Grand Canyon floods kill man, 15 missing
A 46-year-old man died and 15 people are missing after flash floods hit the Grand Canyon's inner canyon on Saturday, damaging critical water infrastructure
One person is dead and 15 remain unaccounted for after significant flash flooding struck the Grand Canyon National Park on Saturday afternoon. The flooding, which began around 2:30 p.m., inundated the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas, according to park officials.
A helicopter search for the missing continued on Sunday. The body of a 46-year-old man was recovered Sunday evening near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River, the National Park Service stated. Officials have not released his identity.
Evacuations and Search Efforts
More than 60 people were airlifted from the canyon depths following the flood in Bright Angel Creek. The National Park Service, assisted by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, used two helicopters to search the North Kaibab Trail and a section of the Colorado River. Additional evacuations were scheduled from Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch, with an active alert noting the air evacuation of approximately 50 individuals from the Phantom Ranch area.
The park service initially reported over 20 people missing but later revised the figure. They have asked anyone with information about unaccounted-for hikers or campers to contact them. For the latest on park conditions and closures, see our fixtures page.
Critical Infrastructure Damaged
The flood pushed large boulders into the Colorado River and caused extensive damage to the park's sole water pipeline. Known as the Transcanyon Waterline, this critical infrastructure supplies water from the canyon for use throughout the park. The National Park Service said the line is currently not operational.
This failure leaves the park with limited water reserves, requiring significant conservation measures. As a result, overnight hotel accommodations within the park have been halted starting Monday, and dry camping has been ordered. Year-round residents are being asked to conserve water. The park stated these measures are crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources. The damage is a major blow to the pipeline that serves 6 million annual visitors and roughly 1,600 residents of Grand Canyon Village.
Ongoing Weather Threats and Closures
A flood watch remains in effect through the end of Monday, with more showers and thunderstorms forecast. The National Weather Service warned that flash flooding will be possible in creeks, dry washes, and recently burned areas. The Park Service alert said raging killer currents will be possible in side canyons and narrow slot canyons.
Multiple areas are closed until further notice, including the entire North Kaibab Trail, Phantom Ranch, and the Silver and Black Bridges. The Colorado River is also closed due to debris. The Park Service told The Washington Post there is no estimated reopening date and that other inner canyon closures may be necessary. Check the official standings for updates on trail status.
Eyewitness Accounts and Context
Parth Desai, a physician hiking in Bright Angel Canyon, described the sudden onset. He said his group saw the creek flood, waterfalls coming up out of nowhere, boulders, mud, and landslides happening everywhere. His group later fled from a four-foot wall of debris, taking refuge in a cactus patch before being rescued by helicopter.
The National Weather Service reported the flash floods delivered between one-quarter and three-quarters of an inch of rain in just 30 minutes. The torrents wiped out footbridges, widened the creek bed, and altered the river landscape.
Visiting the Grand Canyon in summer carries a high risk due to the monsoon season. Clear days can quickly give way to thunderstorms. Prior to this flooding, three hikers died from extreme heat in the canyon in June. The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at Grand Canyon High School.
