A second or third lightning strike cut a destructive path. The charge exits near a seam, breaks off a piece of stone, burns its mark across the surface of the granite then splits the base of the column sending bits and pieces of stone in all directions. Additional damage occurs at the base of the monument. The movement of stones high on the column cause a dramatic shift of weight upon the base of the structure. The granite slabs in the base which support the column cannot handle the shifting weight, they buckle and cause numerous cracks throughout the foundation.
Heavy rains saturate the surrounding soil.
The base begins to separate adding to further instability. Structural engineers and stone conservators recommended emergency work to dismantle the monument for safety reasons and to prevent additional damage from severe weather. Funding for restoration of the monument will be requested by the National Park Service through the Federal budget process.