Wayne County Rockslide Unleashes Havoc, Knocks Out Power Near Capitol Reef

Imagine the scene: a quiet evening in scenic Wayne County, Utah, suddenly punctuated by the sheer, undeniable force of nature. That's precisely what happened recently when a significant rockslide thundered down, bringing with it not just tons of earth and stone but also a major headache for local residents and travelers alike.

The dramatic incident unfolded right on State Route 24, a vital artery that winds its way tantalizingly close to the majestic Capitol Reef National Park. We're talking about an event that occurred around 5:30 in the evening, effectively plunging more than 1,700 Rocky Mountain Power customers into unexpected darkness. It’s certainly more than just an inconvenience when your lights go out and the road you rely on is suddenly impassable, isn’t it?

This wasn't just a small pile of pebbles, oh no. The slide completely shut down SR-24 in both directions, essentially cutting off a key route through that beautiful, rugged landscape. Immediately, crews sprang into action. Rocky Mountain Power got right to work, tackling the monumental task of restoring electricity. They were aiming for a full restoration sometime between 10:00 p.m. and midnight, a testament to their dedication, especially when dealing with such a widespread outage.

Meanwhile, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) mobilized its teams to clear the substantial debris from the roadway. It's a massive undertaking, requiring heavy equipment and meticulous effort to make the road safe again for everyone. The good news, thankfully, is that despite the sheer scale and suddenness of the rockslide, there have been no reported injuries. That, in itself, is a huge relief and a small blessing amidst the disruption.

So, while the immediate impact was definitely a challenge for many, with power cut and travel halted, it also served as a powerful reminder of the raw, untamed beauty—and occasional unpredictability—of our natural world here in Utah. Everyone involved is working hard to get things back to normal, and you can bet the folks in Wayne County are grateful for their tireless efforts.