Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., was on a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon over the weekend when a sudden flash flood turned a peaceful creek into a raging river, claiming two lives and leaving another person missing. The congressman described the terrifying experience to NBC News on Tuesday from his Washington office.
A 'Freight Train' Sound and a Wall of Water
Schweikert said he heard what sounded like “a freight train smashing into a boulder” just before the flood consumed the landscape near his group on Saturday. Moments later, a powerful stream of mud and debris-filled water surged through the area.
The flood was triggered by a sudden deluge of rain that briefly transformed Bright Angel Creek into a full-fledged river. About 80 people were evacuated from campsites around the historic Phantom Ranch area of the park.
Close Call for the Congressman's Group
The retiring member of Congress and his group were about 100 yards away from the danger zone when the flood hit. They had no cellphone service at the time. Their guide led them to a safer area off the Colorado River near Bright Angel Creek.
Later, they left the area on foot, traveling on higher ground, and camped for the night nearby.
Monsoon Season's Unpredictable Nature
It is “monsoon season” in Arizona, but Schweikert noted there was not more than a drizzle of precipitation where he was when the dangerous flood ripped through. He underscored the potential randomness of such events.
“At some point, you realized this is a big deal; something’s really gone haywire. … It was a ginormous flash flood,” he said.
Damage and Aftermath
The flood also severely damaged the park’s water supply system and part of a new $208 million water pipeline project that was underway near the ranch. Schweikert said he would likely be involved in working to get the damage addressed once proper assessments are made.
“Right now, the heartbreak is a couple of people lost their lives,” he added.
Safety Advice for Visitors
Schweikert, a regular Grand Canyon hiker, cautioned visitors to carefully monitor the weather and use extreme caution if storms are expected in the vicinity at all. He said hikes through narrow passages known as slot canyons should be strictly avoided if storms are nearby because of the risk of getting trapped.
“It’s remarkable beauty, but you always take it seriously because the canyon will sneak up on you if you’re not prepared,” Schweikert said.
