Full story
Flash flood hits Grand Canyon
A significant flash-flood event struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area in Grand Canyon National Park on August 29, beginning at approximately 2:30 p.m., destroying nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek and eliminating hiker access across the creek.
“beginning at approximately 2:30 p.m.”
The National Park Service said the flooding knocked out the park’s water pipeline, leaving the park with limited water reserves and prompting “significant water conservation measures” starting Monday.
As of Sunday afternoon, officials said one person was recovered from the river in the park, while the National Park Service said there were 15 individuals “who may be missing or unaccounted” after Saturday’s flash flood.
Earlier Sunday, the National Park Service said more than 20 were missing and 62 individuals were air evacuated from Grand Canyon’s Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail, with evacuees taken to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim where the American Red Cross was coordinating assistance.
The ABC News report also quoted Erica Viola, who recorded the flooding, saying she and her husband, Scott Svedin, were told by park rangers to run to the nearest bridge as a “15-foot wall of water” came through the campground in Phantom Ranch.
Search, evacuations, and forecasts
The National Park Service asked anyone who knew of hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29, or anyone with a campground reservation in the affected corridor, to provide information to the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB).
Nikki Baggs, 41, told the BBC that “The whole thing was terrifying,” describing how people were screaming and running after the rain hit and rangers yelled to run again to a different ledge.
CBS News reported that park authorities evacuated at least 62 people after the flooding caused significant damage, and it said Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch Canteen, the North Kaibab Trail, the Black and Silver bridges and traffic to the Colorado River in the area were closed “until further notice.”
The National Weather Service meteorologist Justin Johndrow told The Associated Press that “Most of it ran off instantly,” describing how about half an inch to 1 inch of rain fell within about 30 minutes in the rocky area with a steep drop in elevation.
The BBC also said the NPS initially looked for information about more than 20 people missing or unaccounted for, then revised that number down to “approximately 15,” while warning that more thunderstorms and heavy rainfall could lead to additional flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall and changing trail and river conditions.
Infrastructure damage and what’s next
Officials said the flash flood resulted in significant impacts to infrastructure throughout Bright Angel Canyon, including that nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed and that Grand Canyon National Park staff were continuing to assess damage to trails, bridges, utilities, facilities and other infrastructure.
“There is currently no estimated reopening date”
The National Park Service said the Colorado River was closed to river traffic until further notice due to metal structures and debris entering the river, and it said river parties already in the canyon were receiving direction through river operations rangers and the Grand Canyon River Alert system.
ABC News reported that the flash flooding knocked out the park’s water pipeline, prompting “no overnight hotel stays allowed starting Monday,” and only campground bathroom faucets would still run.
The National Park Service (.gov) release said there was currently no estimated reopening date for Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch, while additional inner canyon closures may be necessary.
With additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall possible Sunday and Monday, the Grand Canyon NPS statement warned it could “result in additional flash flooding, debris flow, and rockfall,” keeping the search for those “who may be missing or unaccounted” a central focus.