Convict Spring 12-30-13

[Captain Bil]

I dove Convict today. The viz was pretty good at around 40', manageable flow. Some warnings though: be advised that the line is buried quite deep in several sections, sometimes disappearing for 15 or more feet. I pulled it up where I could, but I think there are tie offs or silt stakes buried as well because I couldn't get it uncovered in many spots with gentle tugging. I ended up gapping the areas with spools and had to turn my dive earlier than I would have like to because I ran out of spools. A bunch of those mini spools Greenwood60(?) makes would have come in handy! I didn't feel comfortable making what amounted to visual jumps across gaps, especially with all the percolation my bubbles were dislodging. Also, the line was loose and flapping around in a few places. I re-wrapped as best I could so that shouldn't be an issue. The overall condition of the line is okay, but replacement or some serious re-routing is in order I think. There are several sections where the line is run that have filled in quite a bit over the years and a few of those spots might be quite challenging to keep hold of and make egress in a lights out situation.

Otherwise, a great dive in a beautiful cave! One of the prettiest around to my mind!

[Kelly Jessop]

The dynamics of repeated flooding,something we haven't see in awhile. Something to be cautious of at the less common systems is that lines that had been used to bridge gaps because of sand mounts etc,can be uncovered,and present a navigational hazard.

[Captain Bil]

I didn't leave any permanent gap bridges, I collected my spools as I egressed. The only fixing I did was to snug up loose line where I found it flapping around. Still a great dive, even with the extra care that it required. I wouldn't suggest permanent jumping these gaps because of the inevitable rat's maze that will appear the next time the system reverses and the dirt mounds move.

[Diverlee]

Kelly that's what happened in Anderson last time I was there. There was a silt out. I followed the line and it ended in the sand! I had to back up and try the other line. Good thing I was paying close attention to the lines when I was going in.


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[Kelly Jessop]

Kelly that's what happened in Anderson last time I was there. There was a silt out. I followed the line and it ended in the sand! I had to back up and try the other line. Good thing I was paying close attention to the lines when I was going in.


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Double lines in a cave need to be a real warning to people because they don't always end up where you think.