A catastrophic flash flood in Grand Canyon National Park has left over 20 people missing or unaccounted for, as the area grapples with the aftermath of the sudden and intense storm. The disaster struck on Saturday when a series of strong thunderstorms unleashed over an inch of rain in less than an hour, causing a surge of mud and debris to flood through Bright Angel Canyon.
The floodwaters rose alarmingly in just 10 minutes, reaching over 5 feet, and destroyed bridges across Bright Angel Creek. One of the park's most challenging trails was forced to close as a result. The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a flash flood watch, warning of continued dangerous downpours in Arizona and Utah.
By Sunday morning, the NPS reported that 62 campers and hikers had been airlifted out of the affected area. However, the situation remains dire as the search and rescue efforts continue. The NPS has requested public assistance in accounting for individuals who may have been in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29, including those staying at Bright Angel Campground or traveling the North Kaibab Trail.
The closure of Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel campground, the Phantom Ranch canteen, and cabins, along with the North Kaibab Trail, has been extended. The Colorado River has also been shut down to traffic due to debris in the waterway. Park officials warn that additional closures may be necessary as the threat of further thunderstorms and heavy rainfall persists.
Cell phone service in much of Northern Arizona is unreliable, making communication with the affected area challenging. The NPS has advised that satellite phones are being tested with some success outside the narrowest portions of the canyon.
The flood follows the Dragon Bravo Fire, which swept through the Grand Canyon's North Rim last year, destroying a historic lodge and altering the landscape. The intense rain on recently burned areas can trigger debris flows, a mix of mud, trees, and rocks, especially in steep, confined drainages like Dragon Creek and upper Bright Angel Creek.
The National Weather Service has warned of a slight risk of excessive rainfall capable of triggering flash flooding across the Four Corners region, with a moderate risk in south-central Utah. Short-duration rain bursts, such as the thunderstorm downpours that caused the Grand Canyon flood, are more likely to trigger debris flows than long-duration moderate rainfall.
A weather station along Bright Angel Creek recorded 1.17 inches of rain between 2 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, far exceeding the National Weather Service's flash flood guidance for the Grand Canyon. This prompted the agency to issue a flash flood warning, which has since been upgraded to a watch.
As the search for the missing continues, the Grand Canyon community and beyond are united in concern and solidarity. The NPS has asked anyone with information regarding hikers or backpackers in the affected area to contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009. The situation remains critical, and the community awaits updates on the missing individuals.
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