Rock Scaling Operations

Rock scaling work to establish safe access to the base of the rock slope is being performed by contracted professionals who specialize in remote rope access. These professionals rappel from the top of the slope to the base of the slope to remove hazardous debris and loose rock. Using a system of ropes and harnesses, rock scalers are able to do this efficiently, effectively and safely.

Rock removal methods:

• A pry bar is used to manually check rock on the cliff face to ensure that the rock is secure. When rock is loose, it is removed through manual manipulation, using the pry bar.
• On larger rocks, rubberized air bags are placed between rock joints and inflated with compressed air to dislodge unstable rocks.
• Helicopter water bucketing to sluice loose material from the slope.

Ongoing geotechnical assessments are quantifying overall stability of the area to confirm the rock slope is not moving. Geotechnical specialists use light detection and ranging (LiDAR) survey equipment to monitor the slope for deformation. Subsequent LiDAR surveys allow for slope change detection. Three-dimensional photogrammetry is being used for scale and perspective.