As I walked up the path, the roar of the river echoed through the canyon. Even from that distance, I could feel the cold spray of water from the falls that plummeted to the riverbed below. It was overwhelming to see the massive power of the torrent from the flood waters that pushed its way through the cliffs, spilled over its banks and spread out in the valley below swallowing up ranches and homes. Just watching the scene demanded respect of the brutal force of nature. It was easy to see how canyons were carved and waterways cut new courses.
According to the news, a “significant amount of rainfall” caused snowpack in the Beartooth and Absaroka mountains to melt rapidly. The head waters of the Yellowstone River released its deluge as it tumbled down the mountain merging with other swollen streams and rivers to create an unstoppable force of power.
Just days before, outdoor enthusiasts rafted those same rivers, but as the water rose, it ripped bridges from their pilings, pulled homes from their foundations, uprooted trees, sent debris rushing downstream, stripped people of their livelihood, demolished towns, and left a swath of destruction for hundreds of miles. New records of unprecedented flooding were being set as the old were washed away.
Time seemed to stand still in the presence of the awesome power of the thundering falls that exploded into the river below. Billowing clouds of water shot upward and spewed spray across the canyon. The devouring river rushed onward through the valley. As I turned to walk away, a soft mist fell lightly on my face. I was still in amazement to have witnessed history being carved in time.