Rather than using a blasting operation as has been used in the past, Marciano said, the team tried utilizing the park’s water trucks and firefighting equipment resources.

A fire monitor, or stand-alone nozzle, was attached to a fire hose and used to precisely aim water at the base of dislodged rocks identified as overhead hazards.

“The water monitor operation was a great success,” Marciano said. “Not only was it a lot safer than a blasting operation, it saved the park a considerable amount of money, time and limited the impact on wildlife and natural and culturally sensitive areas.”

On Tuesday the slide area was further analyzed by park staff and geologists who determined the area stable enough for cleanup and repairs to begin. Because rain is forecast for the coming week, the slide area will once more have to be assessed after initial clearing before the road can reopen.

Visitors to the park should be extra careful this time of year, Marciano said in an earlier interview, as saturation remains a concern and further slides are possible throughout the park.