Rockfall on Half Dome Regular Northwest Face route in Yosemite

One of the most famous rock climbs in Yosemite valley, the Regular Northwest Face route on Half Dome, has suffered serious rockfall and is presently unclimbable. The Regular Route was first ascended during a strenuous five day push in June 1957 by Royal Robbins, Jerry Gallwas and Mike Sherrick and, at the time, was hailed as the most difficult wall in North America.

According to reports on supertopo.com and climbing.com, the rockfall has affected pitches 11 and 12 and while it is unclear when precisely it occurred, the sizable slabs are believed to have peeled off at the start of July during some very heavy thunderstorms. This would explain why no one witnessed the rockfall and, importantly, no one was injured during what is usually a very busy period. Climbers are warned to steer clear of the area as further rockfall may occur.

In May 2011 Half Dome was the scene of other major rockfall, from the Visor onto the Death Slabs approach.


27/08/2001 - Climbing in Yosemite - 5 Super Classics
Chris McNamara recommends five super classic rock climbs in Yosemite Valley, USA.