Bright Angel Creek near the Phantom Ranger Station in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, experienced a flash flood due to recent storms. The National Park Service is seeking the public’s assistance to locate up to 20 individuals who are potentially missing following this event.
If you were in the Bright Angel Creek area on August 29 or had campground reservations, please contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch. Those traveling along the North Kaibab Trail, staying at Bright Angel Campground, or in the area known as “the Box” north of Phantom Ranch might be affected.
The flash flood occurred around 2:30 p.m. Saturday, causing extensive damage to infrastructure in Bright Angel Canyon. It destroyed nearly all footbridges, cutting off hiker access to the creek. On Sunday morning, 62 people were evacuated, with more evacuations underway from Cottonwood Campground, Phantom Ranch, and other sites. Evacuees have been taken to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross is offering assistance.
As a result, 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 are closed until further notice. The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge crossing the Colorado River are also closed with no reopening date announced.
“Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas,” the National Weather Service advised. “Raging killer currents will be possible in side canyons and narrow slot canyons. Low-water crossings may be flooded.”
Flash flood watch remains in effect through Monday evening with more rain expected. Anyone with information about those missing is urged to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at (888) 653-0009 or email [email protected].
This situation is unfolding, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.