A major rockslide has occurred on the West Chief - also known as the Stawamus Chief - in Canada. No climbers or walkers are believed to have been affected by the incident on Sunday 19th April, despite initial concerns that parties may have been present under the slide. However, a ground search has been put on hold until it is deemed safe to enter the area.
An estimated one thousand cubic metres of granite gave way on the North Walls of the peak, causing tremors which were felt by local residents and plumes of dust were visible rising from the piles of rubble.
A group of climbers were ascending the route The Angel's Crest (5.10b) just metres from the slide when it occurred, but fortunately managed to escape from the face unscathed.
Safety assessments of the face by geoscientists are currently underway to ascertain the structural integrity of the rock, which remains unstable following the incident.
It is unknown as yet when the area will re-open to climbing.
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