2017 Payson flash floods
On July 15, 2017, a flash flood hit the Water Wheel Falls Hiking Trail near Payson, Arizona, in the Tonto National Forest. An extended family of 14 was celebrating a birthday at Cold Springs Swimming Hole when the disaster happened. Earlier that day, heavy rain from the North American Monsoon swept through the area, and a month earlier the Highline Fire burned nearby, leaving ash and logs that got swept into the flood.
Around 3 p.m., a wall of muddy water about 6 feet tall and 40 feet wide rushed down the canyon, carrying rocks and large logs. The flood swept away many swimmers; some people held onto trees while rescuers and helicopters worked to save them. The flood then moved into the East Verde River.
Ten people died in the flood, including several children, and four were injured. Nine bodies were found quickly, and one person, Hector Garnica, was missing for a few days before being found deceased. A funeral was held for those who died. The cost of damages is not known.
In the years after, families filed lawsuits against the U.S. government, seeking relief for wrongful death and negligence.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 16:00 (CET).