Flash Flood — Coconino, Arizona

2008-08-16 to 2008-08-18 · near Havasupai, Coconino, Arizona

Event narrative

Heavy rain from thunderstorms over the Cataract Creek and Havasu Creek drainages caused flash flooding that started in the Village of Supai around 11:30 PM on August 16. Radar estimated between 3 and 4 inches of rain over several square miles in the Cataract Creek drainage during the afternoon. Additional heavy rain from thunderstorms on August 17 continued heavy run off into the canyon. Cataract Canyon/Creek becomes Havasu Canyon/Creek at Havasu Springs about a mile upstream from the Village of Supai. This very popular destination for tourists was closed for at least 6 months because of the heavy damage caused by the flash flooding.

Wider weather episode

Several thunderstorms over a period of 3 days lead to flash flooding in Cataract Canyon/Havasu Canyon. The flooding lasted several days and caused damage to a few homes in the Village of Supai. There was extensive damage to Havasu Canyon and the campground below the village. Many campers were stranded during the night in trees and on picnic tables. In all, 406 people were flown out of Havasu Canyon by helicopters from multiple public safety agencies.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (36.3047, -112.7664)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 130025. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.