Rockfalls Close Yosemite Cabins

Some scientists say the crumbling along Glacier Point is connected to previous construction and wastewater runoff from visitors atop the cliff. Chester F. "Skip" Watts, chairman of the geology department at Radford University in Virginia, who has studied the area, said this helps explains why there are more injuries, fatalities and property damage in the area than in any other part of the park.

"It is an environment that's active, and it's also very, very popular," said Watts, who applauded Friday's closures. "This isn't just anywhere in the park; this is a place where millions of people come."

The notion is contested by Greg Stock, the park's geologist of three years, who says the research has not included rockfalls in other areas of the park. If it had, he said, it would show that what is happening in Curry Village and elsewhere along Glacier Point is not unique.

"We see that exact sort of behavior in other areas of the valley, where no infrastructure is involved," said Stock, noting the iconic Half Dome as an example. And any wastewater runoff is minuscule, he said, compared with the precipitation that pours water through the cracks of Glacier Point.

Some have criticized the park for not closing the cabins sooner, but park officials say there is a fine line between trying to keep people safe -- something it cannot guarantee -- and allowing them to enjoy the park.

News of the closures was welcomed by Timothy Engler, a veteran visitor of Yosemite and one of the few padding by Curry Village this week. Safety considerations aside, Engler said, the park is far too crowded and, because of that, is losing its natural beauty.

"In a way, it's a good thing," said Engler, 66. "They need to limit the amount of people who come in here."

"We remember the days when you could come up here on a Friday night . . . and get a campsite after you chase the bears away," Engler said. "You can't do that at all now."