What happened in Antelope Canyon 1997?
One of the deadliest floods happened Aug. 12, 1997, when a 40-foot-high wall of water swept through Lower Antelope Canyon near Page in Coconino County, killing 11 hikers. The group was washed 4 miles down the canyon, which is only 3 feet wide in some places.
How was Antelope Canyon formed?
Antelope Canyon formed when periodic rains carved into the sandstone. Antelope Canyon is deceptive. From above it appears as a narrow opening in the Navajo sandstone formation that extends for miles.
Can I visit Antelope Canyon without a tour?
CAN I GO TO ANTELOPE CANYON BY MYSELF? No, the Antelope Canyon is protected by the Navajo Parks and Recreation and only authorized tour companies can take visitors to the canyon. Safety and preventing vandalism are the main reasons why everyone needs a guided tour; the canyon became unavailable to the public in 1997.
How to describe Antelope Canyon?
Antelope Canyon is made up of two unique slot canyons, Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, and is located within the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation near Page, Arizona. Both slot canyons were naturally formed by water erosion over many years, with walls made of beautiful, smooth sandstone in unique shapes.
Are there flash floods in Antelope Canyon?
Five members of the tour accompanied Quintana into Antelope Canyon where it becomes a deep, quarter-mile-long slot so narrow you can hop across its top at points. The undulating canyon has been carved into the pink-swirled sandstone by countless flash floods.
How deep is the water in Antelope Canyon?
about 120 feet
Antelope Canyon | |
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Antelope Canyon Navajo Nation, Coconino County, near Lechee, Arizona | |
Floor elevation | 3,704 ft (1,129 m) |
Length | Upper Antelope Canyon: about 660 feet (200 m) Lower Antelope Canyon: about 1,335 feet (407 m) |
Depth | about 120 feet (37 m) |
Who owns Antelope Canyon?
the Navajo Nation
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours operates on land owned by the Begay family, longstanding members of the Navajo Nation and community. As a part of this family, Dalvin Etsitty has been providing tours of this sacred Navajo site for over 20 years, allowing people from all over the world to visit and enjoy its beauty.
Is Antelope Canyon Safe?
Antelope Canyon Can be a Dangerous and Deadly Place Eleven tourists and their guide entered the Lower Canyon for a tour through the majestic canyon. They descended into the ground via a wooden ladder.
Is Antelope Canyon man made?
Antelope Canyon was formed by the erosion of Navajo Sandstone due to flash flooding and other sub-aerial processes. Rainwater, especially during monsoon season, runs into the extensive basin above the slot canyon sections, picking up speed and sand as it rushes into the narrow passageways.
How do you survive a flash flood in a car?
Do’s
- Stay calm. You’ll need your wits about you.
- Turn on your headlights and hazard lights.
- Unbuckle your seat belt.
- Unlock your doors.
- Take jackets and outer clothing off.
- Lower your window slowly.
- If you can lower the windows, climb out.
- If the windows will not open, you’ll have to use a door to get out.
Are slot canyons safe?
A narrow canyon can easily fill with fast-moving water and mounds of debris, creating a potentially fatal situation for an unwary hiker. Always check the weather the day of your planned slot canyon hike. If there is a thunderstorm or heavy rain in the forecast, it’s best to stay away from canyon hiking.
How hot does it get in Antelope Canyon?
Antelope Canyon Weather in August August brings heat and rain. The Arizona summer heat and Arizona monsoon are both in full swing in August. The average daytime high is 92 F and, on average, there are five days of rain—more than any other month.
Is it hot inside Antelope Canyon?
Since Antelope Canyon is located in the Southwest of Arizona, it stays fairly warm all year round. This makes it a great destination during any time of the year since it is accessible during the winter months.
What to do if you are trapped in a flash flood?
Hold your breath and swim to the surface. If you are swept into fast moving floodwater outside of your car, point your feet downstream. Always go over obstacles, never try to go under. If you are stranded on something above the floodwater, such as a tree or building, stay put and wait for rescue.
How do you drown in a flash flood?
Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Most of these drownings occur during flash floods. Six inches of rapidly moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must go through an area where water is standing, use a pole or stick to make sure that the ground is solid under the surface.
How much water can knock a person down?
6 inches
A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.