Rockfall Attenuators: Applications and Site Considerations

This webinar is free for Members and $25 for Non-Members

AGHP Webinar

Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET

Rockfall practitioners, manufacturers, consultants, and owners widely use rockfall protection systems consisting of flexible barriers, unsecured draperies, attenuators, and now hybrid systems prolifically. These systems vary in design and function based on site-specific needs. Their primary functions include controlling rockfall by intercepting its trajectory, dissipating the energy of falling rock, or directing the rockfall to a location where it does not impact critical infrastructure.

This Webinar is one of a series the AGHP will host that focuses on the current state of practice and performance evaluation gaps in the evolution of attenuators and hybrid systems. The presentation series reviews current practices for implementing, designing, and maintaining these mitigation systems. Each presentation in the webinar series will attempt to end in discussion and identify gaps in the practice of attenuator applications.

This webinar series is inspired by John Duffy and we would like to dedicate it to him as a tribute to his impactful contribution and motivation to this topic.

Become a Member

Meet the Presenters

Nicole Oester Mapes, Colorado DOT

Nicole leads the Colorado Department of Transportation's (CDOT) Geohazard Services team, leveraging over a decade of experience in emergency response, slope management design, construction coordination, and asset management. Dedicated to protecting critical infrastructure, she collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative and impactful geohazard management solutions throughout Colorado. When not responding to the latest geohazard emergency, you can find Nicole exploring local playgrounds with her daughter or at the pottery studio.

Marc Fish, Washington State DOT

Marc is the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) State Engineering Geologist. He manages a group of highly skilled engineering geologists who are technical specialists in rock slope engineering and stabilization, rockfall control, landslide stabilization, soil cut and embankment design, and unstable slope management. He started his career working as an electron microscopist within the public and private industry. He then turned toward engineering geology while working for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT), where he specialized in rock slope management systems, rock slope stabilization and design, geophysics, and controlled blasting. He is currently a licensed Geologist and Engineering Geologist in Washington State and has previously been licensed in the state of New Hampshire and certified through the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG). He has 30 years of experience managing risk related to unstable slopes and developing cost effective remediation designs for rock slopes, landslides, and debris flows along our state highways. Marc earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado and his master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University. He has numerous hobbies and interests, some of which include sailing, skiing, and hiking.

Ty Ortiz, Rocksol Consulting Group

Ty began his career at the Colorado Geological Survey where he developed a strong interest in geohazards and their effect on the transportation system and mountain communities. He is the former Geohazards Program Manager for the Colorado Department of Transportation where he led a multitude of rockfall and rock slope stabilization projects throughout Colorado and was part of the team that implemented rockfall attenuators as part of CDOT’s mitigation toolbox. While at CDOT he implemented a geohazards management system using risk-based asset management practices. He has sat on numerous technical panels for State and Federal government. In his role at RockSol Consulting Group he develops a geohazard presence within the company and provides and arranges rockfall and rock slope training. In his off time, you’ll find him looking for his golf ball in the rough.