Bright Angel Creek near the Phantom Ranger Station in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, experienced flash flooding on Saturday following storms. Authorities are currently seeking public assistance to locate up to 20 missing individuals who may have been affected by the flood.
The National Park Service has requested anyone who knows hikers or backpackers present in the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29 to reach out to them. This call extends to those with campground reservations in the area. Those who may have been traveling on the North Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch, staying at Bright Angel Campground, or in the area known as “the Box” north of Phantom Ranch are urged to contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch.
The flash flood, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. Saturday, caused substantial damage to infrastructure throughout Bright Angel Canyon. Nearly all footbridges in the area were destroyed, cutting off hiker access to the creek. A total of 62 individuals were evacuated Sunday morning, with more evacuations ongoing from Cottonwood Campground, Phantom Ranch, and other nearby locations. Evacuees have been relocated to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross is providing assistance.
The Park Service has closed Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen, cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch until further notice. The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge crossing the Colorado River are also closed, with no estimated reopening date.
The National Weather Service warns that a flash flood watch remains effective through Monday evening for the Grand Canyon area, with expected showers and thunderstorms. They caution that flash floods could occur in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and recently burned areas. Raging currents may appear in side canyons and narrow slot canyons.
Individuals with information that could assist the investigation are urged to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at (888) 653-0009 or email [email protected].
This situation is ongoing, and updates will follow.
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