Search and rescue teams at Grand Canyon National Park were searching on Friday for a missing Arizona woman who was swept into a creek during a flash flood. The National Guard was also called in to help evacuate other stranded hikers.
The woman, identified as 33-year-old Chenoa Nickerson from Gilbert, Arizona, was hiking in Havasu Creek, about half a mile from where it meets the Colorado River, when the flash flood hit around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Chenoa had been staying overnight at a campground near the village of Supai, located on the Havasupai reservation deep within a gorge off the Grand Canyon.
The flood trapped several hikers in the area above and below Beaver Falls, a popular spot known for its beautiful blue-green waterfalls, which are famous around the world. However, during floods, the waterfalls turn a muddy brown color.
The Grand Canyon National Park shared a video on Facebook on Thursday showing the flash flood from above.
Other hikers managed to reach the village, about 2 miles from the campground, where they waited for a helicopter to take them out.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs activated the Arizona National Guard late on Friday, sending Blackhawk helicopters to help evacuate hikers from the village. She mentioned that these operations might continue into Saturday.
The Havasupai reservation is one of the most remote areas in the continental U.S., accessible only by foot, mule, or helicopter. Due to the flooding, the Tribal Council closed the steep and winding trail that leads to the reservation and asked visitors with permits through Sunday to stay away.
The tribe’s tourism department posted on Facebook, asking for patience as they focus on the safety of tourists and Tribal members.