Should we remove the fixed aids (metal rungs) in the airshaft, Rhiwbach?

nwmines
Poll removed
Dear fellow users of Rhiwbach Slate Quarry
I am writing to hopefully gather your vote on the current use of the airshaft exit from the mine at the top of the hill (the alternative exit to the more commonly used daylight chamber).
You might be aware that the airshaft has not been part of the blue route in the mine until fairly recently. We (Go Below) asked to bring into use as it looked like a more fun and challenging way to finish a trip.
Given that the shaft as it was fell beyond the abilities of most participants to climb, we put a line of holds all the way up. These were small blocks of slate bolted to the face (like those used further down the mine). We also installed a gate at the top, and have more recently placed some meshing over all the loose rubble at the top (following a near miss with a rock sliding down the shaft).
The slate-block holds were particularly nice as they were easy to use and blended in nicely. However, over last winter, many of them fractured and became dangerous due to the water running behind them, and freezing overnight. The blocks were breaking in peoples hands, or when stood on, and falling down the shaft. This was obviously a serious hazard for any others who might be below. (the slate blocks further within the mine obviously do not have this problem, as there is no water and it does not freeze).
We opted, as a bit of a rush decision, to swap the blocks for metal holds, very much like the ones used in the Alps for Via Feratta. They don’t look as nice, and have taken a bit of the challenge away, but they are unaffected by freeze-thaw and therefore much safer. The other disadvantage to these holds is that should you want to abseil down the shaft, rather than climb up it, they are awkward to step over.
The change in the type of hold has received mixed feedback, some positive, some negative. I am therefore putting it out to vote so all users of Rhiwbach can vote whether they should stay or go. Reverting back to the slate blocks isn’t a viable option given the hazard.
Option One: Keep the steel steps, nothing changes. Go Below will continue to maintain them.
Option Two: Remove the steel steps, and leave the airshaft bare.
If you use the airshaft, and wish to cast a vote, please email me [edit] or vote here [edit] and I will tally it up. If the vote is to remove the steel steps, we will do so when we get a couple of free days and will post notice when the work is complete.
I’ll give it a week or so for votes to come in.
With many thanks indeed
Miles Moulding

Rhiwbach Updates (8th April 2013)

nwmines

Rafting Brow

22 MineReports2013 Rhiwbach Boating Brow PictureFollowing this years inspections (reports will follow soon, just waiting on some final content) we where advised to paint a few cracks in the brow above the rafting pool and monitor them for 3 weeks. The cracks where painted on the 6th of April. We’ll need to monitor the marked areas to see if the brow has stabilised before re-installing the boat trip. Please continue to avoid this area with groups.

Top Entrance

22 MineReports2013 Rhiwbach Top Exit PictureLast week Miles pointed out some loose rock above the top entrance to the mine, most likely a result of the freeze/thaw. Over the weekend we also removed some sizeable blocks hanging above the entrance! Click here to watch some film footage.

The bulk of the loose rock has been removed, and the path leading from the entrance cleared of debris. Having confirmed this with Les Riley (mine engineer), we can continue to use that entrance. However I would advise all groups leaders to monitor the quarry roof, and move groups swiftly away from the entrance/exit.

Thanks to both Sharon and Ross for helping out.

Gethin. 8th April 2013

Rhiwbach rockfall at top entrance

nwmines
Update from Miles:
Just letting you know that there has been a fall at the top exit in Rhiwbach (the main exit, not the airshaft). The brow high above the gate has come away and there is a pile of fresh debris on the floor. You have to climb over the fall to get out.
There is still some loose stuff up on the brow, a few rocks are still waiting to come down.
No doubt a result of ice thawing.
Although it’s not massive, I would recommend closing that route until it settles down. If someone could abseil down to the brow from above, I bet a lot of the loose stuff could be knocked out.
Cheers
Miles

Rhiwbach update (21st March 2013)

nwmines

Following todays inspection there is still a little concern with the brow above the rafting pool.

Before we use the raft with groups the mine engineer has advised us to paint a crack that he highlighted and monitor it for change for a few weeks before re-instating the raft crossing.

I’ll try and get the crack pained in the next few days

Gethin

Wrysgan Update (March 2013)

Wrysgan Update (March 2013)

nwmines

WrysganSlab2013During todays inspection of the mine we notices some significant signs of rockfall around the condemned area on floor 1. Please continue to avoid this area.

We also noticed some deterioration to the wall to the right of the fallen (eased) block on floor 5 (shortly after the climb from floor 4 to 5) with some sharp hanging blocks. Please keep groups to the left of the eased block following the climb.

Gethin

Rhiwbach Lock Damage

nwmines

Hi All,

For those who weren’t in Rhiwbach today, the entrance padlock was smashed off at some point yesterday. We’ll get a replacement put on as soon as possible with the same padlock code, however given some previous incidents its worth double checking any fixed ropes etc before using them.

Gethin

6th March 2013

How to post an update

nwmines

To inform other users of any changes to any of the mines used within the North Wales LCMLA scheme please either send an email to: minereports@googlegroups.com (these can only be sent from email addresses registered when purchasing this years mine reports) or alternatively click here to send your report through the contact us page.

If emailing the group please note that all users will receive your message, so please use this mechanism considerately.

Any important updates will be summarised and reported here

Wrysgan update (Jan 2013)

nwmines

You may, or may not, be aware of a recent report from some of the Blue Peris staff (via Baggy) about the possibility of rock fall within Wrysgan. The original report (16th Jan) says some of Baggys staff heard what they described as a “large roof collapse” suspected somewhere on floor 1, but heard from the far end of floor 2.

Staff from Dol y Moch have had a look around the mine and found what they suspect to have been recent rock fall on floor 2, just to the left of where the climb up from floor 2 to 3 is, and a flake (60cm sq approx) that looks like its coming away from the roof, as well as evidence of some recent fall. They also noticed some possible movement near the entrance to the man-way from floor 2 to 1.

I’ve been away for the last few months, but plan to pop into Wrysgan in the next week or so to have a look. At the moment I’d suggest groups avoid gathering to the left of the handline from floors 2 to 3, and also avoid the area beyond the manway entrance (which is off the blue route anyway). I’ll inform Dave Carlisle at his next visit unless anyone visiting the mine find more evidence of movement.

Thanks to all those who been reporting and checking the mine, please do remain vigilant and report any changes.