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I am coming down in a few weeks. Wondering if Edwards would be an option. I got into this system in my full cave class, and it kicked my A$#. I would like to get back into it and try it again. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If this is not the season for edwards if someone can let me know when would be a good time to try.:arrowred
being a river cave and all of the river caves currently blown out, I would venture to guess that you're probably going to have to wait a bit....this is a guess as I really don't know but I would also guess you won't get a response from someone who's been in there since...well, it's likely blown out.
I hope you do get a better answer than mine but your few weeks probably really depends on whether a few means 2-3 or 5-7, etc.
I have never been in Edwards but doesn't it have really strong flow? Up this way Ebro which has strong flow gets better the higher the river gets. I have been in Ebro when the river is way above flood stage and it is alot better. The viz greatly improves as the flow is cut down some and the sand is not being blown around. I definitely wouldn't rule all the river caves out just because of the floods. I would have missed out on some awesome dives if I had always assumed that all the river caves blow during a flood. Now I admit during deco in the cold river water waiting on an alligator to come out of the nearly zero viz is not fun.
I haven't even ever dove Edwards but do understand that the flow is strong (both from surface perception and discussions.) Your point is valid, famaBan, that not all...in this particular case based on its location, I took a guess that it wouldn't be a completely safe bet to rely on it being clear at this time.
Thanks for setting me straight, Eric :) ...
Steve I definitely wasn't trying to prove you wrong. I have never been to Edwards even from the surface. Just trying to point out that some caves get really good in a flood even though they are zero viz on the outside. I took a buddy to some river caves this weekend and the basins were zero viz but the caves were crystal clear. He was amazed. Hope you didn't take it wrong Steve.
not at all! I was just having some fun with you my friend. (please note the smiley.) As I said, I don't know. I really don't. I was just making a guess based on some basic info. Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming....
Edwards sometimes has a strong flow, but it didn't right before the river came up. I have to agree with whodunit68, it will be low visibility and tannic for awhile.Quote:
Originally Posted by bamafan
Edwards was hit hard from this last flood, and began syphoning river water a few weeks ago. Below are 48-hour before and after pics of when it reversed around new years. I'm going to drive out there this weekend to see how things look on the surface, but I'm not too hopeful.
http://oi62.tinypic.com/9g8ujd.jpg
http://oi59.tinypic.com/69oupx.jpg
Can this cave be done in back mount or it is a sidemount only cave
It can be done in backmount, at least for a good distance. It eventually gets sidemount, but probably after most peoples thirds.Quote:
Originally Posted by Avs123
Thanks
Using rope if you go in backmount will make life easier. If you end up going, be mindful that its on private property. The land owner (Mr. Bates) is an incredibly nice guy, and very cave diver friendly. All he asks is that you let him know when you're down there and that you keep the noise down. He's had some horror-stories with rude cave divers in the past, so it would be nice to say hello, ask permission, thank you on your way out, ect...
Before this last flood, conditions averaged 5'-10' vis with screaming flow.
Appreciate the info thanks alot
Thanks for the info on the land owner. I will make sure that I find out his contact info from CCDS.
Last time I was there was in early 2000. The flow was kicking but the viz was 40' plus. Did the dive on back gas. It was fun crawling down the crack with belly and tanks scratching droping from 30' to about 100'. I found out later that our cave instructor, Steve Berman, was having fun with us.
Let me know when you're down. I'de be interested to get your take on the system after not seeing it for 15 years.