brought torrents down the Virgin and Santa Clara rivers. The floods washed away homes, bridges and parts of golf courses. Some 20 homes were completely destroyed and others were damaged beyond repair.
 St. George is a golfing mecca and is now heading into its peak season. All courses are open but some are short a few holes — floodwaters literally washed some holes downstream into Lake Mead. Reconstruction work is underway and conditions are improving daily. St. George will offer great spring golfing again this year.
Roads around the small community of Gunlock and nearby Gunlock Reservoir were destroyed; they are now being rebuilt. Many backcountry roads have been damaged. Check with BLM, Forest Service or County Sheriff's offices before challenging backcountry routes in Washington County.
Avalanche danger remains high on steep slopes in backcountry areas throughout the state. Avalanche control work eliminates the danger in developed ski resorts and along major roadways. Several avalanches have taken lives in backcountry areas this season. Backcountry skiers, snowmobilers and snowshoers need to use extreme caution.
 And now, in the middle of January, we have spring-like conditions. Snow has melted from lower elevations and temperatures are very pleasant. What crazy weather! The pattern this year has been wet but mild. If that continues we could have spring-like ski conditions for the next three months.
Ski conditions remain good at all of our resorts. Lots of snow and pleasant temperatures — not a bad combination.
The St. George flooding was called a once in a hundred years event. Mountain snowpack remains well above normal throughout the state. What piles up in the mountains must eventually flow down our rivers. When snow melts this spring the Colorado and Green rivers could offer the best whitewater rafting in a century.
— Dave Webb
Upcoming Events Of Special Interest
Chevrolet Freestyle International World Cup Skiing, Jan 27-29. Deer Valley Resort welcomes the world's best freestyle skiers to the most challenging stop on the international tour. Competition begins Thursday with the Men's and Women's Mogul events. Friday offers Men's and Women's Aerials under the lights and Men's and Women's Dual Moguls. Phone: 435-645-6568
St. George Winter Bird Festival, Jan 28-30. Join us for the 2nd annual Winter Bird Festival at the Tonaquint Park, Amphitheatre and Pavilion areas. The event offers opportunities to explore Southern Utah's birding hot spots! See and learn about the wide variety of birds. Activities include workshops, presentations, bird walks, social time, field trips and a banquet. Phone: 435-879-2210
Park City's Olympic Winterfest Celebration, Jan 29 - Feb 6. Ten full days of concerts, fireworks, an ice sculpture competition, a dog sled race, and some of the biggest ski competitions in the world. Phone: 800-453-1360
US Freeskiing Nationals, Feb 2-6. Snowbird will once again host the U.S. Freeskiing Championships. The world's top extreme skiers will converge at the Bird, for hair-raising excitement of big air and aggressive skiing. A new venue will be chosen each day with increasingly difficult terrain. Venues will be announced each morning. Phone: 801-933-2110
Annual Bald Eagle Day, Feb 5. This program is sponsored by the Utah State Division of Wildlife Services. Free admission at viewing sites around the state. Phone: 801-538-4771
Luge World Championships, Feb 18-20 at Utah Olympic Park in Park City. Phone: 435-658-4200
Moab Skinny Tire Festival, Mar 4-7. People know Moab offers wonderful mountain biking but some cyclists don't know Moab has some of the best road biking in the world. Festival participants ride the best of the best: Arches National Park, Along the mighty Colorado River, and Dead Horse Point and back. Phone: 435-259-2698
30th Annual Canyonlands Half Marathon, Mar 12, Moab. The annual Canyonlands Half Marathon is a gorgeous meander through some of the most beautiful red rock scenery in Utah. The run starts near the 11 mile post of Highway 128 just outside Moab and winds along the scenic banks of the Colorado River. Phone: 435-259-4525
Annual Easter Jeep Safari, Mar 19-27, Moab. Trail rides, mostly day-long trips, depart from Moab throughout this event. The official event is hosted by the Red Rock 4-Wheelers Inc, the local four wheel drive club of Moab. Participants provide their own vehicles. Phone: 435-259-7625
See our comprehensive events listing for upcoming activities.
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