Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado) is reporting that it has closed all areas in Chaos Canyon to the west of Lake Haiyaha to visitors due to significant rockfall activity and continuing potential impacts from the forecasted precipitation, according to a report.
According to park Public Affairs Officer Kyle Patterson, several outcrops fell in the Upper Chaos Canyon area of the park at around 4:30 p.m. on June 28. The rocks slid off the south shoulder of Hallett Peak.
Patterson said the area of the rockfall event is volatile. Additionally, rainstorms are in the forecast for this area through July 3, which may contribute to additional rockfall activity.
The closure will remain in effect until the expected rainstorms have passed and park service geologists examine the slop.
The hiking trail that leads to Lake Haiyaha, the lake itself, and hiking trails on the north of Hallett Peak will remain open. The bouldering zone in the lower Chaos Canyon, on the east and north shores of Lake Haiyaha, will remain accessible.
There have been no reported injuries from Tuesday’s rockfall event, and there are no designated hiking trails in the closure area. Chaos Canyon is a popular area for bouldering. The cause of this rockfall event on Hallett Peak remains unknown.
Park visitors planning to recreate in rocky areas are constantly reminded to practice due diligence and use caution. Rocky slopes on and near mountain peaks can be unstable.
Recreation users should know their limits and choose routes that are within the abilities of everyone in their party.
For additional information on the park, visit its webpage or call its information office at (970) 586-1206.
This article originally appeared on Sky-Hi News.