Grand Canyon Update: August, 2011
Rock Outcropping at Yaki Point (Photo: Brian Lane)
August is here and we begin to see a slight change in the earth's tilt drawing longer shadows at morning and dusk, signaling that the summer is getting shorter and the extreme heat may soon subside. At least we hope it will, soon.
But, for now, Inner Canyon temperatures are HOT! Staying above 105 degrees (in the shade) during the day, while cooling down to a comfortable mid-seventies at night. Summer hiking conditions will prevail usually until late September, so, I say again... hike in the cool time of day, rest often, eat salty snacks, and drink a minimum of a quart of water each hiking hour (with electrolytes). And take heart, by October the extreme heat should be on the wane.
In Other Canyon News:
North Kaibab Trail Damaged in Rock Falls
On August 10th two rock falls occurred in "The Box" section of North Kaibab Trail just north of Phantom Ranch. Although the rocks are blocking the trail, hikers can easily circumnavigate and scurry around the blockage. No word yet when the rocks will be cleared.
Rock Fall on North Kaibab Trail (NPS Photo)
Man Rescued After Fall from Rim
Saturday, July 23rd, Rangers responded to a report of a man over the edge near Mather Point. When they arrived at the scene they found a 19-year old male had fallen about ten feet from the rim and was suffering from non-life threatening injuries. He was rescued from the canyon, treated locally and released.
One Fatality and Multiple Injuries from Lightning Strike on South Rim
A lightning strike on Thursday, August 4th caused multiple injuries at Mojave Point along the Hermit Road. One woman (a 64-year old unidentified female German tourist) died and five others where injured when the monsoon type lightning event occurred at about 1:45 pm.
Body Recovered near Lookout Studio, South Rim
A report of another man over the canyon's edge happened on Friday, August 5th. The man's body was recovered 200 feet below the rim and is being investigated as a possible suicide.
Fire Season Still Active
South Rim Water Fire: This lightning sparked fire started south of the National Park's South Rim on August 3rd and was contained by August 7th.
North Rim Tipover & Point Fires: Both fires are lightning caused and are smoldering as monsoon humidity and precipitation have slowed each fire. Some smoke may be visible from either fire, located near Walla Valley and Point Sublime. Point Sublime and Point Sublime Road are closed until further notice.
Hike Safe & Have Fun!
Brian
I love your blog here, I went to the grand canyon as a child and loved it. I can't wait to go again sometime. You have a lot of information on your website. I will be bookmarking it for future reference. Keep up the good work.
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