September 27, 2017 - A rockfall of undetermined size occurred in Yosemite National Park this afternoon at about 1:55 P.M. this afternoon. The rockfall was reported to have happened from El Capitan, a granite monolith above Yosemite Valley. The release point appears to be near the "Waterfall Route", a popular climbing route on the East Buttress of El Capitan. This is the area where Horsetail Fall flows in winter and spring conditions.
Yosemite National Park Rangers and Yosemite Search and Rescue are currently on scene assessing the situation. The park helicopter is currently flying and also assessing the situation.
There is one confirmed fatality and one injured person. Park Rangers are working to transport the injured person to receive medical care, outside of the park.
This is the climbing season in Yosemite National Park and there are many climbers on El Capitan and other climbing routes in the park.
Yosemite National Park remains open and visitor services are not affected.
There will be no further news releases this evening and phone calls may not be returned until tomorrow morning. Further information will be available and a news release will be issued tomorrow morning, September 28, updating the incident.
Source: NPS
Sierra Sun Times file photo
