Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 13-17, 2025

Inner Canyon Trails Reopen Following Chlorine Gas Leak at Roaring Springs

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, at approximately 5 p.m., the Water Utilities team was alerted to a chlorine gas leak at the Roaring Springs Pumphouse through the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. In response, a small park-led incident command team was mobilized, and aviation staff conducted aerial reconnaissance to ensure no hikers or backpackers were in the vicinity of the affected area. To prioritize safety, all inner canyon corridor trails were temporarily closed while the situation was assessed.

The following morning, Jan. 16, two staff members from the Water Utilities crew, along with two structural firefighters, were flown into the area above Roaring Springs. Upon arrival, they detected a small trace of chlorine gas that had leaked from the system. Crews promptly repaired the leak, and after confirming there was no public safety threat, the inner canyon trails were reopened.

A big thank you to the dedicated Water Utilities Team, Helibase staff, Structure Fire, and the incident management support staff who worked swiftly to contain the leak and ensure the safety of everyone involved. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!

Record-Breaking Dry Winter at Grand Canyon

As of January 17, the Grand Canyon is experiencing its driest winter on record, with only a trace amount of precipitation recorded so far at the Grand Canyon Airport. This marks a stark contrast to the usual winter weather patterns the park is accustomed to.

Here’s a look at the five driest winters on record at Grand Canyon (Tusayan)* as of January 17:

1. 2024-2025: Trace
2. 2005-2006: 0.02 inches
3. 2012-2013: 0.03 inches
4. 2020-2021: 0.13 inches
5. 2013-2014: 0.13 inches

The impact on the park’s ecosystems, vegetation, and fire danger is something park management will continue to monitor closely.

*Data at this site has been continuously collected since 1999.

2024 Dark Skies Report Now Available

Among the many resources Grand Canyon National Park interprets, Dark Skies continues to be one of the most sought-after resources of our park visitors.

There are two main pillars to the park’s Dark Skies Program. First, our Dark Skies Team works to keep the park dark. We were certified an International Dark-Sky Park in 2019. During our initial pursuit, we inventoried over 5,000 lights park-wide—and we have a plan to retrofit every single one of them to be “dark-sky-friendly.” Second, we maintain the park’s dark skies outreach programs. There are several programs upon this pillar: The Grand Canyon Star Party, the Astronomer in Residence Program, the Astronomy Volunteer Program, and more.

Every year, Grand Canyon National Park submits a report to DarkSky International as part of our certification as an International Dark-Sky Park. Its purpose is to update DarkSky International on the progress the park has made in retrofitting its exterior lighting, to provide them sky-quality measurements, and to share with them statistics from our outreach events.

Please enjoy our 2024 Dark Skies Annual Report which shares all that our Dark Skies Program accomplished last year!

On Thursday, Jan. 16, Grand Canyon Conservancy Interim CEO, Susie Huhn, and Ed Keable shared the latest news and updates from Grand Canyon National Park. Some of the updates included the Transcanyon Waterline, native fish conservation on the Colorado River, and Indigenous affairs.

A recording of this webinar is now available on the GCC’s website here.

In the News: Grand Canyon’s new $208M Transcanyon Waterline to help with water reliability

This week, Rob Parrish, Chief of Planning, Environment, and Projects sat down with AZ Family Reporter, Mason Carroll, to discuss the progress on the Transcanyon Waterline Project. To see the full coverage, visit the link here.

Project information on the Transcanyon Waterline and its current status is also available at our park website.

** Water for the South Rim arrived by train until the late 1960s when the Transcanyon Pipeline was completed.

Employee Spotlight

Ian Austin, Supervisory Budget Analyst

I have dedicated 17 remarkable years to the National Park Service (NPS), working across four different units. My career began at Zion National Park in Springdale, UT, where I joined the trail crew as a seasonal then STEP hire. I cherished my time working in the backcountry, surrounded by breathtaking scenery—truly one of the most spectacular offices I’ve ever had.

After my time at Zion, I moved to Flagstaff, AZ, to work for the Flagstaff Area National Monuments. Over my ten years there, I held various roles, starting as a Facilities Operations Assistant. I later transitioned into positions as an Administrative Assistant and then a Budget Analyst. In 2020, I accepted a position as a Supervisory Budget Analyst at Grand Canyon National Park, focusing on the administrative division and park operational budgets. I later became the Director of Administration and Business for the Chesapeake Bay Program Office in Annapolis, MD, supporting various Chesapeake Bay initiatives and the Chesapeake Gateways Grant Program.

I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Finance. Originally from Silver Spring, MD, I enjoy spending quality time with my fiancée and our three daughters: Sarai (12), Alyssa (9), and Nina (2). We love camping, hiking, playing sports, and, more recently, skiing and snowboarding—though my girls are currently waiting patiently for winter snow. In addition to my NPS commitments, I serve on the board of directors for a local nonprofit, Grand Canyon Youth, which connects young people to the rivers and canyons of the Southwest through backpacking and multi-day river trips.

How long have you worked at GRCA?

I worked at GRCA for about 2.5 years in 2020 and recently returned in September 2024.

Can you share a memorable or rewarding experience you’ve had while working with the National Park Service?

One of my most rewarding experiences with the NPS has been returning to Zion National Park and sharing my work on the trail crew with my family. The joy of knowing that my rock work will endure for years to come is a great feeling! Enhancing my understanding of park operations while at Flagstaff Monuments, I volunteered across different park divisions, collaborating on owl surveys with Natural Resources, supporting tribal projects and restoration efforts with Cultural Resources, assisting Interpretation and Education with fee booth operations and the visitor service desk, and working with youth on Junior Ranger booklets. I also supported the Law Enforcement division with fire severity patrols and event management.

What are you most excited to contribute in your new role as a Budget Analyst at GRCA?

In my new role as a soft money fund manager at Grand Canyon National Park, I am excited to contribute to process improvement and implementation. I look forward to working with the amazing budget team and park staff to make a meaningful impact on the park’s operations.

Grand Canyon Odyssey of the Mind Bake Sale Fundraiser Jan. 17-18

Come by the market this Friday and Saturday to help support the Grand Canyon Odyssey of the Mind Team! The bake sale will be held at the front of the General Store from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. each day.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon School Booster Club Fundraiser

Support athletics at the Grand Canyon School! The Booster Club is promoting their online store through Sideline where you can purchase Phantom merchandise for a limited time.

For more information, see the attached flyer here.

Native Taco Sale to Support 8th Grade Field Trip to Washington D.C.

On Friday, Jan. 24 from 4-7 p.m., the 8th grade class is sponsoring a Native Taco Sale at the Grand Canyon School cafeteria.

More information on this fundraiser can be found in the attached flyer here.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-9 p.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-8 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, (food until 9 p.m.)
• Arizona Steakhouse, Closed from Jan. 2-March 3, 2025
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge – Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9:00 p.m., Lounge, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (food until 8:30 p.m.)
• The Grand Canyon Kennel, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

Delaware North

• Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast 7-10 a.m., dinner 5-8 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-9 p.m.
• Coffee Shop, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
• The Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Camper Services, daily from 7 am to 4 pm.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Canyon Adventures Bike Tours and Cafe: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Verkamps 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Yavapai Geology Museum-8 a.m.-6 p.m., Visitor Center Plaza-8 a.m.-6 p.m., Kolb Studio-8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• The Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Monday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday 5:30-7 p.m., Saturday 2-4 p.m.
• Canyon Community Yoga & Wellness (at the Rec Center): Full class schedule can be found here. Use discount GCLOCALS at checkout.
• Inner Canyon:
• Bright Angel Trail from Havasupai Gardens to Silver Bridge, closed Oct 21, 2024 to May 14, 2025
• Silver Bridge, closed Oct 21, 2024 to May 14, 2025
• Bright Angel Campground, closed Nov 4, 2024 to May 14, 2025
• Phantom Ranch (Lodging and Canteen), closed from Jan 2, 2025, to Mar 30, 2025
• Additionally, from 8 a.m. on January 15 to 5 p.m. on January 19, the Transcanyon Waterline will be shut off for necessary construction work on a temporary water bypass along the River Trail. During this period, water will not be available at Boat Beach or Manzanita Rest Area. More information on water availability in the inner canyon can be found on park’s Critical Backcountry Updates page.

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post and ice cream and coffee shop, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Desert View Watchtower and store, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last tower access tickets given out at 4 pm.
• The Desert View Deli and Market, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Desert View gas station (24 hours)-pay at pump only

Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities.

• ‘Wolf Moon’ moonrise from the South Rim on Jan. 13, 2025 (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• Helicopter 368 lands above Roaring Springs Pumphouse on Jan. 16, 2025 (NPS Photo/K. Ross)
• Rob Parrish and Mason Carroll from AZ Family (Photo from AZ Family Interview)
• Ian Austin, Supervisory Budget Analyst (Photo courtesy of I. Austin)
•  A temporary bypass line below Plateau Point being used while the existing water pipeline is being replaced(NPS Photo/M.Quinn)