No major rockfalls from the Stawamus Chief are imminent following the April 19 rockslide, according to a new report, but rock scaling to prevent smaller falls is now taking place.
A geotechnical analysis and report, commissioned by the Squamish Emergency Operations Centre, was conducted immediately following the recent fall by Vancouver consultants GeoPacific, according to the District of Squamish.
The Chief rockfall, which took place at about noon on Sunday, April 19 in the section known as Angel’s Crest, carried between 1,200 to 1,600 cubic metres of rock down the monolith, according to the report. The original block of rock that fell was estimated to be 20 metres wide by about 15 metres high, and fell 310 metres before hitting an apron of rock at the base of the wall and scattering in smaller rock chunks.
According to the report, natural weathering caused the fall. Similar rockfalls should be expected to occur every 50 to 100 years along the North Wall area of the Chief, according to the report. Based on the growth of the trees below, the recent rockfall was greater than any that has occurred in the area for at least 60 years, the report states.
Eye witness climbers told The Squamish Chief at the time that there were small rock falls leading up to the larger slide noon that Sunday and this is consistent with what climbers told the authors of the report.
The report states that the area of the fall is now largely cleared out and the risk of future large rockfalls from the same area is “likely less than it was before this event.”
There are still residual fragments and blocks of broken rock around the area of the original rockfall, however, so the report recommended rock scaling occur.
Local company Global Rock Works, a division of Global Rope Access were hired by BC Parks to do follow-up work on the Chief.
“We will be rock scaling, removing loose surface material presenting a rockfall hazard, usually with pry-bars and picks and on rope systems,” said Global Rock Works’ Elaiza Datar.
“As a company based in Squamish and that employs local technicians, many of whom are rock stars in the rock climbing community, this job is one that we hold dear to us.”
Some employees at the company have done first ascents on the Chief, according to Datar.
The scaling is taking place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from May 20 to 21. Some trails leading to Angel’s Crest will be closed until further notice. BC parks has asked that the public observe all trail closures and to stay away from the area.
