Update: Wrysgan Rockfall and warning regarding the slate following heavy rain

nwmines

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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.

Rhiwbach Ropes

nwmines

Take care using the fixed ropes when accessing the Tyrolean, I switched them around today as a short term measure given there is a significant fray caused by the rope rubbing on the corner as you step up to the tyrolean take off point. The fray is now in a slightly less cryptical area however I’d suggest the rope needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Oaklands donated the last rope (around 15-20m is needed), if anyone has some spare new rope that could be used to replace it could you let me know (or just replace it!) If you do replace the rope could you leave the old rope in the mine so we can send it off for some testing? 

Thanks 

Gethin

Report of some movement in Wrysgan

nwmines

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

Mine Inspection Updates (Nov 2013)

nwmines

Following last weeks inspection Les has prepared his reports which I’ve now added to each users Google Docs folder. Rhiwbach still requires monitoring however the boating chamber has been cleared for use.

The report also includes inspection of the adits/trials at Geironydd.

Few updates

nwmines

We have a mine engineer booked in to look ar Rhiwbach on the 15th of November to get a better idea about the rafting brow.

Also, saddly there apears to have been ropes and rigging gear stolen from both Wrysgan and Cwmorthin. If using these mines best take additional kit to rig handlines etc.

Possible movement within the boating chamber, Rhiwbach

nwmines

Hi All,

I’ve just heard that there may have been some movement within the boating chamber of Rhiwbach, the painted cracks still remain however there may have been some movement on the side wall, and some new cracks in the brow itself. I’ve not seen it myself.

I’d suggest it prudent to avoid the rafting pool until further notice.

Waterworks on the road leading up to Rhiwbach

nwmines

Welsh Water are conducting work on the road leading up to the parking area for Rhiwbach. The road should remain open and the parking area clear (thanks to Baggy for following that up with WW), however there is likely to be some delays on that bit of road for the next 8 weeks. 

Possible rockfall (small) in Rhiwbach

nwmines

During a trip in Rhiwbach yesterday we noticed some small fresh rockfall just on the pool and hand-line side of where some scaling down was completed during the 2006 inspection (noted on the inspection mine plan), floor 1.

Although not significant is size there does appear to be some loose rock at head height in that section of the mine, I’d suggest we continue to monitor that area and ensure our groups move swiftly through without pulling on bits of the roof!

Gethin