Heavy Rain & Flooding

It is the guides responsibility to be on top of:

1. Pre-Activity: Have reviewed the weather forecast prior to meeting clients

2. During Activity: Constantly monitor the rain forecast through out the day guiding

The Hazardous weather trigger events – Weather Warnings and Weather Forecasts are considered when applying this checklist

Identify

• River Heights, Rainfall and weather forecasts are monitored during periods of wet weather

• The Guide monitors the rate of flow, height, turbidity and debris during all Canyoning (or other water based activities) activities

Prepare

• The Guide identifies changes in rate of flow, height, turbidity and/or floating debris indicating that flooding may occur

Immediate actions

• Evacuate to higher ground/ vehicles if possible to do so

• Try to get group out of rain (ie cave, shelter etc)

• Manage group for cold exposure- hot drinks, warm clothes, bivy bags etc

• Secure ropes or other equipment to assist with evacuation from flooded water

• Apply the River Crossing SOP as required

Evacuate or Recover

• Participants are evacuated to a safe area if shelter-in-place is not possible

• The Guide considers using an alternative or emergency exit from the canyon, if possible

Report

• The Guide communicates details of additional actions and/or evacuations to the Operations Manager at an appropriate time

• Guide completes INCIDENT REPORT within 48hours of evacuation