What is the National Park Service warning visitors about at Glen Canyon?

The National Park Service is warning visitors about the dangers of quicksand in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

What should someone do if they get stuck in quicksand?

If caught in quicksand, the Park Service recommends staying calm, avoiding sudden movements, leaning back to spread body weight, and shifting into a reclined or sitting position to float.

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Beware Quicksand: NPS Warns Glen Canyon Visitors

Q: How can visitors identify quicksand in Glen Canyon?

Visitors should look for wet, loose, or unusually smooth ground, as well as flattened or leveled surfaces that may indicate saturated sediment beneath.

8 Mar

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Summary

National Park Service issues quicksand warning for Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Visitors should watch for shifting, soft, or unusually smooth ground.
Previous incidents highlight the real dangers and difficulty of escaping quicksand.

Beware Quicksand: NPS Warns Glen Canyon Visitors

The National Park Service has issued a critical safety alert for visitors to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, spanning Arizona and Utah. The warning specifically addresses the danger of quicksand, which can be found near shorelines and in drainages throughout the expansive park.

Quicksand, a deceptive mixture of sand and water or air, can appear stable on the surface but becomes unstable when disturbed. The Park Service advises visitors to be vigilant for "wet, loose or unusually smooth ground," as well as flattened or leveled surfaces that may conceal saturated sediment. Signs of unstable ground include movement, rippling, or subtle vibrations when stepped upon.