Madison blown as of 4/6

[Kelly Jessop]

Thanks Kelly, Jim, and Forrest . I happened to be at Madison several weeks ago when the river was rising a bit and witnessed
the 'ranger' making his off hand comments about it being 'almost closing time'. Several of us that overheard him thought ....
.. you're basing this on what? Yes, the tannic river water was approaching the basin but there was a strong outflow from the system.
Indeed , the next morning he had closed it. I have wondered if occasionally this decision is made too quickly and without merit.
Its good to know that several knowledgeable cave divers also monitor the closing of Madison.

We are with you about having the place open. In fact,they really want us and the swimmers there and this recently became self evident with the issue of the state budget and park closure issue. When they have to eliminate diving and swimming because the river rises,this hurts their attendence numbers,which ulimately hurts their economic impact numbers,and keeps the park on the closure radar screen. I have had some good discussions regarding this,and us being there is "job security". I am checking frequently,and once we can get acceptable conditions,it will be posted for sure,and looking forward to seeing everyone there (and using the new tank benches we built

[stairman]

I heard they tore down the elevated platform for the swimmers a while back. And I would not question the rangers determination that the inflow and decresed visibility is premature. Im glad they now have tank racks, that may free up some table space for us sidemounters.

[OneBrightGator]

I can't think of a single reason why a Ranger at Madison would close the park without just cause. Have a little faith people.

[sandy]

I heard they tore down the elevated platform for the swimmers a while back. And I would not question the rangers determination that the inflow and decresed visibility is premature. Im glad they now have tank racks, that may free up some table space for us sidemounters.

They did tear it down because it was becoming unsafe. I believe they plan to rebuild it - funds permitting.

[Kelly Jessop]

They did tear it down because it was becoming unsafe. I believe they plan to rebuild it - funds permitting.

I really doubt they will rebuild it. You have jumpers landing near swimmers,a recipe for a disaster soon.

[BgDadddy]

How long does the cave typically stay closed during these floods? Are we talking weeks or months?

[WEPIV]

They did tear it down because it was becoming unsafe. I believe they plan to rebuild it - funds permitting.

I really doubt they will rebuild it. You have jumpers landing near swimmers,a recipe for a disaster soon.

Children and adults used this for years and I knew in today's world its days were unfortunately numbered even though I never heard of anybody getting hurt or landing on anyone else.
It's like my father having to remove the diving board from his pool (this is in the Tampa Bay area) after an insurance agent came on his property one day without his consent or knowledge.
George Orwell seems less an alarmist every day....

[Marc Bryan]

.
George Orwell seems less an alarmist every day....

More like a psychic!

[FW]

How long does the cave typically stay closed during these floods? Are we talking weeks or months?

I have seen it clear in weeks, but usually a couple of months.

[BgDadddy]

Thanks Forrest.