Rangers pull dozens from rapids in Canyonlands

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK — Park Service officials say dozens of people have been pulled out of swollen rivers flowing through Canyonlands National Park.

Near-record snowpack created dangerous conditions in recent weeks in Cataract Canyon, a roiling stretch of the Colorado River that includes 28 rapids.

Denny Ziemann, Canyonlands chief ranger, says a special Park Service patrol rescued nearly 30 rafters in the canyon over the last month or so.

They also responded to three medical emergencies that required helicopter evacuations.

The special operation included 28 rangers from Canyonlands, Arches and Glen Canyon.