Deadly flash flood near Grand Canyon shows need for readiness

The Arizona National Guard rescued 104 people from severe flooding on Havasupai tribal lands, a popular tourist destination near the Grand Canyon known for its scenic waterfalls.

The floods, which struck on Thursday, stranded tourists and tribal members and tragically claimed the life of Chenoa Nickerson from Gilbert, Arizona, whose body was found downstream on Saturday.

In response to the damage and safety concerns, the Havasupai Tribal Council has declared the trail into Supai unpassable and closed the area to tourists until further notice, prioritizing the health and safety of tribal members and those who work in the area.

Downpour

The flood occurred after the area was deluged by between 1 to 2 inches of rain within a span of 60 to 90 minutes. The intense rainfall triggered the rapid rise of Havasu Creek, causing bridges to be washed out and turning the creek into a dangerous torrent. The flash flood struck with little warning, making it difficult for hikers to escape to higher ground.

Stranded

The flash flood stranded hikers both above and below Beaver Falls, complicating rescue efforts. The remote and rugged nature of the terrain, combined with the washed-out bridges, made it nearly impossible for many to hike out safely. As a result, around 100 people required a helicopter evacuation from the west end of the Grand Canyon.

Warnings

The flash flood has highlighted the dangers of monsoon season in the Southwest, where sudden storms can turn serene hiking areas into treacherous environments. Park officials have issued warnings to visitors to be mindful of weather conditions and to avoid hiking in canyon areas when storms are forecasted.

What about you?

Many RVers enjoy hiking, biking, and off-roading in our country’s parks and wilderness areas. It’s vitally important to not only understand the dangers of flash floods, but to know how to protect yourself from harm.

Assessing flood risk

The first step in preparing for a flash flood is understanding your risk. Is your campground located near a creek, stream, or normally dry wash that could flood? If you’re unsure, you can:

• Check flood maps. Visit FEMA’s flood map service center online to see if your campground or hiking trail lies within a flood-prone area.
• Ask long-time residents. Camp owners, hosts, or local homeowners who have lived in the area for a long time may have firsthand knowledge of local flood patterns and history.

Understanding your risk level is crucial for planning your response to a potential flash flood.

Flood response plan

If you determine that your campground is in a flood-prone area, it’s essential to have a plan in place for how to respond quickly and effectively:

• Know your route to higher ground. Identify the quickest and safest routes to higher ground from your campsite. This can save precious time during an emergency.
• Prepare a “Go Bag.” Keep a bag packed with essential items like important documents, medications, clothing, and other valuables. This “go bag” should be easily accessible so you can grab it quickly if you need to evacuate.
• Be aware of flood-prone roads. Pay attention to local roads that tend to flood, especially underpasses. Avoid these areas during heavy rainfall to prevent getting trapped in rising waters.

Stay informed

Be aware of the weather forecast to stay safe during potential flash flood conditions.

• Flood watches. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues flood watches when conditions are favorable for heavy rain that could trigger flash flooding. Check your local NWS office updates or use apps like The Weather Channel, which can send alerts directly to your phone.
• Enable alerts. In The Weather Channel app, you can receive notifications for flood watches and warnings by enabling “Government Issued Alerts” in the “My Alerts” section of the app. This ensures you’ll be notified of any imminent threats in your area.

Safety tips

If a flash flood warning is issued for your area, it’s crucial to act immediately.

• Move to higher ground. If you’re inside your RV, stay put unless you’re alerted otherwise. If you’re outside or in a vehicle, move to higher ground as quickly as possible.
• Avoid walking through floodwaters. Even as little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. The force of water flowing at just 6 mph is equivalent to the wind pressure of an EF5 tornado. Water moving at 25 mph exerts pressure equal to a wind speed of 790 mph, faster than the speed of sound.
• Beware of hidden dangers. Floodwater can carry debris, sharp objects, hazardous chemicals, sewage, and even dangerous wildlife like snakes and insects. Avoid contact with floodwater whenever possible.

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