SAM Magazine—Las Vegas, Nev., Sept. 6, 2023—Cleanup is underway at Lee Canyon after Tropical Storm Hilary caused significant flooding with flows of rock and debris settling in the base area that nearly buried lift load stations, forcing the resort to shut down its summer operations for the season.   

“Our team is working with heavy machinery to move the massive amounts of rock and debris near the base area, as well as filling in erosion channels on Rabbit Peak,” marketing and sales director Jim Seely told SAM, adding that the resort has hauled more than 240 loads of debris away from the base area so far.

“Lee Canyon has never had damages to the extent as witnessed with Tropical Storm Hillary. With chairlift inspectors coming early next week, we'll be able to properly assess the integrity of the chairlift towers,” he said.

The U.S. Forest Service ordered the closure of Spring Mountain National Recreation Area, which includes Lee Canyon, beginning Aug. 18, two days before the storm was forecast to arrive. Earlier, Seely reported that the mountain received 9.8 inches of rain from the storm beginning on Aug. 19, with a bulk of it (8 inches) falling overnight on Sunday, Aug. 20, into Monday the 21st. The area is still closed to the public until further notice. No injuries have been reported. 

Summer activities at Lee Canyon include lift-served mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, disc golf, hiking, kids’ programs, and more.