Grand Canyon flash flood leaves 1 dead and about 15 missing; park water line knocked out

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. - A flash flood tore through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Saturday afternoon, killing one person and leaving about 15 others missing or unaccounted for, the National Park Service said.

The body of a 46-year-old man was recovered Sunday near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River. The Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office was on scene. Park officials earlier used a working estimate of about 20 missing and later revised the figure downward as more people were accounted for.

Sixty-two people were evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail by Sunday morning, with more flights planned from Cottonwood Campground and nearby sites. Evacuees were taken to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross assisted.

Floodwaters destroyed nearly all footbridges over Bright Angel Creek, washed debris and metal into the Colorado River, and knocked out the Transcanyon Waterline, the sole pipeline that supplies water for tourists and year-round residents. Stage 4 water restrictions began Monday. Overnight stays at lodges and hotels inside the park were suspended, though day use remained open with limits.

Closed until further notice: Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, the North Kaibab Trail from the trailhead to Phantom Ranch, and the Black Bridge and Silver Bridge over the Colorado River.

The National Park Service asked anyone with information on hikers or campers in the Bright Angel Creek corridor on Aug. 29 to call the Investigative Services Branch tip line at 888-653-0009 or email nps_isb@nps.gov. Officials want names, last known location, clothing or pack details, and travel plans.

More heavy rain was possible through Monday, raising the risk of fresh flooding, debris flows and rockfall. Jack Schmidt of Utah State University's Center for Colorado River Studies told reporters the pipeline damage is a major setback for a system that serves about 6 million visitors a year.