ABSTRACT
High cut-banks of the river frequently fail, giving rise to large rotational slumps. These failures have had little effect on human activities to date, but will be an important consideration in hydroelectric development of the lower Churchill River. Rockfalls are common occurrences, but rarely fatal or destructive (with the notable exception of the Ferryland disaster noted above). Several fatalities have occurred when victims have been working at the base of coastal cliffs, or climbing on unstable slopes. Although damage to property is frequent, no fatalities are known from residences, and only a single serious injury. Protective rockfall fences have been installed in three locations in recent years to protect houses from rockfall (Springdale, St. John’s, and Upper Island Cove).
