On July 10, 1996, a massive granite rockfall crashed from the cliff between Washburn Point and Glacier Point into Yosemite Valley near Happy Isles, sending about 162,000 tons of debris down the slope and into free fall before impact. The blast registered like a magnitude 2.15 earthquake, produced a sonic boom and a huge dust cloud, and flattened or damaged about 1,000 trees. Nearby buildings and a bridge were damaged by the pressure wave, and the area was coated in granite dust. Twelve campers and hikers were caught in the event, and one hiker was killed, making it one of Yosemite’s most serious recent natural disasters.