Flash flood sweeps through Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Canyon
Flash flood strikes Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Canyon; 20+ people unaccounted for.
Event / Disaster
Grand Canyon Flash Flood August 2026
Flash flooding struck Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch in Grand Canyon National Park on August 29, 2026, destroying footbridges, forcing 62 helicopter evacuations, and leaving over 20 people unaccounted for. Heavy rainfall up to 1 inch per hour and forecast storms through August 31 posed ongoing risks of further flooding and rockfall.
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2026-08-31 to 2026-11-07 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 31 Aug, 00:46 UTC
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What happened
Hiker describes rapid creek flooding during Grand Canyon incident
David Gregory, who was hiking with a small group in the Grand Canyon when the flood occurred, reported that the creek near their camp became black with debris and flowed rapidly. He and his group were evacuated by helicopter and taken to a local high school before being provided hotel accommodations.
Flash flood strikes Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area
A significant flash flood event occurred in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area of Grand Canyon National Park on August 29 at approximately 2:30 p.m. The flooding destroyed nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek and prompted multiple helicopter evacuation missions.
More than 20 people unaccounted for after Grand Canyon flood
More than 20 people were missing or unaccounted for following the flash flood at Grand Canyon National Park. As of August 30, 62 people had been evacuated from the affected area. Missing individuals may have been staying at Bright Angel Campground or Cottonwood Campground, traveling the North Kaibab Trail, or traveling through an area known as 'the Box' north of Phantom Ranch.
Heavy rainfall recorded in Grand Canyon during flood event
A series of storms impacted Grand Canyon National Park on August 29, with approximately 1 inch of rain recorded over 24 hours. On August 30, showers on the north side of the canyon produced rainfall rates up to 1 inch per hour. Additional storms were forecast for August 30 into early August 31, posing risk of further flash flooding, debris flows, and rockfall.
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