Geologic Hazards of Bryce Canyon National Park and Vicinity, Garfield and Kane Counties, Utah

The extraordinary geological character of Bryce Canyon National Park attracts more than 2 million visitors annually. Geologic processes that shaped this dramatic landscape are still active today and can be hazardous to property and life. The purpose of this study is to provide the National Park Service (NPS) and other land managers with geographic information system (GIS)-based information on the kind and location of geologic hazards that may affect existing and future development and visitor and employee safety in Bryce Canyon National Park and surrounding area. The Utah Geological Survey (UGS) conducted a geologic-hazard investigation of a 265-square-mile (686 km2) area centered on the park. The study area encompasses Bryce Canyon National Park, the Town of Tropic, Bryce Canyon City, and recreational areas within the adjoining Dixie National Forest and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Available geologic, hydrologic, soil, and geotechnical information were used to identify where geologic hazards may exist and where site-specific geotechnical/geologic-hazard investigations are necessary to protect health, welfare, and safety. This study provides maps and information for 14 geologic hazards: rockfall, landslide, flooding/debris flow, shallow groundwater, surface faulting, liquefaction, collapsible soil, piping and erosion, wind-blown sand, soluble rock, corrosive soil and rock, expansive soil and rock, shallow bedrock, and radon.