Grand Canyon flash flood update: Phantom Ranch evacuated, 15 people unaccounted for after Bright Angel Creek flooding

A flash flood at the Grand Canyon forced the evacuation of numerous individuals and displaced sizable rocks, metal fixtures, and other objects into the Colorado River, according to the National Park Service. The flooding in Bright Angel Creek, a tributary leading into the river, transpired on Saturday afternoon and has prompted the park service to investigate the whereabouts of 15 people who might be missing or unaccounted for.

Powerful currents of water demolished footbridges over the creek and substantially modified the terrain, widening the creek bed and generating what seemed like a new river rapid. As the park service endeavors to locate everyone in the region, it is urging anyone with information about people hiking or camping there to contact them.

They have stated that they will continue evacuations on Sunday in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Jack Schmidt, director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, remarked, "This serves as a testament to the dynamic and dynamic nature of the Grand Canyon landscape." Iconic tourist destinations such as the Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch, and segments of the North Kaibab trail remained closed on Sunday while park officials evaluated the damage.

Rafting excursions on the Colorado River have also been halted for the time being. Over 60 people were evacuated from Phantom Ranch, a historic canteen and dormitory commonly utilized by rafters for disembarking and docking on the river. Further evacuations were anticipated on Sunday, the park announced. No casualties have been reported thus far.

Erica Viola, who was at Bright Angel Campground when the rain commenced on Saturday afternoon, recounted that she and approximately 50 other hikers observed the creek's rise and the subsequent influx of debris, including what appeared to be a bunkhouse. Their group was airlifted to safety, ending their expedition two days ahead of schedule.

Approximately half an inch to one inch (1 centimeter to 2.5 centimeters) of rainfall fell within roughly 30 minutes in the rocky terrain characterized by a steep elevation drop, reported National Weather Service meteorologist Justin Johndrow in Flagstaff. He stated that the majority of the rainfall promptly ran off. Johndrow noted that the flooding occurred on the north side of the Grand Canyon, where Bright Angel Creek flows from the North Rim to the Colorado River, descending approximately 6,000 feet (1,828 meters). Additional rain and thunderstorms are conceivable for the area into Monday.