what happens to canyons during flood
http://www.lakepowell.net/tragedy.html
massive erosion; large amount of water in a small space; frequently rivers get dammed up with debris; landslides and/or mudslides can occur
During a flood, canyons can undergo several changes due to the large volume of water and the force it exerts. Here's an overview of what happens to canyons during a flood:
1. Massive erosion: The rushing water in a flood carries a significant amount of sediment and debris, which is highly erosive. As the water flows through the canyons, it erodes the surrounding rocks and soil, deepening and widening the canyon.
2. Increased water volume: Floods cause an enormous influx of water into the canyon, often far more than the canyon can naturally handle. This sudden increase in water volume can overwhelm the capacity of the river channel and cause the water to rise rapidly, leading to flooding of the surrounding areas.
3. River blockage: Floods often carry large amounts of debris, such as fallen trees, rocks, and sediment. As this debris accumulates in the canyon, it can create blockages or jams in the river channel. This can result in the water becoming dammed up, causing the floodwaters to spread out and potentially overflow onto adjacent lands.
4. Landslides and mudslides: The excess water and saturation of the soil during a flood can undermine the stability of slopes within the canyon. This can trigger landslides and mudslides, which can contribute to further erosion and alter the shape of the canyon.
Overall, floods have a profound impact on canyons, leading to significant erosion, blockages, and changes in the landscape. The link you provided about Lake Powell tragedy seems unrelated to the question, so please disregard it.