Arizona Canyons Under Threat: Flash Floods Roar

Flash flood warnings were issued on Thursday, August 13th, for Coconino County in north central Arizona, with specific alerts for the Havasu Creek basin and the Paria River. The National Weather Service in Flagstaff warned of life-threatening flash flooding due to thunderstorms producing heavy rain. Campers, hunters, and hikers were advised to immediately move to higher ground and avoid creeks and washes.

The warnings detailed significant impacts, including flooding in areas around Little Navajo Falls, Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls, the Havasupai Reservation, Supai, and Hualapai Hilltop. The Colorado River, between river miles 156 and 158, and various canyons including Little Coyote Canyon and Matkatamiba Canyon, were also identified as areas at high risk.

Earlier warnings for the Paria River highlighted impacts to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and Lees Ferry, including the Colorado River near mile marker 0. The National Weather Service emphasized that flash floods can develop suddenly and violently, especially in Arizona's desert landscape where soils struggle to absorb heavy rainfall. Even an inch of rain in an hour can trigger dangerous flows in dry riverbeds and washes.