The Grand Canyon Was Rocked by a Flash Flood. One Person Is Dead and More than 20 Hikers Are Still Missing.
This is a developing story. We will continue to update this article as more information becomes available.
At least one person has died after a flash flood tore through Grand Canyon National Park, causing significant damage to hiking areas. Authorities are still searching for more than 20 missing people
On August 29, floodwaters pummeled Bright Angel Canyon, a ravine that feeds into the Grand Canyon, and Phantom Ranch, the lodge at the canyon’s base, destroying historic bridges, trails, and structures.
“As of this evening, recovery operations have been completed for a 46-year-old male near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River,” the National Park Service (NPS) wrote in a statement on August 30.
NPS Is Asking for Help Finding Others Who Are Still Missing
At least 62 people have been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail, a 14-mile hiking route from the canyon’s North Rim. More evacuations are scheduled for August 30 from Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch, authorities said.
“If you know of hikers or backpackers who were in the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29, or if you had a campground reservation in the affected area, please contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch (ISB),” NPS wrote in a statement. People with information about hikers in the following areas should email ISB at nps_isb@nps.gov or call the ISB tip line at 1-888-653-0009:
- Traveling the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch
- Staying at Bright Angel Campground or Cottonwood Campground
- Traveling through “the Box” north of Phantom Ranch
“Please provide any information you have, including a person’s name, approximate location, travel plans, group size, clothing or backpack description, or when they were last known to be in the area. You do not have to provide your name,” NPS wrote.
Massive Closures Across Grand Canyon National Park
In an update sent to Outside, the NPS said all overnight lodgings in the park are closed to guests beginning Monday, August 31. This includes hotel facilities operated by Xanterra, such as El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, and Phantom Ranch, as well as Delaware North’s Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village.
Officials initially closed the Colorado River to boaters, citing concerns over metal structures and debris entering the river. Isabell Holt, a spokesperson for Arizona Raft Adventures (AzRa), told Outside that NPS has since reopened the river, and trips are now permitted to launch.
“Grand Canyon National Park staff, in coordination with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, are continuing evacuation and response efforts and working to account for individuals who may have been in the affected area,” the National Park Service said in a statement sent to Outside.
“Evacuees are being transported to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross is coordinating assistance, NPS wrote. “No injuries have been reported as of the latest available information.”
Nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek, a fast-flowing tributary that flows into the Colorado River, have been destroyed. Hikers no longer have access to the area, which includes the historic Phantom Ranch landmark.
As of this writing, the following areas are closed until further notice, with no estimated reopening dates:
- Phantom Ranch
- Bright Angel Campground
- Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins
- Entire North Kaibab Trail, from the North Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch
- Black Bridge and Silver Bridge
The NPS says it may close additional areas as the full extent of the damage becomes known.
“Park staff is continuing to assess damage to trails, bridges, utilities, facilities and other infrastructure,” NPS wrote.
More Rain in the Forecast
Authorities warn that additional rainfall is expected on August 31, which the NPS says could lead to more flash floods, debris flows, rockfall, and changing trail and river conditions.
Hikers and boaters should contact their commercial outfitter or the NPS River Permits Office for more information about any upcoming trips.
The post The Grand Canyon Was Rocked by a Flash Flood. One Person Is Dead and More than 20 Hikers Are Still Missing. appeared first on Outside Online.
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