LOCAL NEWS

Before And After: Zion National Park Shares Photos Of Rockfall Site

Sep 12, 2019, 11:17 AM

Before and after photos of Cable Mountain in Zion National Park after a rockfall in August of 2019....

Before and after photos of Cable Mountain in Zion National Park after a rockfall in August of 2019. (Photos: Brian Whitehead, Zion National Park)

(Photos: Brian Whitehead, Zion National Park)

SPRINGDALE, Utah – Zion National Park on Thursday shared before-and-after images of the site of a rockfall that happened Aug. 24.

According to the park’s Facebook page, the rockfall happened at approximately 5:30 p.m. during a sunny day.

“While many rockfalls can be associated with rain, this one happened when it was hot and dry,” according to the park’s post. “Rockfalls like this may occur due to stress from thermal expansion of the rock when it is heated by the sun.”

Before and after photos of Cable Mountain in Zion National Park after a rockfall in August of 2019. (Photos: Brian Whitehead, Zion National Park)

Before and after photos of Cable Mountain in Zion National Park after a rockfall in August of 2019. (Photos: Brian Whitehead, Zion National Park)

The post noted that it’s “nearly impossible” to predict rockfalls.

“Use caution if you spend time at the base of steep cliffs,” the park’s Facebook post warned. “Rockfall is a natural process that helps shape the canyon and it continues every day.”

The event forced the closure of trails below, including portions of the East Rim Trail  and the Weeping Rock trail. Officials are preparing to evaluate the site for stability, although it will be difficult due the 2,000-foot high location.

“Our trail crew will be able to start clearing debris and repairing the trails after the area is considered low-risk for work,” according to Zion National Park. “We still do not know the extent of the damage to these trails. It may take quite some time to reopen this area.”

Three visitors were injured during the rockfall, according to a statement from the park. One person was taken to the hospital, and several other people were stranded temporarily at the end of Weeping Rock Trail. They were eventually able to self-rescue.

Park goers can check the current trail conditions at the Zion National Park website.


WATCH: Hiker Captures Rockslide On Camera

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

4 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

4 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

5 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

7 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

7 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Before And After: Zion National Park Shares Photos Of Rockfall Site