Site to assist in the management of the North Wales Mine Inspections for the LCMLA
There’s been a report of a rock fall on floor 3 (there’s a reason that floors not an approved route!) in the chamber above the bore-hole. It’s unlikely to have effected the approved route, however worth remaining vigilant. Please let us know if it’s effected the approved route.
Gethin
Hi All,
Yesterday, on our way out from a rather wet through trip in Bwlch y Plwm mine, we encountered a damaged section of rope on the last traverse on the bottom floor, the one that takes you across the left wall over a flooded stope when heading out-by. The rope was worn through to the core in 2 places where it had been rubbing on the rock face (probably rigged a bit too tight IMO).
Anyway, not knowing who this rope belonged to we did not want to remove it but did re-rig it so that the damaged could be isolated with alpine butterfly knots.
Perhaps the owner (if one of this group) could remove this damaged rope now, even if they do not replace it.
On another note, I was pleasantly surprised by the effort that has gone in to bolting this place up. Good work to whoever it was. If no one has any objections, at some point in the future, I plan on taking my battery grinder in and cutting off as much of the now defunct old rusty gear as possible; seized maillons, wobbly P38’s etc….
Offers of help / company are most welcome!
Pete Knight
www.undergroundspecialist.co.uk
Hi all,
Just had a message that the entrance to Rhiwbach had a bit of a mud and rock slide in yesterday’s damp spell! Who knows what other mischief the water may have got up to yesterday. Would be worth highlighting to staff the need to move swiftly through the entrance/exits of the mines as well as being extra vigilant when underground, particularly around the brows of cross-cuts or areas highlighted within the inspection reports as needing monitoring.
We should also remind folk to avoid spending to much time in large chambers (as highlighted in the last few mine inspection reports) as it’s difficult to properly inspect the roofs.
All the best
Gethin Thomas
www.train4underground.co.uk
Comment: Rhiwbach Fall.
Yesterday (19th July 2015) our staff reported a fallen block in the ‘Caban’ chamber of the drainage level in Rhiwbach slate mine. The fall occurred in the rear of the chamber, an area not normally visited by groups or staff. If you were to stand with the caban on your immediate right looking inbye, this is the area of the chamber directly in front of you. The staff member was in the chamber when the fall occurred, and based on his experience as a slate quarryman and quarry blaster, he estimated the fall to be in the region of 1 to 2 tons. We have had the chamber roof inspected by a CIC holder today, who has reported back to us that the roof and chamber walls in the immediate area used by staff going to get the boat are not affected by this fall. Misty conditions due to the wet weather today did not allow for a totally clear view of the rearmost reaches of the chamber, so at this point we have been unable to establish the exact location and extent of the fall. Another inspection will be done tomorrow, hopefully with better visibility in the chamber. I am aware that some users take their groups to have lunch near the caban in this chamber, and would urge all users to exercise extreme caution in this area. We will inspect this chamber and the surrounding areas on a daily basis for the next few weeks and report any updates or further changes here.
Chris Phillips Operations Manager, Go Below Underground Adventures Ltd.
Hi All,
Heads up, the rope fixed between floors 2 and 3 for leaders to themselves up on has gone missing, the ladder however is still in place.
Gethin
For those who’ve not picked this up yet, the gate code for Rhiwbach was changed on the 1st of May. The new gate code has been passed on to those who’ve bought into this years reports and the Cambrian Caving Council. Gethin
Hello all
Our staff have reported some earth slippage above the entrance to Rhiw Bach where there is now bare earth showing rather than full moss cover. They felt that this could be due to soil movement due to the heavy rainfall and that it would be as well to keep an eye on this area in case further movement takes place.
Kind regards.
Faf
Faf (Cath) Bourke
Deputy Head
Plas Dol-y-Moch OEC
Had a look around the back of the mine opposite the hole were the Geironydd stream drops into today and noticed at least a dozen lesser-horseshoe bats roosting in the back of the mine. It’s unlikely groups would disturb them as they’re in the back of the mine off the normal beaten track, but it’d be worth avoiding scrambling into the back of the little mine over winter.
Gethin
Quick heads up that there’s been some reports of further (small) rock fall on floor 2 of Wrysgan. This is the same area we’ve been monitoring. If anyone has more info could you let us know?
Also the raft in Rhiwbach has been damaged, as has the traverse rope around the flooded pool on floor 1. The fray in the ropes been isolated and raft possibly fixed. Again if you’ve more info please let us know.
Cheers
Gethin