Large Rockfall on Popular Mount Gimli in B.C.

In what seems to be a bad year for rockfalls, another has rocked the B.C. interior.

First was the large rockfall on The Cheif, then a number in Yosemite including two on Half Dome, and now another of North America’s famous peaks is shaken by a large geologic event. Mount Gimli is at the south end of Valhalla Provincial Park in Southern B.C.

Kootenay Climbing reported that a large section above the Gimli-Niselheim col has broken from the mountain. A large ledge that led from the southwest face to the northwest ridge is gone. About three pitches of rock from the start of String of Diamonds (the northwest ridge), is no longer there.

Jasmin Caton reported the event to Kootenay Climbing and said large rocks were still falling when she took was there. There are no reports of injured climbers.

The rockfall was nowhere near the world-class South Ridge route, which Gimli is known for.

The mountain is considered one of the most esthetic peaks in Canada. Its South Ridge forms a near-perfect arete that appears to be made for climbing.

Some climbers say you won’t find a better gneiss route anywhere in B.C. With a short approach and no glacier, the seven pitch 5.9 is very popular.

– Be sure to follow Kootenay Climbing on Facebook to stay up to date.