Flash Flood Forces 62 People from Phantom Ranch and North Kaibab Trail; Major Closures and Damage Reported

# What happened A flash flood swept through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area of Grand Canyon National Park beginning around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29. The flood prompted the evacuation of people at Phantom Ranch and along the lower North Kaibab Trail and caused substantial damage to trails, bridges and river conditions.

# Who was affected and where

# Closures and operational impacts

• Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins are closed until further notice.

• River are closed.
• River is closed to river traffic because metal structures, large boulders and other debris entered the water.

# Damage reported Park staff reported significant damage throughout Bright Angel Canyon. Nearly all footbridges crossing Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, leaving hikers without safe crossings. Metal structures and debris swept into the Colorado River, creating hazardous river conditions. Park crews are continuing damage assessments for trails, bridges, utilities and facilities.

# Evacuation and shelter Evacuees were transported to the South Rim and taken to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria. The American Red Cross is on site providing assistance. As of Sunday morning, officials said no injuries had been reported.

# River users and in-canyon parties River trips already in the canyon were given instructions by river operations rangers and notified through the Grand Canyon River Alert system. With the Colorado River closed to traffic, use and travel in the river corridor were suspended until further notice.

# Weather risk going forward National Park Service alerts warned of additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall possible on Sunday and Monday. Officials said this could produce more flash flooding, debris flows and rockfall, and could cause rapidly changing trail and river conditions.

# What the park is doing next Park staff are assessing damage across the affected areas and coordinating additional evacuations where needed. Officials have not provided an estimated date for reopening the closed trails, campgrounds or river corridor. Additional closures may be announced as assessments continue.

# Practical guidance for visitors Check the National Park Service's latest trail and closure information before attempting to enter the canyon. Hikers and river users should monitor official park alerts and avoid affected trail sections, river access points and camps until the park announces reopenings.