Flash Flood — Yavapai, Arizona

2025-11-18 · near Cordes, Yavapai, Arizona

Event narrative

Law enforcement reported a car with 2 men trapped in floodwaters in Big Bug Creek at Cordes Lakes. One man was rescued while the other was swept away. The vehicle was later found lodged against a tree about 2 miles from the point of entry into the water. The second occupant was found deceased two days later at the confluence of Big Bug Creek with the Agua Fria River, about 6 miles from where he and his vehicle were last seen.

Wider weather episode

A slow moving upper level low pressure system moved down the California coast, tapping ample moisture and spreading precipitation across the state of Arizona. This was a relatively warm storm with high snow levels, at or above 6500-7000 feet. Dynamic support and wind shear with this storm led to some severe thunderstorms. Heavy rain falling over ground saturated from the previous weekend's storm led to flash flooding and elevated creek flows.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (34.3178, -112.1156)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1296586. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.