If you’re planning a trip to the Utah-Arizona border, you might want to double-check where you step.
The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a safety alert for Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, warning that quicksand is currently a major hazard along the shorelines of Lake Powell and in local drainages.
As water levels fluctuate across the 1.25 million-acre park, areas that look like solid ground can be incredibly deceptive. “It can appear dry and firm on the surface but may suddenly give way,” the NPS advisory warns. Unlike the bubbling pits seen in movies, this real world quicksand often hides under a thin, dry crust, waiting for enough weight to break through.
Officials say you can usually spot these “sink zones” by looking for ground that is unusually smooth, wet, or ripples when you step near it. If the earth feels spongy or you notice water pooling around your boots, you’re likely in an unstable area.
If you do find yourself sinking, the experts say the most important thing is to keep calm. Thrashing around only breaks the surface tension and pulls you deeper. Instead, try to distribute your weight by leaning back, almost as if you’re trying to float on top of the sediment.
“Move one leg at a time, gently and gradually, to allow water to flow into the space around the limb. This loosens the suction effect,” the NPS advises. “Once the legs are free, continue leaning back and use arms or a back-floating motion to inch toward solid ground. Avoid standing upright until fully out.”
While it’s rare for quicksand to be a life or death emergency, the physical toll of getting out can be brutal. If the mud is deep or you’re feeling too tired to finish the job, the park recommends calling for help.
Beyond the shifting ground, Glen Canyon is also dealing with harmful algal blooms in parts of the lake. These blooms can be toxic to humans and fatal for pets, so avoid any water that looks discolored or scummy.
For now, the best way to enjoy Lake Powell is to keep your eyes on the ground and your distance from any suspicious looking water.