Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Grand Canyon Flash Flood Kills Two, Leaves More Missing
A powerful flash flood rushed through part of the Grand Canyon on Saturday.
The flood killed at least two people, and more than a dozen others were still missing.
Many visitors were flown out by helicopter.
The water damaged the only pipeline that brings water into the canyon.
Hotels and lodges inside the park were not allowed to host tourists.
People who live there were told to use less water.
More rain could cause new floods because it is monsoon season.
The canyon’s steep walls can make water move very quickly.
A nearby wildfire burn scar may also allow rainwater to run faster.
A flash flood struck the Bright Angel Creek area of Grand Canyon National Park on Saturday.
Officials reported two deaths, while more than a dozen people remained missing Monday.
Helicopters evacuated scores of visitors from lodges, campgrounds and hiking areas near the Colorado River.
The flood severely damaged the canyon’s only water pipeline, prompting lodging closures and emergency water restrictions.
Forecasters warned of additional flooding as heavy monsoon rain continued across the canyon.
- Who
- Visitors, residents, park rangers, rescue crews and people missing after the flood were affected.
- What
- A major flash flood killed at least two people, left more than a dozen missing and damaged the canyon’s only water pipeline.
- When
- The flood occurred Saturday; rescue and recovery efforts and additional rain continued Monday.
- Where
- Near Bright Angel Creek, the Colorado River, Bright Angel Campground and nearby facilities in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.
- Why
- Heavy monsoon storms produced intense rainfall, while the canyon’s steep terrain and a nearby wildfire burn scar helped funnel runoff rapidly.
- Deaths
- At least two people were reported dead; one body was recovered near Crystal Rapids and crews were working to recover a second.
- Missing
- More than a dozen people remained missing Monday.
- Evacuations
- Scores of visitors were evacuated by helicopter.
- Water system
- The flood severely damaged the only water pipeline into the canyon.
- Park restrictions
- Officials barred tourists from staying at lodges and hotels inside the park and imposed emergency water restrictions on year-round residents.
- Visitors
- Grand Canyon National Park hosts about 4.4 million visitors annually.
- Pipeline project
- A $208 million pipeline rehabilitation and water-system upgrade began in 2023 and was expected to be completed the following year.