Why the Grand Canyon flash flood was so devastating
Experts explain why the monsoon storm turned so deadly
On Saturday, a flash flood swept through the Grand Canyon, claiming at least two lives and leaving one person missing. This devastating event occurred in a particularly dangerous location, exacerbating the damage caused by the flood. The flood's severity can be attributed to the recent wildfires, which left burn scars that allowed the water to carry more sediment and debris, making the flow denser and more destructive.
The flash flood occurred in Bright Angel Canyon, a narrow area with limited vegetation that is prone to flash floods due to the lack of soil to absorb rainfall. This particular spot, located above the Bright Angel Canyon on the North Rim, also houses a crucial footpath and the Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies water from the North Rim to South Rim tourist destinations.
As a result, the flood caused significant damage to the waterline, leading to the closure of hotels and lodges on the South Rim due to extreme water restrictions.
At least 40% of the waterline was damaged or destroyed, forcing park officials to airlift 62 people out of the affected area on August 29. Most of the footbridges that once crossed Bright Angel Creek were washed away, further hindering rescue efforts. The National Park Service reported that Phantom Ranch, the only lodging below the rim of Grand Canyon, also sits at the base of Bright Angel Canyon, making it vulnerable to the floodwaters.
The Colorado River, responsible for carving the Grand Canyon, creates rapids during floods, which contribute to the canyon's continuous reshaping. The Transcanyon Waterline has faced similar destruction before, with a 1,000-year flood in 1966 washing away much of the infrastructure. While it is unclear how long it will take to repair the water supply to the South Rim, the park is currently constructing a new water supply system that will pull water from Bright Angel Creek near the canyon bottom, rather than the current system that draws water from Roaring Springs high on the North Rim.
Written by urgent.news from Scientific American's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
