Wrysgan

Sounds like there’s been a small (but worth taking note of!) rock-fall above the traverse on floor 3 of the mine:

Hi Gethin,

Picture attached of a recent rock fall in Wrysgan. Abseil stance at the end of the L3 traverse, after the island!

Obvious missing bits from the roof but I couldn’t see anything hanging….waiting to drop!!

Couple of pieces managed to make it down to L2 at the bottom of the pitch!!

Regards

Jim.

Information for users of Wrysgan mine.

On Monday the 1st Feb myself Jim and Andy paid a visit to do some stabilisation work on the alternative route between floor 1 and 2. There was a rough route up almost immediately inside the first chamber on floor 1. Half way up this rubble slope there was a large step with a very dodgy pack wall. We reduced this to a slope and spent some time stabilising the path and moving it closer to the chamber wall. Being close to the wall, the slope should hold up to downhill traffic better than the original route. It will require some traffic to bed it down so take a little care for the time being.

On Monday the 8th Feb a visit was made by me to the mine to place some new anchors and remove the old cable on floor 3.
2 new Collinox resin anchors were placed on the rising traverse from floor 1 to 2, one near the floor and one near the top. These 2 Collinox bolts split 2 of the longer sections of the traverse and make it slightly less exposed rigging uphill and reduce potential slide distances for clients. To make use of these, pack an extra couple of karabiners or maillons and allow a metre or so of extra rope. All the Goujons in the area were checked and tightened where required.
Up on floor 3, near the dressing sheds entrance, a new Collinox anchor was placed close to an existing one to create a compact and high anchor pair for rigging abseils and lowers. It should also be possible to use the 2 bolts as pull through anchors.

Some of the older, more corroded anchors were cut out in these areas to try to de-clutter the mine. There remains a number of Petzl stainless steel plate hangers attached to regular steel spit sleeves with very corroded bolt heads. These anchors should probably not be trusted and there are nearby resin anchors to use in preference in most cases anyway. It is always best to keep steel or alloy types consistent in sleeve, bolt and hanger anchors in fixed rigging to prevent accelerated corrosion.

The cable on floor 3 was also removed during this piece of work, it now being redundant as the traverse can be rigged bolt to bolt at a higher level.

Any feedback is welcome on the new rigging or guides.

Pete

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

Dave Baines has managed to have a look at the area where Storm noticed some rockfall on floor 2 within Wrysgan. It would appear that some rock has fallen from above the exit of the first tunnel through a pillar on floor 2 of the mine. We’d suggest groups take care in this area, moving through it swiftly, possibly one at a time.

Please continue to monitor the area and let us know if you notice any further movement.

Dave was also keen to pass on some feedback from a mining engineer regarding the possible effect on the slate following the rainfall over the last few weeks. It is likely that the water ingress may have weakened roofs and walls, please stay vigilant, particularly around the entrances/exits to the mines were ingress is likely to be more significant.

I’ve just had this report from Lledr house: 

I’d also like to report a fresh rock fall in Wrysgan.  This is on the approved route.  After ascending from level 1 to Level 2, you turn right through the first tunnel.  As you enter the next chamber, you walk over the debris. 

 

There has also been a rock slide onto the path that descends from the cutting shed area down to the level 1 entrance.  The surrounding slopes generally need to be kept an eye on.

Worth keeping an eye on