One person has died and 15 others are unaccounted for following a powerful flash flood event at the Grand Canyon on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. in the Bright Angel Creek corridor and the Phantom Ranch area.
Arizona is currently experiencing its monsoon season, which brings intense rainstorms to the region. Storms began pouring over the Grand Canyon early Saturday and returned again in the evening, contributing to the flash flood.
The National Park Service (NPS) is asking for information from anyone who knows of hikers or backpackers in the inner canyon along Bright Angel Creek or who had campground reservations in the affected corridor.
Damage and Closures
Nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were swept away by the floodwaters, impeding hiker crossings. NPS is continuing to assess the full extent of the damage. Several areas within the park have been closed until further notice, including Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail from its trailhead to Phantom Ranch.
The Transcanyon Waterline, a 12.5-mile pipeline that supplies drinking water and supports fire suppression efforts, sustained damage. The park is now operating with a limited water supply and has implemented conservation measures.
Park officials and weather authorities are cautioning that additional flash floods may occur as monsoon storms persist in the area.