A flash flood that struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area of Grand Canyon National Park on Aug. 29 has left more than 20 people missing or unaccounted for, prompting an urgent public appeal from the National Park Service. Sixty-two people had been evacuated from the area as of Sunday morning, with additional evacuations planned. The park warned that more thunderstorms and heavy rain are possible Sunday and Monday.
The affected corridor
The flood moved through a remote stretch of the inner canyon along Bright Angel Creek. The National Park Service said it is trying to account for anyone who was traveling the North Kaibab Trail between the North Kaibab Trailhead and Phantom Ranch, staying at Bright Angel Campground, or moving through the section north of Phantom Ranch known as "the Box." The agency did not release details about the people who may be unaccounted for, including whether they were hikers, campers, or park visitors with reservations in the area.
Nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed. Park staff and the Arizona Department of Public Safety are continuing evacuation and response operations as they work to account for everyone who may have been caught in the affected corridor.
Ongoing flood risk
The National Park Service warned Sunday of further thunderstorms and heavy rain through Monday, raising the threat of additional flash flooding, debris flows, and rockfall in the canyon. Those conditions are running concurrent with active search and evacuation operations.
The park is asking anyone with information about hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along Bright Angel Creek on Aug. 29, and anyone with a campground reservation in the affected area, to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or at [email protected].