Overview
- A sudden flash flood struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Saturday, Aug. 29, sweeping away footbridges and prompting helicopter rescues that evacuated about 62 people from the inner canyon.
- Park officials have confirmed two deaths and say roughly 15 people remain missing or unaccounted for as search-and-recovery operations continue with Arizona law-enforcement partners.
- Nearly all footbridges over Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, metal structures and debris entered the Colorado River, and river travel in the affected reach has been suspended for safety.
- Preliminary park assessments indicate about 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline was damaged or destroyed, leaving the park with limited potable water and forcing Stage 4 conservation measures and a halt to overnight lodging.
- Forecasters warn additional thunderstorms and runoff from burned slopes such as the Dragon Bravo fire scar could cause more flash flooding, which will complicate rescue work, repairs and the timeline for reopening ahead of a busy holiday period.