Yesterday (Wed. 20 April) three friends had a close encounter with significant rockfall at the Black Bands area of Tunnel Mountain. They had climbed a number of routes, including the 5.9 Farrago. They were on their way down to the main trail when they heard massive rockfall that swept the Farrago route, and reported seeing rocks the size of a human torso. They did not go back up to inspect any damage to the route. The rock that came down detached from approx. 2/3 height on the route, but it is not clear what, if any bolts were affected. They did not feel any loose or hollow sounding rocks when they had done the route a short time prior. It was a warm sunny day, but there has been a prolonged period of warm weather in the Bow Valley, and the snow has been long gone from this crag and area. Given the early and mild start to the climbing season this year, this near-miss is a heads up that spring rockfall season is also with us, following a winter that included many freeze-thaw cycles to loosen rocks both large and small.
On The Map
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.