The 2009 Arizona Monsoon Season officially began on June 15th. That doesn't mean it’s going to rain any time soon. Since last year, instead of the monsoon beginning after three consecutive days with dew points over 55 degrees, the National Weather Service now officially schedules the Arizona Monsoon season from June 15th through September 30th. Although forecasters have said they believe the early Monsoon will include above average precipitation, it does not look like we will be rained upon, at least in the next week or so. There is still a slight chance of rain in the forecast.

Normal monsoon thunderstorms kick up when a high pressure system sets up over the four corners region of the Southwest and temperatures get hot, very hot. With the high pressure in place and daytime temperatures heading over one hundred degrees, moist air gets sucked up from the south, causing what can turn into, intense and lightning dense thunderstorms.

If you are on the rim of the Canyon during afternoon storms, head inside and wait out the worst of the storm. Luckily if you are caught outside at the bottom of the Grand Canyon lightning risks are only slight, as lightning opts to hit the easier reaches of the elevated and often struck rims. If you are ever caught out on the rim in a thunder and lightning storm, and you feel the hair stand up on the back of your neck, quickly get down into a squatting position, (and prayer wouldn't hurt).

By this weekend, June 20th, 2009, the Nat’l Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting temps in the inner canyon’s Phantom Ranch area to hit close to 110 degrees in the shade. While we in the Southwest have thoroughly enjoyed the wonderfully cool temperatures we've had during the last month, we knew it had to end. And it is going to hit fast.

For the purpose of strategic redundancy, I’ll say it once again…BE SURE you are not out hiking in the Inner Canyon between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Hiking inside the canyon during the hottest time of the day, and you are asking to succumb to a heat related injury.

South Kaibab Trail Work
The Nat’l Park Service (NPS) has announced that they will begin (I actually thought they had already begun) scheduled trail work along the South Kaibab Trail. Work will include rebuilding steps, resurfacing, and replacing retaining walls along this popular trail. The trail reconstruction project will take two to four years to complete, and the trail will remain open during this reconstruction effort, (although occasional delays may occur). Mule and other stock traffic will be temporarily diverted to Bright Angel Trail during the reconstruction effort.

Fires Close the Arizona Trail at Grand Canyon
Two lightning caused fires are converging. The Ruby Fire and the Game Reserve Fire have been steadily merging and will now be combined and managed as the Ruby Complex Fire. A few days ago the Ruby Fire had reached the Arizona Trail, forcing a four mile section of the trail to be closed from Grandview Trailhead to Watson Tank. The NPS reports that there have been minimal impacts to Canyon views, although the smoke is clearly visible from Highways 64 and 180, and in some areas of the park. 

As always, please remember to - Hike Smart & Have Fun !
Brian