CURRENT CONDITIONS:
Below are current conditions, weather forecasts for Zion Canyon and towns in the surrounding areas, and water levels for the Virgin River. IMPORTANT! While these forecasts may be informative, they are not definitive proof of whether or not it is safe to hike a canyon on any given day. If you are concerned about the flash flood potential during any planned hike, please see the Wilderness Desk at the Zion Visitor Center. Updated status of any emergency road or trail closures are listed on the NPS website. You can also view the Towers of the Virgin webcam.
| Water Levels from the USGS Water Data Website: |
When clicking on the USGS links below, look at the "Discharge, cubic feet per second" (cfs) chart for the most recent value and the general trend(s) for increase and/or decrease in water flow.
- North Fork Virgin River Water Levels. Levels below 50 cfs indicate relatively easy hiking conditions in the Zion Narrows. Above 100 cfs, hiking in the river can be difficult and dangerous. The NPS will not issue a permit for the Zion Narrows when water levels are above 130 cfs. During a flash flood, flow can go well above 1000 cfs.
- East Fork Virgin River Water Levels. 40 cfs is close to "normal" for the East Fork in the drier months; levels that are much higher could indicate dangerous conditions in Parunuweap Canyon.
| Snowpack Levels from NRCS: |
The SNOTEL site is particularly useful during winter and early spring months when attempting to predict how strong and long the spring runoff will be in the Zion Narrows.
- Kolob SNOTEL Site Readings. Compare current year to previous years to put into perpsective. 2002 and 2012 were particularly dry years while 2005 and 2011 were two years with significant snowfall and extended spring runoff in the Zion Narrows.
| Weather Forecasts for the Greater Zion Area: |
SPRINGDALE:
Springdale is at the heart of Zion Canyon and this forecast gives a good sense of conditions in the main canyon.
ST. GEORGE:
St. George is located roughly 30 miles west/southwest of Springdale. At a lower altitude than Zion Canyon, St. George is usually hotter.
MT. CARMEL JUNCTION:
Mt. Carmel Junction is roughly 10 miles east of the east border of Zion National Park and the forecast may illude to the conditions in the Upper East Canyon and beyond.
CEDAR CITY:
Cedar City is approximately 20 miles north of the Kolob Section of Zion National Park. At a higher elevation than the main canyon, temperatures are usually cooler.
