Hiking a dangerous debris field created by Hurricane Helene in WNC

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  • Опубліковано 21 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,4 тис.

  • @MarkHuneycutt
    @MarkHuneycutt  Місяць тому +537

    I chose to hike this specific debris field in Garren Creek because it is one of the most well-known destructive landslides in the area that has also been covered thoroughly by a geologist online. It's also close to my home.
    One family, the Craigs, lost 11 family members. 13 lives total were lost from this specific landslide (and the one slightly Southwest of this) in Garren Creek, also known as Craigtown.
    Please consider contributing to both these gofundmes to support those lost:
    The Craig family's gofundme to help rebuild:
    gofund.me/41fb6996
    Marissa lost both her parents in Craigtown. Here is her gofundme:
    gofund.me/d47913e2
    Article explaining the situation:
    www.foxnews.com/us/family-lost-11-hurricane-helene-mudslides-says-community-sacrificed-life-limb-save-each-other
    I recommend watching geologist Philip Prince's video before or after mine - watch it to enhance your understanding.
    ua-cam.com/video/9X6pdmqrAu0/v-deo.html
    My video is a boots on the ground (and air by drone), non-scientific version to compliment Philip's.
    I learned a lot as I've never hiked a debris field/landslide/mudslide. I hope this video was helpful in determining what happened.
    The man living in his car in the video is okay. I asked multiple times how to help him but he's satisfied how he is. He walks down to the fire department for hot meals from the community and a shower.
    Edit: I went back today, October 18th. The man at the end of the video is Norman. I cut/cleared a walking path through the trees for him to his house to make the walk to the fire station easier. Then I walked back down, talked to a neighbor, then chatted with Norman at the fire station. He did well through the recent coldest nights we've had. He has a sleeping bag, extra blankets and lots of clothes. He still doesn't want physical help but MIGHT be open to a gofundme. He lives very remote without service at his home and he just has a flip phone. When he uses a computer, it's at a library so he won't be able to see my video or respond to me until next week at a library. I offered him my RV but he declined. He's waiting on family in Arizona(I think that's the state) to get him a car then the next step is grabbing a hotel and talking with FEMA since insurance of course declined him. I talked with a friend today who received $40k from FEMA for the trees on his roof so it's happening. Side note - please don't go up the same creek I did as it's private land - I only provided GPS points in the video to be a reference for viewers to see how different things look.
    More on the cat👇
    Some people were concerned about the cat at the beginning of my video so I also hunted down information on it. I was able to find out who the owners were but the wife had passed. Her funeral was today. I walked over to the cat owner's house where Red Cross was doing disaster help. Red Cross told me there's plenty of water and food for the cat. I confirmed with a local after getting home that the cat is being cared for by the owner. Hope that helps.

    • @MrBumbles2
      @MrBumbles2 Місяць тому +14

      scorn to bedrock, look for nuggets

    • @tammyfletcher8299
      @tammyfletcher8299 Місяць тому +47

      Thank you for this, on another person's video UA-cam I'll never forget the old man saying he couldn't understand why it continuously rained in just one spot, as he looked up at it.
      My suspicions, of man-made I think are correct.

    • @IuseanXboxController
      @IuseanXboxController Місяць тому +35

      Mark, thanks a bunch for doing an in person follow up with this area and linking to the video Philip Prince did. I watched that and have been keeping up with content since the devastation in our state happened and watch your on ground footage as well from the start.
      Seriously thanks for doing this, hopefully more people watch this kind of content and the actual information behind what happened instead of the misinformation and stupidity of thinking we can make hurricanes form and send them a specific way.

    • @nicktoofar3514
      @nicktoofar3514 Місяць тому +20

      What are those geologists doing with the the radar... Looking for a minerals like lithium

    • @curiouscat3384
      @curiouscat3384 Місяць тому +4

      @@MrBumbles2 Can't even wait for the bodies to get cold? Mark doesn't seem like the type to care more about $

  • @BruiserFL
    @BruiserFL Місяць тому +577

    Just 12-hours before the storm hit, I drove on Rt 9 & Rt 74 (from Shumont Mtn) to The Lake Lure Ingles and then back. Next week, I'm retrieving my car from that area and cannot wait to review my dashcam video (front & rear cameras). I'll see the area & roads as they were 12-hours before the storm hit. I'm lucky to have come out alive. Your coverage from the beginning of this disaster has been so informative. RIP to all who didn't make it.

    • @stomper2582
      @stomper2582 Місяць тому +25

      Prayers for all daily. The peaceful sound of the creek is not any indication of what happened there. 🙏✊🇺🇸

    • @NaomiSims-w5g
      @NaomiSims-w5g Місяць тому +45

      If you can retrieve the footage, it would be such a great teaching tool as a warning to others about the power of water & the need to build away from creeks/rivers & valleys...even in the mountains.
      I admire Mark's work & skill so much! I thank him & everyone else for all they've done & will do in the future.

    • @ChaosEarth-p8i
      @ChaosEarth-p8i Місяць тому +12

      Glad that you are safe, it must have been so tough

    • @GDub1958
      @GDub1958 Місяць тому +8

      Awesome research and documentation. It would (will) not take much rainfall currently to get the mud slide(s) starting again. What do you think?
      I say this because of how saturated the mud slide bottom currently is! WOW

    • @destinycoach5
      @destinycoach5 Місяць тому +12

      Bruiser, can you tell us your story about having to evacuate your car.
      I do hope you air the footage. Probably the best way for as many as possible to see it would be to give the footage to Marks channel here.
      I hope your car is in tact. Thanks for letting us know

  • @donnadoddsilvia8104
    @donnadoddsilvia8104 Місяць тому +98

    No matter the devastation of what was, way back, or present time...the Beauty of the Mountains in the last scene...SO Majestic!!! I can see why people love it so. I have Great Respect for them. I, too, am Cherokee Indian. My heart hurts for all souls lost in the great floods.

  • @dianebeier8379
    @dianebeier8379 Місяць тому +289

    MARK, YOU ARE DEFINETLY THE BEST SOURCE ON THIS EVENT, AND THE MOST ETHICAL YOUNG MAN IVE SEEN IN A LONG WHILE...MICHIGAN HERE!!!!❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Місяць тому +32

      I appreciate that. Lots of other great sources, too!

    • @ninabooker2904
      @ninabooker2904 Місяць тому +14

      I don’t know what your career was before this disaster but you are an excellent source of information. This is some of the most beautiful and interesting country and scenery I have ever seen. TY for sharing your exploration with us. Maybe nature reporting is a thing, I love it. TY. ❤

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Місяць тому +17

      @@ninabooker2904 thank you. I've been making youtube videos about flying a paramotor since 2016. I was a Blackhawk pilot in the Army from 2013-2021 as well. I've just always been behind a camera

    • @rallysport4207
      @rallysport4207 Місяць тому +6

      Did not know the army part but I’ve watched you fly a few times. Thank u for your service man and he’s right you’ve got some of the best coverage on this.

    • @tomf1408
      @tomf1408 Місяць тому +2

      That comes from his military background

  • @pantherblu3826
    @pantherblu3826 Місяць тому +47

    This channel has best and most honest videos showing damage from Hurricane Helene. Extremely informative. Thanks so much. As a North Carolinian I deeply appreciate your efforts to chronicle this historical event

  • @SkookyDoo
    @SkookyDoo Місяць тому +420

    I appreciate the careful and respectful documentation you are making.

    • @robertvigneault7114
      @robertvigneault7114 Місяць тому +15

      a country boy will survive

    • @emmahandford9026
      @emmahandford9026 Місяць тому +6

      I totally agreed with you SkookyDoo. Thank you Mark for all you have been documenting. This one was fascinating to view. The sheer volume of rainfall is on the edge of reality for me to comprehend! WOW! Gaia will recover. I pray all of you beautiful people do heal and thrive once again. Sending blessings and prayers for folk who are grieving. Thank you for sharing. 🙏

    • @McBuggs.
      @McBuggs. Місяць тому +1

      With this in mind, the area will now know how big the floodplain can be in case of another big storm that could hit.
      Many cities and towns are built on a floodplain, same as the one I live in. In 2013 we had one of those 100 year floods washing thru that caused 323M (Can.) in damages.

    • @justincase6588
      @justincase6588 27 днів тому +2

      Drones really helps put a disaster perspective. But your narrative and trekking thru the debris was flawless. You respect both nature and the people who went through this tragedy. I hope you'll are getting the help you need and deserve. If Milton hit without the previous rainfall things would have turned out differently for all loving in thus slice of heaven.
      Seriously the best coverage of this 'weather event'. The power of that water mudslide, moving boulders, and hard wood like pebbles and matchsticks. Mother nature has a mighty hard right hook. For what it's worth, a Canadian cares and I hope we sent more than one team and truck for hydro electric power lines repair, replacement. We need to help each other in these times. I hope Canada has helped. Is helping ❤!😢

  • @critters2save
    @critters2save Місяць тому +64

    Easy listening voice, earth science knowledge, drone expert, very good editing, I applaud your ability and this post.

  • @russellwickham8334
    @russellwickham8334 Місяць тому +153

    It's so awesome to see TheGeoModels explanation of what happened and then to see your on ground documentary of the scene. Thank you for recording this historic event for us.

    • @jeanetteredden24
      @jeanetteredden24 Місяць тому +4

      He did 2 so far explaining the topography related to Chimney Creek & Nolichucky flooded so bad.

    • @russellwickham8334
      @russellwickham8334 Місяць тому +2

      @@jeanetteredden24 Actually, there are at least 3, the first being to describe what caused the slides that started the debris flow that Mark documented. All of them are excellent, and I appreciate the on the ground collaboration to document what the results are from the classroom explanation. Good science here.

    • @Nunyah_Bidness
      @Nunyah_Bidness Місяць тому +1

      Both of those individuals have done a great deal of helping to explain and visualize some of the how's and why's of this disaster. While I'm pretty sure I understand what you meant by calling this "awesome", as it is excellent footage and documentation for this event, it just seems in bad taste considering the absolute horror and destruction these debris slides caused, not to mention the potential lives that they took with them.

    • @pws3878
      @pws3878 Місяць тому +1

      ​@@Nunyah_BidnessWell, the farkin taste police have spoken. Is that really what you took away from that comment?

    • @luv2luv720
      @luv2luv720 28 днів тому

      ​@@Nunyah_Bidness I think he's saying it's awesome his brain completely understands now. I don't know. I can only Assume!

  • @rudetuesday
    @rudetuesday Місяць тому +34

    Thank you for being considerate of the land and compassionate to everyone you encounter. These stories are very helpful to understand the scope of what happened.

    • @bettywatson9200
      @bettywatson9200 25 днів тому

      I totally agree with you. You covered this story with a heart of love and understanding.

  • @carownervirus4438
    @carownervirus4438 Місяць тому +138

    Went to school with Marissa and Logan was Coached by his dad Bryan this all hits way too close to home. Appreciate you being respectful and highlighting the existing needs for the families.

  • @eddie4986
    @eddie4986 Місяць тому +51

    Dude, I’ve lived in Ohio now going on 50 year’s now but I’m from Southeastern Kentucky and I’m aware of how a small stream can suddenly turn into a raging river however the scenes from your videos have shown us all how those small streams & creeks can absolutely wreck, destroy & kill people and communities.. I pray for those affected by this terrible weather event and also thank you for what you’ve done in helping all of us better understand the pain and suffering the good people of Western Carolina have experienced and endured.. Thank you brother

  • @nickhildabridle1612
    @nickhildabridle1612 Місяць тому +115

    Mark your coverage of this devastation is just incredible. Thank you for taking the time, energy, and resources it takes to make these videos. They are very informative to those of us thatcare not able to be there or to those of us that have spent multiple vacations in this area. The change of landscape is just astounding to me. My heart is broken for all that are affected by this storm. I look forward to your future videos.

  • @JHillNC
    @JHillNC Місяць тому +46

    Mark: I can't tell you how much I love the organic synergy between your channel and TheGeoModels' channel. You're our man on the ground and in the sky, while Mr. Prince (TheGeoModels) is our man in the lab on the satellite imagery. To have two channels that are local WNCers that provide such great output is solid gold. Thank you for doing such excellent work!

  • @carlbruhn1772
    @carlbruhn1772 Місяць тому +54

    You are definitely making historical observations that will serve many in the future. Just as important is making the next video of the oral history of a man who lived through it. Well Done Sir!!

  • @yellowdeer7163
    @yellowdeer7163 Місяць тому +79

    I've watched many videos of the destruction in western North Carolina. But I have also seen why people live in such beautiful country. I really didn't know how beautiful this state is. Thank you so much for sharing your video.

    • @tishkerrville8942
      @tishkerrville8942 Місяць тому +5

      I know ...I have never been there & it's so pretty 🌲

    • @jharvey9898
      @jharvey9898 Місяць тому +6

      I wasn’t born here but I got here as fast as I could. 😁

    • @tishkerrville8942
      @tishkerrville8942 Місяць тому +3

      @@jharvey9898 👍

    • @YaYaPaBla
      @YaYaPaBla Місяць тому +3

      I’ve always wanted to see that part of the country.

    • @hughjanus5518
      @hughjanus5518 Місяць тому +6

      Im in extreme WNC and it is absolutely gorgeous here.

  • @brendapoppell9155
    @brendapoppell9155 Місяць тому +40

    Amongst all the destruction, the beauty of the mountains prevails. I see those fall colors peeking out, this radiates hope. Ty for sharing.

  • @novascheller5957
    @novascheller5957 Місяць тому +15

    This is remarkable footage and drives home how isolated this was and is now. Makes it absolutely clear how devastating this flooding was. Thank you for documenting so clearly. The drone footage compliments your hiking path powerfully!

  • @pathfinderdiscovery9395
    @pathfinderdiscovery9395 Місяць тому +50

    bless that man lord who rode out storm in his home as did many an I pray they and he dont have to live in a car or tent for long , lord provide this man an so many others the homes they need as soon a possible my lord Jesus be with them all , AMEN 🙏

  • @no_step_on_snek9796
    @no_step_on_snek9796 Місяць тому +25

    I live in the western foothills of NC, found you from the start as soon as our Internet was restored (had a generator thankfully, but absolutely no cell service). Really appreciate you showing us whats going on there. I spent alot of time in Boone, lived in Maggie Valley, and have family in Johnson City. Had my radios on listening to people talking about it but a picture is worth 1000 words.

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  29 днів тому +2

      Glad you're doing alright! I've got family in Maggie Valley. I've done some awesome caving in Johnson city and paramotor flying from the local airport. Boone is great as well. This area has a lot to offer, no doubt.

  • @RS-ms1bz
    @RS-ms1bz Місяць тому +93

    This happened in my small town in western MD several years ago. It is surrounded by mountains (not the 4,500 ft mts in NC, but around 1,000ft.) to the west with a small spring running through the town, no more than two feet wide. A thunderstorm stalled over the mountains and dumped 6 inches of rain in one hour. All that water came crashing down the mountains and found its way to the origin of the small spring, which flooded half of the town. It went from two feet wide and one foot deep to 200 feet wide and 15 ft deep in a matter of minutes. Luckily, there were only minor mudslides because the elevation and terrain is not as steep as in NC. What water can do when moving downhill is beyond powerful, and its clearly evident with your footage.

  • @gordon-n6s
    @gordon-n6s Місяць тому +32

    Thank you for making the effort to walk it up and explain a picture of what happened which news alone cannot do.

  • @rosealenius-spencer4823
    @rosealenius-spencer4823 Місяць тому +52

    The destruction in the midst of so much beauty is hard to fathom….Stay safe out there, Mark! Really appreciate your videos!

  • @johnkeller441
    @johnkeller441 Місяць тому +17

    Great video and comments that tie in with the Geologist's video of this same debris field. Back in 1976, the BIG THOMPSON flood west of Loveland, Colorado, killed more than 140. There were 80 Ton boulders careening down the river and pulverizing people, property and vehicles. The power of water is amazing and tragic.

  • @greenwitch9836
    @greenwitch9836 Місяць тому +52

    G'day from Australia. Watching your channel is more instructive and respectful than networks. Excellent work Mark. Although a very horrible situation, you have shown the sad stories of the people affected and their immense resilience. Very powerful.

    • @kristy4134
      @kristy4134 Місяць тому +5

      Fellow Aussie here too. I’ve been following since he started the coverage of this terrible event

  • @jllogsdon9261
    @jllogsdon9261 29 днів тому +12

    Showing the mud on the trees really gives a unique perspective. The drone footage also helps to put this in perspective. Thank you for doing this Mark.

  • @gabrielwatson7721
    @gabrielwatson7721 Місяць тому +254

    As someone who has grown up in these Appalachian Mountains, my greatest concern is the next rain fall. Can't help but wonder how the Mountains will handle the water shed. Thank you for being so respectful. So many have not been and some of the folks there have been having to relive this nightmare over and over due to sightseeing and uninvited interviews. God Bless you ALL.🙏💯💪

    • @SuzanneTheme
      @SuzanneTheme Місяць тому +13

      No topsoil.😢

    • @axmajpayne
      @axmajpayne Місяць тому +20

      It's going to be a rough winter with lots of mud and debris re-mobilizing. That's for sure.

    • @RendaJane
      @RendaJane Місяць тому +9

      Same. Creeks and rivers have changed their paths in places. We’re going into long difficult winter emotionally drained. 😢

    • @ChaosEarth-p8i
      @ChaosEarth-p8i Місяць тому +8

      yeah and heavy rains can lead to erosion, landslides, and increased flooding. Hope everyone would be alright

    • @charleysmusic6596
      @charleysmusic6596 Місяць тому +16

      The spring thaw and flow will be a major concern.
      The winter freeze loosening already unstable land masses and the spring thaw/flow sending it downstream.
      The story from this devastating storm won't be over for years to come.

  • @SUZIEQ64
    @SUZIEQ64 Місяць тому +10

    Helpful documentation to get a better understanding of how this happened. Very respectful.

  • @germansnowman
    @germansnowman Місяць тому +69

    Thanks for the shout out to Philip Prince/TheGeoModels. His videos are extremely informative and helpful for understanding the why and how of this event.
    Edit: Your footage adds the perspective from the ground, thank you for that as well!

    • @TheRange7
      @TheRange7 Місяць тому +8

      100% agree. Mr. Prince's content has been very informative and educational.

    • @terrihart2133
      @terrihart2133 Місяць тому +1

      I just saw my first video of him yesterday. Fascinating and heart breaking. I took was glad he gave him a shout out. I have been watching this fellow and he also is informative.

  • @PaulC001
    @PaulC001 Місяць тому +49

    these videos are so important, this is not going to end for these people for a long long time. donations will be absolutely necessary for their survival for at least the next year.

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Місяць тому +9

      yes

    • @jharvey9898
      @jharvey9898 Місяць тому +5

      It’s going to be a cold winter according to POW Ponder. So important to care for our neighbors and show our gratitude.

    • @hines862009
      @hines862009 Місяць тому +4

      ​@@jharvey9898it's supposed to be a warm winter as we're approaching peak of the Schwabe cycle (not climate change btw).

    • @rettbull9100
      @rettbull9100 Місяць тому

      So true and sad. Biden and Harris aren't doing anything to help this folks in their time of need.
      Don't forget to vote. And when you do, cast your ballot for Trump. He would have made sure that these people had been provide for, unlike the demoncrats.

  • @hraven7799
    @hraven7799 Місяць тому +49

    Mark thank you for what you have been doing since this disaster struck. You are a good man. I started Following you because of the coverage that you’re doing but I will continue to follow you after to make sure that you and your family are safe and happy and I don’t want to stop following you just because there’s no more disaster. I greatly appreciate you covering as much as you have and you’re always respectful. I’m all the way over here in Oregon and I know the same could possibly happen to where I am. I have learned a lot from watching your videos on how to prepare for where I am. It just breaks my heart the devastation and the loss of life. Also when I see the animals I’m thankful that they’re still there. It made me sad to see the cat sitting out in front of the abandoned home. So many didn’t make it. I hope that you and your family are able to have a livelihood because I know that much of what you all do for work was wiped out. You are in my prayers and sending you good energy. Also young man thank you for your service. ❤

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Місяць тому +8

      Thank you!

    • @kristy4134
      @kristy4134 Місяць тому +4

      I’m the same

    • @hraven7799
      @hraven7799 Місяць тому +3

      @@MarkHuneycutt you are so talented I can foresee you possibly doing your own documentary film.

    • @KevinCorrigan-s3k
      @KevinCorrigan-s3k Місяць тому +3

      thank you and keep up with the great job your doing.

  • @matthewbooth9265
    @matthewbooth9265 Місяць тому +18

    I feel like one of the recovery efforts that need to be addressed in the spring, is encouraging trees and plants to grow in the landslide area's and the area's stripped bare of plants, to help stabilize the soil. There will be issues with landslides and heavy erosion for years otherwise.

  • @NeverMetTheGuy
    @NeverMetTheGuy Місяць тому +61

    Thanks for taking the time to document all of this stuff, brother.

  • @henrymorgan3982
    @henrymorgan3982 29 днів тому +3

    I am sure everything except the massive rock formations were moved by the water. Thank you for exploring for us!

  • @Beckartwork2023
    @Beckartwork2023 Місяць тому +26

    So now that I’ve seen the true damage of water, I now comprehend how certain areas have been created thru time. Thank you for sharing! I enjoy your videos

  • @krissyp7219
    @krissyp7219 Місяць тому +7

    I felt like this was almost a sacred hike, documenting the the geology of the destruction. IMO, it was fitting that it was done by a local. God bless you. (grandma from Pacific Northwest)

  • @secksworker
    @secksworker Місяць тому +31

    Appreciate your videos, Mark. Stay safe! My brother is a landscaper who worked in this area, didn't hear from him for two weeks until one day he and his dog showed up to a family friends house in north GA. Sobering to see how close he was to this all.

  • @dokukarmagad12578
    @dokukarmagad12578 Місяць тому +11

    Thank you for doing these videos. It is a great service to all Americans. To be able to see on the ground coverage that would not be as available on the major networks. Your video enhances our understanding of the nature and extent of this disaster. Young people like you give me hope for our country's future. Keep striving. You are on the right track.

  • @Stampinsheri
    @Stampinsheri Місяць тому +23

    Your articulation is amazing. You truly have shown all aspects of what has happened. I appreciate all you have done. I have traveled and vacationed all over the area all of my life and so sad to see the devastation. Thank you.

  • @PatrickWagz
    @PatrickWagz Місяць тому +6

    This video was very informative, thorough, and extremely well done. Thank you.
    It really puts things into perspective of how massive these mudslides were, and the enormity of all the debris and energy they accumulated as they roared down these hillsides.
    Your analysis of surveying the damage and mud on still-standing trees was spot-on.

  • @happycamper1372
    @happycamper1372 Місяць тому +21

    That was an amazing amount of powerful water! Unbelievable how the landscape was changed!

  • @cindygreer1117
    @cindygreer1117 Місяць тому +6

    Thanks so much Mark for your vids. It is a historical and monumental event …and it’s so important to understand the magnitude of it. You do a great job of illustrating and explaining it. Be careful out there.

  • @todayisit3
    @todayisit3 Місяць тому +27

    Amazing footage, Mark. My heart goes out to the people whose lives were shattered and have lost hope.

  • @terry3252
    @terry3252 Місяць тому +20

    Young man I have enjoyed your videos post Helene. You have presented some interesting and informative content. I grew up visiting the mountains 4-5 times a year as a kid and over the last couple decades I have visited less frequently. It is heartbreaking what has happened to those communities and the families that live there. This video has really put into perspective the massiveness of the destruction. I was shocked when I first saw your video of chimney rock. Again thanks for your videos and stay safe.

    • @normabarrigan6377
      @normabarrigan6377 Місяць тому

      You will never get those boots clean.Hope u didn’t, get hurt when u fell.

  • @Patricia-xd9rd
    @Patricia-xd9rd Місяць тому +15

    Thank you for your energy, dedication & knowledge in showing us the power & the beauty of nature. Wow! I am grateful & blessed to have taken this eventful hike with you. My heart aches & breaks for all the folks impacted by this horrendous weather event. Stay safe. ❤️

  • @kalehuabellotto2767
    @kalehuabellotto2767 Місяць тому +8

    By far, your content is superb your presentation and your editing wonderful fair to everyone

  • @TheRange7
    @TheRange7 Місяць тому +21

    Good morning from west of Chicago Mark. Your content on Helene has been nothing short of excellent from the start. The quality of the footage and the commentary is as good as I've seen. There were a couple of spots in this one that I wanted to timestamp and comment on, but I'm sure everyone else watching it sees the same thing. I hope you and your family are doing okay. The size and scope of this is still hard to process. It's been really heartwarming to see so many people coming to the area to do what they can to help in recovery and cleanup. I'm sending good thoughts and prayers to all who were affected and of course all who are there now helping out. Be safe and once again thank you so much for sharing this.

  • @2B34ever
    @2B34ever Місяць тому +16

    Horrific for the victims getting hammered by the thousands of tons of the worst debris imaginable . My heart aches, there is so much loss. i have nothing but praise for the men and women assisting their fellow man, so man hero's.

  • @EndGz
    @EndGz Місяць тому +19

    Prayers for everybody who has had to deal with a storm this past year 🙏🏾🙏🏾

  • @TheLimberPine
    @TheLimberPine Місяць тому +5

    That splintered tree was so sobering. I feel like it really summarized everything I have seen. Thank you for the practical videos you are posting

  • @BryAnthonyC
    @BryAnthonyC Місяць тому +18

    Sir my heart goes out to you and all those affected. I hope your home was at least spared.

  • @JD-gj2rj
    @JD-gj2rj Місяць тому +3

    Aloha from Hawaii. I retired here from the USN 6 yrs ago. I grew up in Shelby NC. That's were my mom's side of the family was born. All grad. From Shelby HS. My Jr high was my mom's HS back in the 40s &50s. I graduated Shelby in79. I use to rock climb all up near BatCave Chimney Rock and had friends go to Montreat Anderson Col. My grandmother is buried in Cherokee. These are my old stomping grounds growing up. I was the 1st one to repell down Malcolm E. Brown Auditorium LOL. I bought my kids back to NC and went to Chimney Rock about 30 yrs ago. I can't believe the devastation there and how scary it must of been. God bless all of you. I pray for you!

  • @marietjiehildebrandt1324
    @marietjiehildebrandt1324 Місяць тому +14

    Loving your vlogs. Diaries to revisit every year on the anniversary to record recovery of ravines

  • @techlady01
    @techlady01 Місяць тому +8

    Another excellent video of what really happened there. Slabs of earth and trees were peeled off the mountains by the heavy rainfall and became a torrent of water, rocks and wood. Thank you for your effort and knowledge. I especially appreciate your observation that more change likely will come with the next rains. Everyone with property in the mountains should watch this video.

  • @cchico41
    @cchico41 Місяць тому +4

    wow- i can see why so many people loved to live out there. it’s breathtaking. i feel so sad for people who lost everything. praying that they can continue to rebuild 😢❤

  • @jubileejennings1413
    @jubileejennings1413 Місяць тому +14

    I grew up on Flat Creek on Johnny Marlowe Road. We played in that creek our whole entire life and have never seen anything like this. My family's home washed away in front of their eyes. They almost drowned. Thank God they didn't. A lot of others did not make it. Fairview will never be the same. It's so devastating. 💔

    • @Matt999PL
      @Matt999PL 5 днів тому

      On that video, it looks like there was a mudslide. On anotherr channel recently was shown 2 or 3 miles long mudslide in holler went down from head to mouth of holler and destroyed several homes and covered with mud.

    • @gerry-p9x
      @gerry-p9x 3 дні тому

      ​@@Matt999PL diff between holler and a VALLEY?

    • @Matt999PL
      @Matt999PL 2 дні тому +2

      @gerry-p9x
      Holler is specific kind of valley, usually with smaller creek. Runs up the side of hill or between 2 hills.
      Road runs up and could be " dead end". Has "head" at top and "mouth" at the bottom.
      Valley is more like between 2 ranges of mountains with larger river, more flat and acces from both direction usually and many points of access.

    • @gerry-p9x
      @gerry-p9x 2 дні тому

      @Matt999PL thanks

  • @kimberlysavage2078
    @kimberlysavage2078 Місяць тому +16

    Thank you, Mr. Huneycutt. ❤

  • @TnVolFan
    @TnVolFan Місяць тому +4

    WOW!!!! Just EXCELLENT footage....Thank you Mark

  • @theIAMofME
    @theIAMofME Місяць тому +13

    There's this couple I use to watch on youtube years ago. They left youtube when they started having kids for privacy reasons. I totally got that. The gal really had a profound effect on me. I still carry and use my water bottles that have their channel stickers on them. They are peeling a bit but, still intact. I will always wonder if they lived. I think they lived about 45 mins out of Asheville to the west. Where they lived...oh my goodness. Their backyard went straight UP. I don't know them personally obviously. But, it makes me sad to never know if that sweet family parished or not. I sure hope not. But, I have tried every way I know to find out if they are alright and have found nothing and gotten no response through email. If anyone knows if Julia Fowler and Drew (Andrew) Anderson and their kids are okay...PLEASE say something.
    Thank you, Mark. This video is just astounding. You did a great job. Please be safe for that up and coming young man that depends on you. Godspeed. God Bless! Love from West Tennessee.

  • @Northstardanes
    @Northstardanes Місяць тому +8

    AMAZING FOOTAGE thanks for your videos, God bless you 😊

  • @forsythia33
    @forsythia33 Місяць тому +15

    A great video. Fascinating to see the details of the geology and terrain. Looking forward to the interview!

  • @HeleSha
    @HeleSha Місяць тому +3

    Thank You for documenting this. Im an Australian. So these videos really show the scope of what happened. We dont see much in the News. (Even if I had an arialto watch free to air 😅) Your Videoes are Fan-bloody-tastic.

  • @hotchihuahua1546
    @hotchihuahua1546 Місяць тому +10

    No matter how many times we see it in different situations it’s mind boggling what water can do !
    Thank you for sharing and we hope y’all will recover quickly ! ❤️🙏
    One of the few good things I see out of this is it has widened the path for future flooding to limit the damage on such an event !

  • @chuckrann6282
    @chuckrann6282 Місяць тому +11

    Excellent video Mark. The amount of water, mud and debris going downhill was enormous. Any amount of rainfall is going to loosen what remains. Very scary for those downhill. Thank you for doing this. God be with you all.

  • @stephaniewallman8115
    @stephaniewallman8115 Місяць тому +9

    I hope the kitty gets help. Thank you for the videos. It's a very complicated situation. 😞

    • @stacyzimmerman6212
      @stacyzimmerman6212 Місяць тому +3

      I asked for location so I could ask or try and send help

    • @ugandahater
      @ugandahater Місяць тому

      Absolutely heart breaking

  • @billiep4338
    @billiep4338 Місяць тому +5

    Sylva, NC here👋🏻 Thank you for doing this.

  • @TheGeoModels
    @TheGeoModels Місяць тому +13

    Wondered if you might fly this. Something else to see it. Thanks for doing this-it’s valuable to have it documented. I’ll try to get up there soon enough.

    • @rt3box6tx74
      @rt3box6tx74 Місяць тому +2

      As an old flatland farmer from the TX Panhandle ONE thing I know about erosion. It never gets reversed and usually proceeds to get worse.
      You can move dirt around, create swales and plant buffer zones thinking you've made a difference but the next gulley-washer rain proves you wrong.
      I've been amazed by the nearby Palo Duro Canyon, 45 minutes to my NE since I was 5 y.o.
      Would have made it my life's work, but back in the 1960s geology was all about oil. Thanks for your videos.

    • @mbslick6416
      @mbslick6416 Місяць тому

      Amen, with that amount of erosion, how can the tops of those mountains NOT continue to come down in heavy gully washer rains 😢

    • @JHillNC
      @JHillNC Місяць тому +1

      I love the crossover in content between both of your channels and the fact you are both locals. You both are vital in educating and documenting and I hope to see more collaboration between you, whether it be deliberate or loosely affiliated.

  • @meltcmelinda4012
    @meltcmelinda4012 22 дні тому +1

    Mark, you have done some amazing work and the way you show or present the area is mind blowing of how rain plus more rain and Helene pounding mountains can destroy an area. I feel so bad for the people who lost their lives during these rains and then Helene coming through. Mark, Thank you for bring us along, take care and may God always bless your steps upon the earth and your heart into the blue skylines along the ridges of the mountains. Always

  • @pathfinderdiscovery9395
    @pathfinderdiscovery9395 Місяць тому +11

    Wow man those mud slides just created so much damage an road like clearings , bless y’all man , an I hope all get to rebuild there homes an get there serenity an calm back in near future , it’s so heart breaking , an Man U did a great job in this video , you know the land you on an how it happened , thanks an be safe out there brother

  • @Chardonnay007
    @Chardonnay007 Місяць тому +6

    Your videos have been a window into the devastation and an explanation of causes affecting many of my fellow North Carolinians. I am in Hendersonville and was spared. It is heart-rending to contemplate the job ahead for so many. Thank you so much, Mark.

  • @pudellvr
    @pudellvr Місяць тому +12

    Thank you for your excellent reporting! Keep it up! WNC, NGA, ETN needs you!

  • @clubfishersd
    @clubfishersd 28 днів тому +2

    I am in all of the courage to do this kind of hike and mapping (and I hope to you're insured for your own little boy )... But I perceived this as valuable. Godspeed and thank you for caring.

  • @elf5012
    @elf5012 Місяць тому +9

    Thank you for taking us along on this journey. It is overwhelming to see how high the mud and debris field got.

  • @allisonwienholt4547
    @allisonwienholt4547 Місяць тому +5

    Thank you for making these informative videos. We’re in VA, feeling helpless, and we’ve been able to feel better about how and where to support your community from afar. Thank you for blessing your neighbors by sharing all this information!

  • @user-yn7on7ou8n
    @user-yn7on7ou8n Місяць тому +7

    Incredible video. Such natural beauty. Thank you so much. 🙏

  • @kimbarnett3017
    @kimbarnett3017 28 днів тому +2

    Nice footage. Lived in Greenville SC for several yrs. Very beautiful place.

  • @paralifeppg
    @paralifeppg Місяць тому +9

    Great video Mark, appreciate you taking us for the adventure.

  • @lchpmn
    @lchpmn Місяць тому +8

    Thank you for continuing to show us what a truly devastating event this was. Your videos and drone footage are incredible.

  • @piquat1
    @piquat1 Місяць тому +30

    The Geomodels video pointed out one important thing to know. These things can come in waves. Those gullies don't all empty out at once. So if you're caught at the bottom of this but on high ground, stay there for a bit. Might be another wave coming.

    • @Naturedrawn
      @Naturedrawn Місяць тому +4

      Yes I am following that channel. Mark should get together with him to document.

  • @Mr38thstreet
    @Mr38thstreet Місяць тому +9

    Great work Mark. Looking forward to more of these. Stay safe!

  • @paulamarie43
    @paulamarie43 Місяць тому +3

    It was really a “flash flood / flash mud”.
    Your work and videos are very insightful . Thank you … from Canada 🇨🇦

  • @brookscarney
    @brookscarney 28 днів тому +2

    Thank y,ou for the detailed coverage of the devastation..

  • @mothermedicinemusic
    @mothermedicinemusic Місяць тому +29

    Great footage Mark. The drone becomes a valuable tool. The mudslides and the visible bedrock where everything came unhinged is so massive. The mud lines in the trees, incredible. Thank you for such Good documentation.

  • @nanmeyers8859
    @nanmeyers8859 Місяць тому +5

    Mark, this was an amazing video that helped me understand the origin and enormity of the rushing water and mud that created such devastation. Thank you for documenting this. Stay safe out there!

  • @debbieb1482
    @debbieb1482 Місяць тому +6

    I saw the geologist explaining this in the Garren Creek area. This is really interesting to see from the ground. Praying for all of you who live there. What a pretty place to be. I'm sure no one could ever have imagined this could happen to this innocent little creek. Thanks for the video!

  • @Deb-y2z
    @Deb-y2z Місяць тому +5

    Thank you Mark for everything you have done to help us understand what happened in this devastating storm. I admire your level headed dedication to our beloved community and these beautiful mountains we call home. May you continue to be protected in your quest. ❤

  • @mmysticmomma3285
    @mmysticmomma3285 Місяць тому +9

    I truly appreciate you capturing just how historic of an impact this has been. Thank you!

  • @dlgloege
    @dlgloege Місяць тому +1

    Great video. I was in the Charlotte area during hurricane Hugo. I worked at the Family Dollar Distribution Center in Mathews NC the night of the storm. I now live on Harkers Island NC. I have seen the force of nature and hope to never experience it again first hand. You have done a wonderful job of documenting the force of this storm. I am a native of NC. We live in the most beautiful state in the country! We have everything to enjoy, from the mountains to the sea! Your videos give me a new appreciation of the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Thank You and God Bless NC!

  • @robinwilson4598
    @robinwilson4598 Місяць тому +7

    Mark your video and observations are an important contribution to understanding conditions on the range going forward. Thanks for your efforts and excellent edits!

  • @jasong712
    @jasong712 Місяць тому +4

    This is your best video of the devastation. Very informative boots on the ground reporting. Well done!

  • @billmoore9148
    @billmoore9148 Місяць тому +5

    Mark thank you for doing this. You truly show what the people in your area have gone through. You are a true gentlemen with a big heart. God bless you!

  • @Chiamex
    @Chiamex Місяць тому +2

    Thanks for filming this area. It fleshes out what TheGeoModels geologist explained as to what happened in Garren Creek.

  • @Akira_781
    @Akira_781 Місяць тому +4

    Incredible footage, thank you for bringing us there. 💚☮️🍻👍

  • @beentheredonethat3624
    @beentheredonethat3624 Місяць тому +1

    Hey, Mark, nice job! Thanks for going cross-country to bring this video. I'm in my early 60s but spent much of my 20 exploring all over western NC as my BF at the time went to Appalachian State. We used to tromp up and down creeks. I can't believe the destruction in your area, it just absolutely blows my mind. I can't believe those mountains that I once thought so rock solid, slid away like that. However, given the incredible amount of rain---and the wind which does stress the earth and trees, I guess it's not surprising. But it is very shocking. My heart just goes out to each and every person and animal living there. I can't imagine, even weeks later, the heartbreak. Keep up the good work. God bless you from AZ.

  • @RyanGazling
    @RyanGazling Місяць тому +7

    For sure, this will take time to recover and fix.
    Thank you 🙏 This is important work.

  • @wedonotconsenth6691
    @wedonotconsenth6691 29 днів тому +2

    Thank you for creating such an educational video and sharing your wisdom knowledge and love. We love your style and look forward to the next video! Be safe and well. Prayers for everyone there.

  • @LarryKaiser-x3c
    @LarryKaiser-x3c Місяць тому +3

    Incredible footage!!,the height of the water against the trees is phenominal,beautiful part of the country.

  • @sw8741
    @sw8741 Місяць тому +4

    You did a excellent job on this video! To me it looks like since the bedrock is so close to the surface that the soil became extremely saturated to the point the soil lost cohesion with the bed rock. Once that occurred all it took was for the soil in the upper reaches to break free and it all snowballed down like a lahar at a volcano. Sad so many lost their lives from this one event, who could have seen this coming much less have time to flee? Once it got going that was it.

  • @pete0214
    @pete0214 Місяць тому +8

    I find your video coverage & comments are very well done and informative. I like the fact you are being factual and pointing things out. WELL DONE

  • @Mntguy-nr9vl
    @Mntguy-nr9vl Місяць тому +2

    You've given us some of the best coverage of the floods post event of anyone professional or not.
    Thank you for taking the time and for keeping people aware.
    If it was up to the media they would be on to the next thing these people still need help there is still so much work to be done.

  • @Largoroomstudios
    @Largoroomstudios Місяць тому +9

    Hi. My mother lived about 2 miles south of the light center and worked at Featherheads in the '90s. Her name was Earthstar. Thanks for the updates in your area.

    • @MarkHuneycutt
      @MarkHuneycutt  Місяць тому +6

      Hey. I interviewed the owner of Featherheads! Unfortunately my audio wasn't great. Thanks

    • @Largoroomstudios
      @Largoroomstudios Місяць тому +4

      @@MarkHuneycutt Next time you see her, give her my best. Strange thing is that I started watching you back when you were flying with your bike. Didn't know you lived right there. Small world.