Climber Rappels Next to 'Raging Waterfall' That Developed During Flash Flood

A “raging waterfall” cascading down the Morning Glory Arch was not enough to deter an experienced outdoorsman on June 21, with jaw-dropping visuals showing him rappelling down after a flash flood hit the area.

Video by 16-year-old Spencer Grover shows Tyler Erickson rappelling from a sandstone cliff outside Moab, Utah, within touching distance of a muddy waterfall that “spontaneously developed”, Spencer’s father, Michael Grover, told Storyful.

Speaking to Storyful, Erickson said that although the canyoneering adventure “unexpectedly turned into a test of resilience and preparedness,” at no point were he and his group in serious danger.

“We were well prepared, equipped with headlamps, sufficient food, and water,” Erickson said.

“Despite the situation, the temperature remained a comfortable 70 degrees, and no one was at risk of hypothermia. The storm was described by search and rescue as a once-in-150-years event, catching even experienced guides off guard.”

Erickson said that the unexpected flash flood brought close to four inches of rain in just 20 minutes. He highlighted “the importance of preparedness and staying calm in unexpected situations”, but said the experience, while challenging, was also “an unforgettable and humbling adventure”.

“It was a testament to the resilience and teamwork of our group, and a reminder that nature can be unpredictable,” he said.

Separately, a group of 20 people had to be rescued during the same extreme conditions, local media said Credit: Spencer Grover via Storyful