Wow! Don't have a TV. can you describe the rockfall. How big?? You are correct. This is prime-time for Big Wall climbing. Many teams will be on El Capitan, and some approaching the base, getting ready to go up the cliff face. This cannot be good news. Please provide more updates when you have them.
UPDATE
OK - I looked at Reuters. Their facts are confused. They are saying a rockfall near the Waterfall Route. That route is not on El Capitan itself, but instead to the left of the famous Yosemite Falls. The Waterfall Route is not commonly climbed. However, this rockfall is very bad news, because there is a major trail in the valley below this cliff face. The trail connects the Valley floor to the upper elevation, the lookout at the top of Yosemite Falls. It is a very popular trail. The news is saying that one person is dead ... but this is preliminary. Many people use that trail during summer, incl. climbers, hikers, and onlookers.
At this stage ... NEED more info. The press coverage is confused.
UPDATE #2
Ok the Reuters news was wrong. Just saw an actual photo from a climber. Hikermor - you were right. A very large rockfall off the East Buttress of El Capitan. Potentially devastating to anyone near the base, or on trails nearby. The East Buttress has a popular classic route, and it is possible that people were climbing on it at the time of the disaster. It might take 24-48 hours before rangers know who is missing/killed. Thanks for reporting!
Edited by Pete (09/28/17 04:01 AM)