The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning on the afternoon of the 22nd for the Grand Canyon North Rim and Colorado River Mile 93 through Mile 101. Heavy showers over slopes in the Dragon Bravo burn scar, where vegetation was lost in the previous fire, were producing life-threatening runoff in Bright Angel Creek and several other drainages. Radar indicated 0.5 to 1 inch of rainfall as of 1:57 p.m.
Areas Affected
The warning covered the Dragon Bravo burn scar and the Bright Angel Creek drainage, including Phantom Ranch, the North Rim Visitor Center, Cape Royal Point, and Bright Angel Point. Flash flooding was expected at the same time in several tributaries, including Tuna Creek, Hermit Creek, Agate Canyon, Salt Creek, Travertine Canyon, Slate Creek, Boucher Creek, Crystal Creek, Shinumo Creek, Trinity Creek, Monument Creek, and 94 Mile Creek. On fire-stripped slopes, debris flows carrying rocks, mud, and branches could move down Crystal Creek and Tuna Creek to the Colorado River.
What RV Travelers Need to Know
Those staying at Bright Angel Campground or Phantom Ranch could receive evacuation instructions based on monsoon rainfall forecasts and newly installed stream gauges. If thunderstorms approach the canyon floor, move to higher ground immediately, and never walk or drive through floodwaters. Water depth and current speed can be difficult to judge, and roads or the ground beneath them can suddenly give way. Coconino County recommends flood insurance and an evacuation plan to protect property. Anyone planning to descend into the canyon with a backcountry permit should check the National Park Service alerts page for the latest conditions before departing.
Photo: NPS/M. Quinn, Winter Clouds above Isis Temple, Grand Canyon National Park (https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm)