After a significant flash flood hit the Grand Canyon over the weekend, the bodies of a Texas chiropractor and another individual were discovered. More rain was anticipated, raising concerns about additional flooding in the canyon. Approximately 80 people were rescued during the flood, with one person still unaccounted for.
Officials, led by Incident Cmdr. Dave Black, utilized night vision technology and other tools to locate individuals needing evacuation from the park. The park’s permit system and vehicle license plates were used to track missing persons. Grand Canyon deputy superintendent Brian Drapeaux mentioned the possibility of day hikers not accounted for due to lacking permits.
Weather forecasts indicated the likelihood of more flooding as rain and thunderstorms persisted in the region. The flood severely damaged the canyon’s sole water pipeline, leading to water restrictions for residents and temporary closure of lodges and hotels within the park. Video footage showed muddy floodwaters carrying debris and remnants of structures through the canyon.
The National Weather Service reported that four rounds of heavy rainfall caused rapid flash flooding in two creek drainages over the weekend. The region typically receives less than 25 centimeters of rain annually.
The National Park Service recovered the body of a 46-year-old man near Crystal Rapids, while a second body was also found. Water wiped out footbridges, altered the landscape, and created new river rapids. Popular tourist spots like Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch remained closed for assessment of the damage. Rafting trips on the Colorado River were suspended.
Hikers, including Parth Desai and Erica Viola, shared their harrowing experiences during the flood, emphasizing the suddenness and intensity of the disaster. The rapid rise in water levels and debris flow prompted helicopter rescues and evacuations from the affected areas.
Meteorologist Justin Johndrow explained that the flooding occurred on the north side of the Grand Canyon, originating from Bright Angel Creek, which descends sharply from the North Rim to the Colorado River. The quick runoff of rainwater exacerbated the flooding, underscoring the dynamic nature of the Grand Canyon’s terrain.
