A flash flood swept through the Bright Angel Canyon area of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona on the afternoon of Aug. 29, killing at least two people and leaving many others missing. The flooding damaged the Black Bridge and Silver Bridge across the Colorado River, as well as most footbridges over Bright Angel Creek, and prompted indefinite closures of Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, and the North Kaibab Trail.
Areas Affected
According to the National Park Service (NPS), the flash flood began at about 2:30 p.m. on the 29th, inundating Phantom Ranch and the lower section of the North Kaibab Trail. More than 62 people were evacuated that day. Additional evacuations continued the following day at Phantom Ranch, Cottonwood Campground, and other locations. Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the North Kaibab Trail, and the Black Bridge and Silver Bridge connecting across the Colorado River were closed with no reopening date announced. The NPS said further closures inside the canyon could follow. Damage to the Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies water to the inner canyon, led to Stage 4 water-use restrictions across the South Rim beginning at noon on Aug. 31. Lodging operations were fully suspended at Xanterra-operated properties including El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, and Maswik Lodge, as well as Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village, a popular destination for RV travelers. Boating on the Colorado River was also temporarily halted because of debris in the river.
What RV Travelers Need to Know
Only dry camping was available on the South Rim for the time being. Campground water spigots were shut off, though restroom faucets remained operational, and water was available at the Mather Campground check-in booth. All wood- and charcoal-burning fires were prohibited on the South Rim and inside the canyon. Daytime visitation continued, while food and beverage outlets, the clinic, and the post office remained open on reduced schedules. The NPS warned that additional heavy rain was forecast in the coming days, leaving a continued risk of further flash flooding. Travelers considering an RV reservation, including at Trailer Village, should check notices at nps.gov/grca before departing.
Photo: Fredlyfish4 / Original photo. CC BY-SA 3.0. Photo date: 2013-12-08 15:52:01. Resized and compressed for display.
