Downpour forces Sedona evacuations; 89A closed

[CatValet]

Diane, be careful. Don't hesitate to cross on belay with a line if the washes are running too rough. I've seen West Boulder running over 6-8 feet deep in Boulder Basin by Aylors Camp, and once had to bivoac near there in 1972 or thereabouts cause we couldn't cross East Boulder until morning. (I know, I know, the older I get the further it was I walked to school in the snow.....) Take care out there. -R

[matt gilbert]

The water level over the road had drastically diminished by the time I got back off the trail. I actually walked a little ways up the wash after it had receded. When I got there it would have been about knee deep, I was able to walk mostly on dry(ish) sand, with the deepest parts being only aobut ankle deep. The rangers were out driving stakes into the edge of the road at the top of the washout, I think to keep debris off the road. There were still trucks plowing their way through the water. I think if it doesn't rain too much at once (right before you go) the road should be fine. The road was packed enough that my tires barely even sank. Though the trails were a different story, I regret to say there were places where the mud was ankle deep, I almost lost a shoe...
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Cogito ergo ambulo cum sacculo
-Matt Gilbert