Mine Diving in N.Y.?

[JamieZ]

Ground temp up here is normally 50-55 past the frost line, which is what basements tend to stay at during the winter when no heat is applied. I'll take a guess and say the water temp stays above 50f.


I would be interested in helping with a project to map the mine. 4 hours from me.

[crawford]

There is a mine in Missouri (LaMotte) that is always in the fourties. Never heard a good explanation of why the water in the mine gets that cold and stays that cold, though.

I can testify it IS that cold.

[FW]

There is a mine in Missouri (LaMotte) that is always in the fourties. Never heard a good explanation of why the water in the mine gets that cold and stays that cold, though.

I can testify it IS that cold.

It is probably like some quarries. They take in cold water in the winter, and it stays trapped below the thermocline throughout the summer.

[TJDiver]

It is probably like some quarries. They take in cold water in the winter, and it stays trapped below the thermocline throughout the summer.

Yeah, we have a couple local quarries that might be in the mid-to-upper 80's at the surface during the warmest part of the summer, but at the same time I can hit 49 F temps at the bottom (70 - 75 ft. depth).

If I had the proper training/experience cave diving levels, I'd love to survey that mine. The slideshow left me wishing the entire thing was submerged.

[chilldive]

There is a mine in Missouri (LaMotte) that is always in the fourties. Never heard a good explanation of why the water in the mine gets that cold and stays that cold, though.

I can testify it IS that cold.

Actually, when you get about 2500 ft in it warms up into the 50's.
Dove there just a couple of weeks ago and when I downloaded the dive from my computer, I noticed temps went from around 46 up to 51+. Interestingly, it's also deeper in that area of warmer water.

[FW]

... Interestingly, it's also deeper in that area of warmer water.

Hmmm, blows my theory about a thermocline.

[piranha]

Wow..
I would have to travel south to do this
it's always warmer down south..
I could be interested...
keep me posted

[crawford]

Some guys that have dove WAYYYYY back in that mine (umpteen stages, scooters, etc.) believe it (LaMotte) may be connected to a nearby lake. If that water is getting into the mine that could explain it. I would have thought the water wouldn't get below ground/groundwater temp.

[FW]

Since nobody has offered to lead this survey, I have contacted some guys in CT. If they take on the task, I will give them the names of every that has shown an interest. If it is as big as it seems on the website, there should be plenty for a lot of diver to do.

[dougyfresh]

Count me in