The Newshound

Grand Canyon flash floods wipe out trails and bridges as 62 people are evacuated from Phantom Ranch

Trails were wiped out entirely by the flash floods, leaving sections of the Grand Canyon inaccessible despite no injuries being reported.
Trails were wiped out entirely by the flash floods, leaving sections of the Grand Canyon inaccessible despite no injuries being reported.
Helicopter evacuations airlifted 62 people from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail after floodwater swept away nearly every footbridge over Bright Angel Creek.
Helicopter evacuations airlifted 62 people from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail after floodwater swept away nearly every footbridge over Bright Angel Creek.
Metal structures swept into the Colorado River during the floods prompted authorities to close it entirely to boat traffic.
Metal structures swept into the Colorado River during the floods prompted authorities to close it entirely to boat traffic.
Evacuees from Phantom Ranch are being transferred to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross is providing assistance.
Evacuees from Phantom Ranch are being transferred to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross is providing assistance.

Flash floods tore through Bright Angel Canyon at 2:30pm on Saturday, taking out almost every footbridge over Bright Angel Creek and prompting an immediate helicopter evacuation of hikers and guests. By Sunday morning, 62 people had been airlifted out from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail, with further evacuations continuing from Cottonwood Campground. No injuries have been reported, and evacuees are being transferred to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross is providing assistance. Phantom Ranch, the Bright Angel Campground, both Colorado River bridges and the entire North Kaibab Trail remain closed with no reopening date set.

Video footage capturing the disaster shows a churning wall of muddy brown floodwater ripping through trail corridors, carrying logs and debris in its path.

The flooding originated below the Dragon Bravo Fire scar, where up to three-quarters of an inch of rain fell within just 30 minutes.

The Colorado River has also been closed to boat traffic after metal structures were swept into the water during the flood.

Morenps.govSignificant Flash Flooding Closes Phantom Ranch and North Kaibab Trail - Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service)The IndependentDozens of people evacuated from parts of the Grand Canyon after flash floodsNY PostDozens evacuated as flash floods hit Grand Canyon, wall of water wipes out trailsCBS NewsDozens of people evacuated from parts of the Grand Canyon after flash floods - CBS Newsazcentral.com and The Arizona Republic50 people evacuated from Grand Canyon after flash flood, weather service says - azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic
Read today's full feed at The Newshound →