Glenwood, NM, March 11, 2019—For Immediate Release.  Forest Order Number 06-19-001 Catwalk Recreation Area Temporary Health and Safety Closure Order has been signed. This closure order is effective immediately and is in effect until December 31, 2019, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

Due to recent rainfall and rapid snow melt, the Whitewater Creek has been running very high and the low water crossing just before the Catwalk parking area continues to flood. This location is a road which dips down to the level of a stream channel. Large amounts of water and debris are coming down Whitewater Canyon. 

Per the National Weather Service’s NOAA website, “Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.”  Please “Turn Around Don’t Drown”!

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at here