A burst of floodwater rushed through Three Falls Gould's Wash in Hurricane, Utah, on August 14 and spilled into town, a dramatic shift for a channel that is usually dry most of the year.
Residents said the flow in Three Falls Gould's Wash was far beyond what they typically see, with some comparing it to conditions not seen since the 1980s.
Here's what to know
Meteorologist Matthew Johnson (@meteorologist_matt) shared footage of the flooding in a TikTok video, writing: "Some locals say that they haven't seen Three Falls Gould's Wash like this since the 1980s." He added that a local resident said: "This wash in Hurricane, Utah is typically dry almost 90% of the time."
@meteorologist_matt HURRICANE FLASH FLOOD 8/14/26: Some locals say that they haven't seen Three Fall's Gould Wash like this since the 1980s. @mandersao tells me this wash in Hurricane, Utah is typically dry almost 90% of the time. Today it was a raging chocolate waterfall, not only that but it actually ran into town and caused some flooding as well!
♬ original sound - Matthew Johnson
Because heavy rain upstream can rapidly change conditions, a wash that appears inactive for most of the year can suddenly become a fast-moving channel of debris-filled water.
He described the scene this way: "Today it was a raging chocolate waterfall, not only that but it actually ran into town and caused some flooding as well!"
More background
Flash flooding in desert communities can escalate with little warning. Even if rain is not falling directly where someone is standing, water from higher ground can rush through narrow washes, slot canyons, roads, and neighborhoods within minutes.
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Southern Utah is a major destination for hikers, drivers, and sightseers, and dry creek beds can create a false sense of security.
Worsening extreme weather disasters threaten lives and livelihoods by overwhelming roads, endangering homes, cutting off neighborhoods, and forcing sudden closures that affect workers, businesses, and tourism.
Floodwater also creates public health risks by spreading mud, debris, and contamination into places where people live and travel.
What can be done?
Do not underestimate dry washes. If a route crosses a flood channel, the safest move is to avoid it during stormy conditions and to heed road and trail closures and emergency alerts.
Outdoor recreation plans also require extra caution in desert terrain. Checking forecasts before a hike, watching for upstream storms, and turning back early can make a major difference, especially in places known for narrow canyons and drainage routes.
Danger can rise in a desert wash with very little time to react. As one commenter bluntly put it, "The desert is no joke!"
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