From Deseret News archives:

Families mopping up after flooding ruins homes

Published: Friday, Aug. 3, 2007 12:44 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
VIRGIN, Washington County — The lives of Luann and Mike Staples were turned upside down within the space of a few moments Wednesday when a summer thunderstorm drenched the mountains above the family's property, turning the placid creek into a raging torrent, throwing broken tree trunks against their home and those of their neighbors and dumping tons of mud and debris.

Residents were cleaning up Thursday after the flash flood. Of the six homes in the Staples subdivision, one was destroyed and the others were damaged to the extent that no one will be able to live there until cleanup and repairs are completed. A flash-flood watch remained in effect for all of southwest Utah until 10 p.m. on Thursday.

"I knew the water was coming," said Luann Staples. "I was on the Internet and saw a flash-flood warning. I looked outside and saw the stream rising and called the kids to get out."

Story continues below

Photo gallery

Seven years ago, Luann and Mike Staples were thrilled to purchase 44 acres of sandy, red fertile soil with soaring cottonwood trees that line a barely wet creekbed. The enclave provided a quiet sanctuary for the Staples family, who enjoyed cool breezes and little traffic on the county roadway that leads to vacation cabins on Kolob Mountain.

"We were really excited about it, and we told our kids there was a lot for each of them if they wanted to build a home here," said Luann Staples Thursday as she gently rocked back and forth in a carved rocking chair, looking outside her living room at the remnants of her once beautifully landscaped side yard.

Five of the couple's six children took them up on their offer and wound up building homes next door to each other. Despite the proximity to the creek, none of the Staples children purchased flood insurance, although it had been discussed, said Luann Staples, who did purchase the insurance for her home.

The flash-flood warning Wednesday came just in time for the family to avoid any serious injuries. Two of Luann Staples' grandsons were caught off guard by the rushing floodwaters and were rescued by neighbors.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Image

Residents and volunteers shovel mud Thursday from a home near Virgin in Washington County. A flash flood ripped through the Staples subdivision Wednesday.

Related content
previousnext

Latest comments

RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks

To the melody of Simple Gifts from Appalachian Spring here is my Ode to '09...

RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks

Thank you RSL for an unforgettable season with a dream finally coming true....

Congrats to a coach who gives the team everything, sets high standards and...

RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks

How would Real Salt Lake do against say Real Madrid... or Manchester United?...

Can some people get over the whole stadium/tax dollar chip on their shoulders...

Storm may bring rain, snow Sunday

I'm tired of preparing for a storm when the TV people predict it and then...

What a great s sport! It's great to have the world's game here in Salt Lake....

Quivering about true conservatives, rather than the middle of the road, no...

CHAMPIONS!!!!! Good stuff

Maybe Real Salt Lake can teach the Jazz how to finish out a season/big game...

Advertisements