Installing a Critical Remote Canyon Debris Barrier
Catastrophic river debris flow events put a community at risk.
Overview
When highly unpredictable debris flows threatened the residential and commercial population, GRW stepped in to provide a pivotal Trumer debris barrier.
Key Considerations:
- Remote riverbed, adjacent to a waterfall in a steep 90° canyon with a heavily treed canopy.
- No crane, helicopter, or road access.
- Rapid, unpredictable fluctuations in river water levels.
- Highly sensitive environmental conditions with potential risk to native species of aquatic wildlife.
Scope
GRW worked quickly to install a debris barrier—including transporting materials and providing check scaling, drilling, and net installation—to mitigate potentially devastating consequences.
Challenges
A remote location, fluctuating water levels, and an environmentally sensitive environment all contributed to the challenging nature of this project. With no crane, helicopter, or road access, all materials had to be transported by hand one kilometre up a rugged access trail.
Installation of the debris barrier at the vertical 90° site required advanced rope access highline techniques for rigging and material transport systems. Additionally, developing custom, site-specific environmental procedures was required due to the site’s extreme conditions.
Results
Our team collaborated closely, leveraging their extensive experience in challenging remote access work. This expertise was crucial in minimizing environmental impact and managing unpredictable water levels to ensure the barrier was installed safely.
Trumer, our debris net material supplier, described this project as having the most difficult installation conditions they had ever seen. Despite its many sensitivities and constraints, our team impressed the client with their dedication, precision, and efficiency.
Ready to
Work With Us?
When your project is high elevation, high risk, or both, you want the most experienced team on the job. Our seasoned technicians are ready to take on the most complex geohazard projects to keep your site and community safe.
