Skip to main content

Rock Fall Risk Study Leads to Closures at Yosemite National Park

Support Provided By
Rock fall damage in Curry Village, October 2008 | Courtesy: National Park Service
Rock fall damage in Curry Village, October 2008 | Courtesy: National Park Service

Popular visitor lodging areas at Yosemite Valley will be closed permanently due to risk of rock falls after a report was released, according to officials today. Yosemite National Park and the U.S. Geological Survey quantitatively assessed rock fall risk in Yosemite Valley to identify hazard areas, which prompted park officials to announce that 18 sites -- canvas and wood cabins -- in Curry Village and six campsites near El Captian will be closed due to high risk.

"Rock falls are common in Yosemite Valley, California, posing substantial hazard and risk to the approximately four million people that visit Yosemite National Park each year," the report notes.

Researchers used a variety of techniques -- including laser mapping and a three-dimensional computer program that simulates rock-fall runout -- to create an analysis of cliffs and pinpoint the greatest danger of boulder crashes. While being 180 feet of the base of the cliff is the greatest danger area, there is about a 10 percent chance of rock fall farther out every 50 years.

The majority of rock falls occur during winter and spring, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, snow melt, or subfreezing temperatures. However, large rock falls have also been documented during warmer weather.

Two rock falls caused minor injuries and significant structural damage in Curry Village in October 2008. The park permanently closed down several accommodations and employee housing units as a result of the damage and to reduce overall risk. The new closures, combined with the ones from 2008, will further reduce overall risk associated with structures in the Yosemite Valley by 95 percent, according to the National Park Service.

Since 1857, rock falls in the area have killed 15 people and injured 85.

Say hello: "Like" SoCal Wanderer on Facebook and follow @SoCal_Wanderer on Twitter to talk about the latest in outdoors with other enthusiasts.

Support Provided By
Read More
In “Obet and Del’s: The Coffee Shop Changing the Game in Hollywood” host Rosey Alvero sits down to talk with coffee shop owner Heather Knox.

Sip, Snack and Stroll Your Way Through Thai Town and East Hollywood (But First, Coffee)

Explore Thai Town and East Hollywood with all of its delicious, boozy and vintage offerings. But before you start wandering, charge up with a coffee from Obet & Del's, a neighborhood coffee haven serving up café drinks inspired by Southeast Asian culture.
In "The Tree Yoga Cooperative: Find Wellness in South LA" host Rosey Alvero takes a yoga class.

Find Flow, Practice Mindfulness and Engage in Self-Care at These South L.A. Hidden Gems

The Tree Yoga Collective is providing a self-care resource to its South Los Angeles community with a focus on equitable access to mindfulness, meditation, and flow. Here are some other South L.A. hidden gems for fostering inner peace, too — including a healthy dose of nature, plant-based cuisine and caffeine.
In "Babes of Wellness: Working Out for Health and Community in Compton" host Rosey Alvero lifts weights in the gym's "Swole Babes" class.

Get 'Swole' at Babes of Wellness, Plus Other Ways to Nourish Your Mind and Body in Compton

SoCal Wanderer host Rosey Alvero takes you to Babes of Wellness, an inclusive gym for women in Compton — where you can discover other ways of finding strength and power by feeding your body and mind.