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How intense rains in the Grand Canyon turned into a deadly disaster

Flash flooding in Arizona tourist destination was likely triggered by compounding climate factors, such as drought and warming in Pacific Ocean

A deadly flash flood in the Grand Canyon over the weekend was likely driven by a confluence of climate factors, including drought, wildfire scarring and warming temperatures in the Pacific Ocean that can supercharge storms.

At least two people have died, nearly 80 people were rescued and one remained unaccounted for after a surge of water and debris swept through the immensely popular tourist destination on Saturday, fueled by torrents of rain that hit the national park’s Bright Angel Creek area.

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© Photograph: Jonathan Bailey via NPS

© Photograph: Jonathan Bailey via NPS

© Photograph: Jonathan Bailey via NPS

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Remote Grand Canyon lodge hit by deadly flash flood boasts fabled history

Phantom Ranch, set up by Teddy Roosevelt, has welcomed exhausted hikers to its famed cabins for over a century

Phantom Ranch has been a solitary refuge visited by some of the most famous names of history. More typically, it’s been a beacon for the half-collapsed, exhausted and overheated hikers trudging down the Grand Canyon for more than a century.

The sole lodge at the very bottom of the Grand Canyon, the cabins long had a near mythical reputation. Located along the Bright Angel Creek, which tumbles into the mighty Colorado River at the base of the canyon, they served as a reminder of the long history of one of America’s most spectacular but savage environments.

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© Photograph: NPS/Alamy

© Photograph: NPS/Alamy

© Photograph: NPS/Alamy

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Two people dead and nearly 80 rescued after Grand Canyon flash flood

Officials say one person still unaccounted for as forecast heavy rain and thunderstorms threaten further flooding

A second death was confirmed by National Park Service officials on Monday after a flash flood sent a surge of water and debris through an area of the Grand Canyon over the weekend.

Dozens of visitors had to be evacuated by helicopter during the deluge, which consumed trails and infrastructure. Nearly 80 people were rescued and one person is still unaccounted for, as more heavy rain and thunderstorms in the forecasts threaten additional debris flows, flash floods or rock falls, the NPS said in a statement.

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© Photograph: J Thompson,handout/NATIONAL PARK SERVICE/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: J Thompson,handout/NATIONAL PARK SERVICE/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: J Thompson,handout/NATIONAL PARK SERVICE/AFP/Getty Images

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What Is Phantom Ranch? Inside the Grand Canyon Lodge Hit by Flash Flooding

Phantom Ranch, the only lodge within the Grand Canyon, has drawn adventurers and dignitaries, including Theodore Roosevelt, for more than a century.

© Craig Sanderson, via Associated Press

The Colorado River winds through Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona, a day after heavy flooding struck the park.
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