Park Service warns public of quicksand danger

Officials at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are warning visitors that quicksand may occur near shorelines and in drainages throughout the park. The sprawling park is located in both Arizona and Utah and includes Lake Powell.

The recreation area spans over 1.25 million acres from the Glen Canyon Dam near Page, Arizona, nearly 200 miles up the Colorado River into Utah. The scenic backdrop is described as being as stunning as neighboring Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Painted Desert. Options for lakeside lodging include resorts, campgrounds (including boondocking) and houseboats.

According to park officials, quicksand may be present on ground that appears dry and firm on the surface but may suddenly give way under pressure. Visitors are advised to watch for unstable, shifting, or unusually soft ground and use caution when walking in these areas.

In a post on the Glen Canyon Facebook page, one visitor commented about his experience with quicksand:

“I got stuck up to my thighs. It looked exactly like the wet (but firm) sand I had been walking on along the river all day. But when I stepped on it, I sank instantly as if I had stepped off a deck into a swimming pool, then it congealed around my legs almost as quickly. I was solo and it took me 15 to 20 minutes to wiggle my way out … my legs were raw and red and very cold by the time I got out, but I didn’t even lose my shoes!”

Signs of quicksand

Park officials say several conditions may indicate unstable ground:

• Wet, loose, or unusually smooth ground. Flattened or freshly leveled surfaces may hide soft or saturated sediment beneath a thin crust.
• Unexpected water seepage or pooling. Slow upward seepage or water collecting in isolated spots may signal water-saturated ground.
• Shifting or rippling soil. Ground that subtly moves, ripples, or vibrates when stepped near can indicate insufficient support below the surface.
• Dry surfaces that feel soft or spongy. Even when the surface appears dry, the ground may compress noticeably under light pressure. Officials recommend testing from a secure position using a tool rather than stepping onto it.
• Low or saturated areas. Drainages, depressions and newly exposed shoreline zones may contain fine sediment mixed with water.
• Fine sediment after storms or water-level changes. Silt, clay and very fine sand can create unstable ground that appears normal on the surface.

What to do if you encounter quicksand

Officials say quicksand is rarely life-threatening, but escaping it can be difficult.

Visitors who become stuck should remain calm and avoid sudden movements, which can cause the body to sink deeper. Leaning back helps spread body weight over a larger area and improves buoyancy.

Move legs slowly upward, one at a time, allowing water to flow around them and reduce suction. Gentle movements such as wiggling or rotating the feet can also help create space around the legs.

Once free, continue leaning back and use slow, controlled movements to move toward firmer ground. Avoid standing upright until completely clear of the area.

If available, a branch, trekking pole or other sturdy object can provide leverage. Visitors should seek assistance if escape becomes difficult or if they become fatigued.

The good news is that deaths from quicksand are rare. But they do happen.