The second largest rockfall of 2019 occurred from the Panorama Cliff near Happy Isles at 7:15 pm on September 22, when about 300 cubic meters (810 tons) of rock fell from low on the cliff. The rockfall created a dust cloud but did not affect any infrastructure. The most consequential rockfall for the park geologist occurred on December 5. On that day, a friend and the geologist were conducting field work at the base of the southeast face of El Capitan, near the start of the route “Zodiac.” The wall is overhanging there. At 12:48 pm they heard a scraping sound high above them, followed by the sound of a large object rushing through the air. As this sound increased to deafening levels, they ran to the wall and crouched behind a boulder just as a 15 cubic meter (45 ton) rock exploded near them, pelting them with small rock fragments. A golf ball-sized fragment struck the geologist's helmet, but they emerged from the dust unscathed. This event is a reminder that situational awareness—being vigilant and having a plan for where to shelter in case of rockfall—is essential in rockfall-prone areas. Helmets also help!