National Guard activated for Havasupai flooding; woman still missing
Gilbert woman was swept away in flash flood
HAVASUPAI INDIAN RESERVATION, AZ (AZFamily) — Gov. Katie Hobbs activated on Friday the Arizona National Guard to help with the flooding that swept away a Gilbert woman in the Grand Canyon area.
The governor’s office said guard members will help with evacuation efforts, including using a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter.
The Havasupai Tribe asked for the assistance.
“My heart is with all of the people impacted by the flooding in Havasupai, including Tribal members and visitors to the area,” Hobbs said in an emailed statement. “The safety and security of Arizonans and all those who visit our state is always my top concern, and I’ll continue working closely with leaders on the ground to protect the Havasupai community.”
While no confirmed deaths have been reported, family members say 33-year-old Chenoa Nickerson and her husband were hiking in the Havasupai area when the flash flood struck, separating the couple on Thursday around 1:30 p.m.
Several hikers were stranded in the area, and officials say Nickerson was swept into Havasu Creek, half a mile above the Colorado River.
She was last seen half a mile north of Havasu Canyon and the Colorado River. Authorities say she was wearing a black tank top black shorts and blue hiking boots.
Nickerson was not wearing a life jacket.
Search operations were ongoing as of Saturday morning. Crews are searching for Nickerson on the confluence of Havasu Creek to Beaver Falls as well as along the Colorado River. A motor rescue vessel is also searching Fern Glenn, 10 miles downstream from where she was last seen.
Family members say local rafters found Nickerson’s husband.
She is described as a 5′8″ woman, 190 pounds, with brown hair, blue eyes and tattoos. If you have any information regarding Nickerson, please contact the NPS ISB Tip Line at (888) 653-0009.
The Havasupai Tribe Tourism Office said the Supai area is closed through Sunday. The Tribal Council asked anyone with reservations not to come, as no one will be allowed access to the area.
The Supai area gives access to the popular Havasu Falls swimming area.
The tribe’s information website posts the following warning for hiking during monsoon season:
“If you hear the flood waters approaching or if you are caught in a rain storm, climb to high ground immediately and wait until it clears. Do not enter the narrow part of the canyon where you might not be able to climb the canyon walls in the event of an unexpected flood.”
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