Experts in geomorphology and engineering geology discussed the fatal rockfall in Banff National Park, emphasizing its inherent unpredictability despite water seepage being the underlying cause. They highlighted that while evidence of past rockfalls is visible, predicting the exact timing of such events is impossible, and advised on public safety measures for prone areas.
'Randomness and chaos': The invisible, unpredictable forces behind fatal rockfall
AlbertaBanffBanff National ParkBow Glacier FallsCanadaParks CanadaSimon Fraser UniversityUniversity of British ColumbiaUniversity of CalgaryUniversity of SaskatchewanDaniel ShugarDavide ElmoJohn J. ClagueJohn PomeroyEnvironmentGlaciersMountains
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Experts in geomorphology and engineering geology discussed the fatal rockfall in Banff National Park, emphasizing its inherent unpredictability despite water seepage being the underlying cause. They highlighted that while evidence of past rockfalls is visible, predicting the exact timing of such events is impossible, and advised on public safety measures for prone areas.
Trending- 1 1955 - Iceberg Lake formed, water began seeping through mountain cracks
- 2 Over 70 years - Water seepage built pressure within the mountain
- 3 Thursday (June 19, 2025) - Massive rockfall occurred at Bow Glacier Falls, killing hikers
- 4 Following the rockfall - Experts provided analysis on its causes and unpredictability
- 5 Ongoing - Discussions about public safety measures and the role of climate change in such events
- Fatalities among hikers due to the rockfall
- Increased public awareness of rockfall risks in mountainous areas
- Recommendations for Parks Canada to implement warning notices for hikers in prone areas
- Discussion on the potential link between climate change and increased rockfall hazards due to glacier thinning and retreat
What: Experts are discussing the causes and unpredictability of a fatal rockfall that occurred in Banff National Park.
When: The discussion took place after Thursday's deadly rockslide (June 19, 2025).
Where: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, specifically near Bow Glacier Falls.
Why: The rockfall was caused by water from Iceberg Lake seeping through cracks in the mountain for decades, building pressure. Experts are explaining why such events are impossible to predict and how to mitigate risks for the public.
How: Scientists Daniel Shugar, Davide Elmo, John J. Clague, and John Pomeroy provided their expert analysis, explaining the geological processes, the role of water and glacier retreat, and the inherent 'randomness and chaos' of rockfalls. They suggested public warnings to minimize time spent in high-risk areas.