A localized thunderstorm in the Dodge Point area of San Juan County sent walls of water into Montezuma Canyon about 5:30 p.m. on July 24. It created a thunderous waterfall less than 50 feet from Phil and Barbara Houghton’s cliff home and nearly washed out the road in two places.

“I purchased this property in l983,” Phil said, “and in 27 years I have never seen anything like what happened Saturday afternoon.” He continued, “Had there not been two large culverts in the road in front of my home, I am sure the road would have been gone.”

Even with the culverts, water ran across the road several feet deep for over a hundred feet down the road. The storm was also experienced by the Craig DeHart family and others in the area.

It was an experience none of them will soon forget. It is also a reminder to hikers and campers how quickly the summer thunderstorms can make waterways in Canyon Country into death traps. If you plan hikes or camping in canyons this time of year, you need to be aware of weather many miles upstream to avoid potentially deadly flash flooding.