Giant Rock Avalanche affects Beamer Trail

[azbackpackr]

A large rockfall, probably from the Coconino Sandstone layer off the South Rim, has occurred, which likely has affected the Beamer Trail. No updates so far as to whether that trail is blocked or still hikeable. Advice from the geologist is that it's likely still an active area, and it wouldn't be a good idea to hike that way right now.

"From a geologist at the Park:
In case you aren't aware, I wanted to inform you about a rock avalanche that occurred the morning of November 12, 2024 around River Mile 65. This was a bit upstream from Carbon camp, sourcing from near the rim on river left. Thoughts from those that witnessed it say they think it came from the Coconino Sandstone (which is likely to me given the amount of dust). Because this seemed to be a large event (I still need to get eyes on the aftermath), it is likely that this area is still active where more rockfall has a higher potential to occur here again. I have been consulting with the WASO Geologic Resources Division (GRD) Geohazards crew and they told me I should recommend that the park warn any visitors/staff planning to go to that area, including backpackers along the Beamer Trail and river runners, to let them know that a recent rock avalanche occurred along this stretch and that there is potential risk for additional rockfall. We can't stop anyone from passing through the area, so it would be good if they were at least aware of the hazard and did not linger there (stop for lunch, things like that). GRD thinks that the camps across river are likely safe, but there is uncertainty about that until we can assess, especially since the dust cloud made it all the way across river. Based on all the information I have been given and meeting with GRD, I placed a point where we think the source of the rockfall came from and delineated an area where we think the hazard may be, with a bit of buffer. I'm not sure how much the Beamer Trail was affected, but GRD and I think it could have substantial damage or it could be blocked.
I was told to reach out to you all to see if you could perpetuate this warning to those folks who plan to be out there. I've also sent an email about this to Lisa Hendy. In the following weeks, I plan to assess the area to better understand the risk, but for now in the immediate future, we think folks should be warned. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss further. Additionally, if you happen to have any more information or photos of the area, please reach out! Below are the videos of the event and the map with the delineated hazard area.
More information to come!
Thank you,
-Anne"
Rock avalanche footage:

[chumley]

@azbackpackr
Cool video. Seems like the kind of thing the NPS could send a real ranger down and put out an actual news release in the TWO WEEKS that has elapsed since this happened?

There have to be numerous permitted groups that have had itineraries on Beamer in that time span.

[azbackpackr]

@chumley
I agree. I heard about it right after it happened, and then expected to hear more. But the info I posted is about the same as the original postings I saw. I'll keep my eyes peeled.

[Jim]

In August of 2010 at Grand Teton NP the Stettner Couloir was letting really large rocks go every so often. Some started the size of cars, judging by the terrain and what I remember. I posted a youtube video of it, which is poor quality: [ youtube video ]


Not a word from anyone in the permitting office at Jenny Lake where I was obtaining my permit to camp in the Moraine, directly under the Couloir. We set up camp slightly away from where a few ran out well below us. This was pure chance, as we could have set up under the slide and been crushed in the night if we didn't move. Sure was nice of the rangers to be blissfully unaware or say absolutely nothing to us.

Climbing services knew. It seems it was common knowledge among them for weeks, as we were told a large chockstone had dislodged earlier that season and the rock falls were a routine occurrence. I observed 2, both in a 4 hour period. It was not a rare thing. That said, did the guide services fail to notify NPS for fear of route closure, or was the NPS just negligent in disseminating important life saving beta? I'll never know. I do know the services were complete a-holes about some things, like anyone even thinking about touching one of their fixed ropes, so I wouldn't be surprised that they just never told the NPS.

Obviously, in this case, the NPS has failed to do it's job. This should have been a press release or a better communication.

Because I looked at the SP for the route, I found this edited in July of 2009.

Note on route conditions: This route description is based on a Spring ascent, when the couloir was primarily a snow and ice climb. Expect considerably different conditions if climbing the route later in Summer or Autumn.

I have received several e-mails indicating a considerable amount of rockfall in the couloir during mid and late season. Evaluate conditions carefully if climbing during these periods.

So, it seems the NPS was probably very negligent in letting climbers know. Why? Maybe the NPS really does just like to pay people to go on literal butterfly chases, as if that is important, but could care less about actual ranger type duties?

Perhaps a similar situation exists in the GCNP, where an attitude of blissful ignorance is deemed the appropriate manner for handling potential back-country hazards?

[azbackpackr]

@Jim_H
I just looked at Grand Canyon's news and alerts page, and there is nothing on it. I just hope the Backcountry office is alerting people with backpacking permits for Tanner Trail.

[chumley]

@azbackpackr
Or maybe it didn't affect the trail in any meaningful way? rockfalls can kick up an amazing amount of dust with not a terribly large amount of rock moved.
Perhaps one day we'll get reliable information or photographs from the scene.

[azbackpackr]

I'm pretty sure that people from Grand Canyon hikers and Backpackers Association are waiting for information about it. I will post here if I hear anything.

[Jim]

In both cases one can make an assumption of some degree of risk in canyons and mountains. Lots of rock is above you.

However, to have no information at all provided to people is just negligent. Especially with how over the top the NPS is for some other things. It doesn't need to be a lot of information, but maybe a map and explanation of what happened, if it is close to a trail. They should probably put a date on it, too. They have a marquee at the Tanner TH. Last I saw it was mostly empty.

Maybe if the rock fall was hot, and somehow it led to hiker dehydration, then there would be a million signs all over about it. In Phoenix, they'd just close all trails, everywhere, all the time.

[big_load]

I recognize that general area, since I hiked Beamer in 2019. Given the number of big rock piles you have to go over it around, it's not surprising to see a fall that big, but I sure am glad I wasn't there when it happened.

[azbackpackr]

I just heard through the grapevine that the Backcountry Office is telling backpackers who have permits for that area to be careful, and telling them what happened. I'm really glad to hear that.