A large sheet of rock is missing from the face of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, and it's likely to alter climbing routes on the iconic granite monolith.
According to the Associated Press , the rock fall, which occurred as recently as Monday, did not cause any injuries. There were no known witnesses to the fall.
Park geologist and climber Greg Stock said the sheet measured about 100-by-200 feet, and that climbers utilize multiple routes on Half Dome's 1,000-foot face.
The fall occurred on the Regular Northwest Face route, the most popular climb in Yosemite, with 23 pitches.
The fall probably will not change the path of hikers on the popular cable route to the top of Half Dome.
Rock falls in the California wilderness park occur sporadically, but typically involve much smaller rocks.
–Generic Half Dome image is courtesy of Kenny Karst
