Madison Blue Back Open!

[WEPIV]

After hearing that Madison Blue was back open yesterday, (thanks Kelly), my dive buddy John Spann and I drove up this morning to be the first ones in.
The water level is up above the stairs (about ankle deep on the wood platform leading to the stairs) but the mud makes them less slippery.
We ran our primary in through the rabbit hole in the basin against a strong flow. On our way in, after tying off, we found places where the main line was buried and some debris here and there but overall the vis was around 20 to 30 feet.
We continued on after tying in to the Godzilla jump, which we placed, and proceeded to do that circuit. In sections the vis dropped down to around five feet due to the silt. This was true too at the end of the circuit as we had to run another line to find the jump due to the vis.
While we were doing this, another team came in for a quick dive and then when we were leaving the park, a third team was gearing up.
We're going back on Monday for another dive and to pull a reel and cookie. It will be interesting to see what changes we'll see after a weekend of divers.
It's great to have Madison back open again!

Gene Page

[Superlyte27]

It was nice meeting you guys Gene. I hope to see more of you in the future.


Pete

[WEPIV]

Thanks Pete and again, welcome back to cave diving!

[Green_Streak]

It was good seeing you there today, might run into you again on Monday.

[Me]

Since you said the mud made the steps less slippery, is it safe to assume the basin is still tannic and mucked up?

[Green_Streak]

Since you said the mud made the steps less slippery, is it safe to assume the basin is still tannic and mucked up?

basin wasn't THAT bad, yeah it was mucky, but i've seen OG way worse...

[WEPIV]

Since you said the mud made the steps less slippery, is it safe to assume the basin is still tannic and mucked up?

The basin was fine. The mud/silt was still on the stairs from when it was flooded although the basin was pretty much clear with just a more greenish color than normal.

[aquadog196]

Dove Madison Blue today 7 March after learning it had recently opened...so we were of course curious. If you're hoping for the pristine clear vis that is frequently the case at Madison then don't go - yet. But if you're willing ...even anxious...to grit it out then you're in for a fun (if bordering on exhausting) dive . Getting into the cave via the cavern or Rabbit Hole you'll be fighting the current with every method known to cave divers thru vis that varies from 20 to about 30 feet or so. Once in the cave plan on lots of pulling and finning with 30 ' average vis...a bit like the flow at Ginnie and the vis of P3. After HH it seemed to clear a bit and maybe a little more flow. What a drift dive out! Great dive! So glad its open!!!

[WEPIV]

John Spann and I dove Madison again today. The water level dropped about a foot since last Friday and the vis in the cave (and out in the basin) was worse than it was.
Also, the flow seemed stronger and at points in the cave there was cooler water, with some of it being tannic.
Even so, it was still a great dive.
We did the Godzilla circuit again and swam up to the Martz Sink jump before turning.
Only one other team was there doing a class. Nice to finally meet you Martin!

Gene Page

[Superlyte27]

I planned on being back there tomorrow, but I think my dive buddy is standing me up. AGAIN!