On July 7th, Yosemite climbing rangers ascended to pitch 9 of the Regular Northwest Face route on Half Dome to assess the most recent rockfall event that occurred on or around July 3th and reported by a climbing party on July 5th. (See below for detailed photos) Currently, the route is not closed to climbing, but a high degree of suspicion for potential loose rock should be maintained.
The rock mass that fell during this event was approximately 100-200 feet to climbers right of the first 10 pitches of the route. No new loose rock or changes to the route were identified on the bottom 10 pitches. Nevertheless, it is important to maintain your awareness for any loose rock while climbing in this alpine environment.
If attempts are made on the route be aware that potential loose rock has been identified at the end of pitch 11 and at the bottom of pitch 13, the belay stance at the bottom of the chimney. Route conditions are unknown above the 13th pitch chimney and extra caution should be taken if any attempt is made of the route.
It is recommended that climbers and hikers take extra caution along the base of Half Dome and do not linger in the obvious debris field at the base of the Regular Northwest Face route .
For more information on rockfall in the park go to www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/rockfall.htm
Thanks and be safe out there,
Yosemite Climbing Management
Thanks for the update.
your site is very good.
What is the rockfall like now for 2021? Both on the death slabs and the regular route? Thanks.
Hi Donald,
The Regular North West Face has not seen any more significant rockfall since the 2015 event. It is still much more challenging getting into the chimneys than it was prior to the event. I recommend checking out the Mt. Project thread on the RNWF. The slabs approach gets periodic rockfall which is naturally channeled down the slabs. You can still access the base via the John Muir Trail/Half Dome Trail, this approach is far less exposure, but obviously less direct.
Regards,
Jesse