Details have emerged about the February 24th rockfall at Zion National Park that forced the closure of roadway along with a videos of the affected area shortly before and directly after the rockfall.
The incident occurred at 3:19pm on February 24th in the eastern part of the park. The rockfall released a 23 foot by 32 foot block of Navajo Sandstone from about 472 feet above the roadway. Several 1-meter size blocks hit Zion Canyon Scenic Drive covering both lanes in debris and forcing its closure. Thankfully no one was below the cliff at the time and no injuries were reported.
Zion National Park believes the combination of rooting vegetation and high temperatures contributed to the rockfall. Read the full press release from Zion National Park below.
ZION NATIONAL PARK STATEMENT:
Around 3:19 p.m. on February 24, Zion National Park received multiple reports of a rockfall along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive between the Great White Throne pull out and the Big Bend Shuttle Stop. Park rangers immediately responded, and traffic was temporarily stopped in both directions around the rockfall impact area. Upon evaluation and monitoring, visitors were safely evacuated from north of the rockfall.
The section of the road remained closed for 24 hours after the initial event to monitor for additional rockfall. The road and rockfall site were assessed by the park’s Physical Scientist. After the period of monitoring, the road was cleared. Approximately nine cubic meters or one dump truck load of material was removed from the road. Traffic from the Grotto to the Temple of Sinawava reopened today, Tuesday, February 25, at 4:30 p.m.
About 144 meters above the roadway on a nearly vertical cliff, a 7-meter by 10-meter block of Navajo Sandstone failed. It is presumed that rooting of vegetation and high temperatures contributed to the rockfall. Several 1-meter size blocks impacted and covered both lanes of the roadway below.
“Thankfully, there were no injuries or property damage. Rockfall can happen anywhere at any time in this highly erosive landscape.” –Jeff Bradybaugh, Zion National Park Superintendent
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is now open. “Caution rockfall zone ahead” signs have been posted in the area. We ask visitors not to linger through this area. Rockfall in Zion is frequent and unpredictable, it’s difficult to predict when or where the next rockfall will happen.
