Parley’s Canyon burn scar creates a flash flood threat for the next 3-5 years

The flood deposits in this picture were observed approximately 0.25 miles above the east bound lanes of I-80. Photo: U.S. Forest Service

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — On Sunday, an emergency response team with the U.S. Forest Service surveyed the burn scar left by the Parley’s Canyon Fire.

They were there to map the soil burn severity and identify potential threats to downstream infrastructure on I-80.

This weekend’s heavy rain produced a flash flood at the burn scar. Deposits scattered out roughly 75 feet above the highway.

I-80 wasn’t damaged this weekend, however, Forest Service officials predict the flash flood threat will remain present for the next 3 to 5 years until the burn scar recovers.