At least two deaths have been reported after a significant flash flood hit parts of the Grand Canyon National Park, park officials said Monday. An earlier statement said about 15 people were unaccounted for and may be missing, with search and recovery efforts still underway.
The flood struck the national park on Saturday at 2:30 p.m., prompting the evacuation of at least 62 people from the area by air. Preliminary assessments show about 40 percent of the Transcanyon Waterline was damaged or destroyed, a statement said.
Officials said a rescue operation Sunday near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River recovered the body of a 46-year-old man. Another recovery operation Monday uncovered a second body. No further details have been released.
The National Park Service is asking the public for any information about hikers or backpackers who were in the affected parts of the canyon or anyone who had a campground reservation there.
In various Facebook groups for Grand Canyon hikers and adventurers, people described waiting to hear from friends and relatives who were unaccounted for.
A group of three friends was in the vicinity of Phantom Ranch or Ribbon Falls when the flood hit, according to comments shared in private groups. As of Monday morning, there was still no update on the group’s whereabouts.
Other hikers posted stories of narrowly missing the raging river, getting up to Havasupai Gardens Campground, which is along the Bright Angel Trail, just before the rush of muddy water swept through.
One person shared a video of a helicopter rescuing his hiking group, airlifting them from the bottom of the canyon. He was staying at Phantom Ranch cabins, the only lodging in the belly of the Grand Canyon, which can only be reached by foot, watercraft or mule. “My understanding is everyone was accounted for and safe at Phantom Ranch,” the post said.
Arizona is no stranger to flash floods during its monsoon season. Officials also noted that ongoing weather may affect the timing and pace of further search and recovery operations.
Last summer, lightning ignited a mega blaze known as the Dragon Bravo on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and destroyed about 70 structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. The burn scar from that fire in the Bright Angel area and other canyon drainages may have affected the steep and rocky terrain, enabling more extreme flooding.
Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch remain closed until further notice. Visitors are urged to stay out of these areas.
From Arizona to Utah and western Colorado, flood watches remained in effect as the threat of heavy rain continued Monday.
“Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Raging killer currents will be possible in side canyons and narrow slot canyons. Low-water crossings may be flooded,” wrote the National Weather Service in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Ben Noll and Mariana Alfaro contributed to this report.
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