Grand Canyon Lodge Destroyed As Extreme Heat And Wildfires Continue

The lone lodging structure inside Grand Canyon National Park has been destroyed. Officials reported that the Grand Canyon Lodge along with up to 80 structured were consumed by ongoing wildfires. Last week a hiker died while hiking the Grand Canyon in extreme heat conditions. Here is the latest update on heat and wildfire conditions threatening one of the nation’s treasures and most popular tourist attractions.

The Fires

Multiple wildfires have been burning in the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The Dragon Bravo Fire destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge which was opened in 1928. Ironically, it was destroyed a few years later by a cigarette fire but reopened in 1937. The White Sage Fire has also burned at least 40,000 acres. Both fires were likely ignited by lightning and are being amplified by winds up to 40 mph.

The National Weather Service discussion on Monday morning warned that extreme heat conditions would continue in the region as a high pressure center lingers. This will continue to keep smoke and haze in the forecast for the next several days too. The high pressure center is expected to move eastward throughout the week, which will allow more moisture to enter the region. They wrote, “For each day, the main threats will mainly be gusty outflow winds, though a couple brief downpours in any stronger storm will be possible.” The rains will be a welcome sight for the fires, but the winds could also be problematic for them as well.

The Heat

Extreme heat is also present at the Grand Canyon and much of the U.S. Southwest. Officials remind tourists that exposed trails in the Grand Canyon can reach up to 120 degrees F on hot days. An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through the middle of the week for elevations below 4000 feet. Temperatures at the lowest canyon elevations will be well into the triple digits on Monday. Why is it hotter at the bottom of the canyon?

There are several factors. Temperature increases as you go up in the atmosphere, which means at lower elevation it is warmer. Additionally, air tends to sink under high pressure systems and warms through a process called adiabatic compression. There is a greater distance for compressional warming as air descends into the canyon. The darker rocks at the bottom of the canyon and less vegetation also contribute to hotter conditions. The rocks absorb the radiation from the sun, and less vegetation allows more exposure.

The Grand Canyon South Rim remains open, but visitors should be cognizant of extreme heat, smoke, and degraded air quality.

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