The popular Stawamus Chief main trail in Squamish, British Columbia remains closed after two separate rockfall events caused significant damage to the park. B.C. Parks initially closed the trail on December 27th after a large section was covered in debris.
Recent Rockfalls and Assessment
A geohazard assessment conducted on January 2nd revealed that two distinct rockfall events occurred. The first took place around 10:30 p.m. on December 26th, followed by a second around 11 p.m. on December 29th. The assessment determined that rocks approximately three to four metres in diameter came loose, impacting trees and covering the trail with both rock and soil.
Squamish-based geoscientist Pierre Friele attributes the rockfalls to a freeze-thaw cycle, where temperatures fluctuated around freezing. “It perfectly matches the temperature dropping from above zero to below zero, and then boom, you get the rockfall,” Friele explained. He also noted that predicting these events is challenging and further rockfalls are likely.
A Changing Trend
Friele, a 30-year veteran working in the area, highlighted a recent increase in rockfall incidents. While significant events were rare prior to 2021 – with only notable occurrences in 1999 and 2015 – regular rockfalls have been observed since then. He suggests this could be due to increased documentation of these events, or potentially, shifting climate patterns.
What’s Next?
The park will remain closed indefinitely while crews address the hazard. According to a spokesperson for B.C.’s Ministry of Environment and Parks, the next steps will involve “rock-scaling” – removing any remaining loose rocks – before debris can be cleared. Cleanup will also include removing fallen trees, addressing hazardous standing trees, removing soil, and repairing damaged infrastructure. It is possible that the trail will remain closed for an extended period as these tasks are completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Stawamus Chief main trail close?
B.C. Parks closed the trail on December 27th after a section was covered in debris from a rockfall.
How many rockfall events occurred?
A geohazard assessment determined that two separate rockfall events took place, on December 26th and December 29th.
What is causing the rockfalls?
Squamish-based geoscientist Pierre Friele believes a freeze-thaw scenario, due to fluctuating temperatures, caused the rockfalls.
As the Stawamus Chief trail remains closed for safety and repair, what factors do you think will be most critical in determining when it can safely reopen to the public?
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