Continuing BH observations

[Divedoggie]

It would be interesting and helpful to continue observations of BH visability, perceived water PH, and the physical condition of the underwater environment.

The NM and West Texas RMOs are the most frequent visitors, but lets all keep this thread active by contributing your observations after each visit to BH.

Anyone there recently?

 

[RonFrank]

It would be interesting and helpful to continue observations of BH visability, perceived water PH, and the physical condition of the underwater environment.

The NM and West Texas RMOs are the most frequent visitors, but lets all keep this thread active by contributing your observations after each visit to BH.

Anyone there recently?

No!

We are planning on being there the last weekend in December. You are more than welcome to join us! :blinking:

 

[Divedoggie]

No!

We are planning on being there the last weekend in December. You are more than welcome to join us! :blinking:

Well,
I was there fairly recently. The water was chalky, our skin was irritated, and there was a residue left on all of our gear. So, stayng informed will help with decisions about the next trip down there!

 

[ABQdiver]

I was there on December 1 & 2 with an OW class. Our group of seven as well as a group of four from Clovis were the only ones there. The weather as crappy, but the water was fine. Not as clear as I've seen it with small attendance, but not bad.

The high alkalinity of the water has always chapped the exposed skin, and does leave a chalky residue on the gear. I didn't notice any additional increase in that condition thou......

 

[Divedoggie]

I guess that I really never noticed the high alkalinity of the water before. I just thought that the dry skin after diving was normal.
In November, while driving home after numerous dives at BH, the skin on my hands and head felt lke it was going to start spontaneously bleeding. We stopped at a truck stop and we were complaining so much, that the lady behind the counter came out with some Vaseline Intensive Care, and said, "hold out your hands." That was a lifesaver!

Luckily, all body parts that were inside the drysuit were ok and didn't need the treatment!

 

[RonFrank]

If I remember, I'll bring my PH test kit (fish) when we go down.

I was just organizing gear, and found that my mask, and computer were covered in a white residue. I guess I may need to start rinsing my gear after BH diving.

I will post a report when we go next. It would be interesting to know where this water comes from. I've never seen it milky like I did when I was there in July (right after dredging). Something has changed, but it may just be a natural phase that the cave system is going through.

 

[ABQdiver]

Bring your pH kit if you can (remember it) the next set of dives. I would love to find out the actual levels of the water.

The waters skin chapping ability has always bothered me to extent so that lotion is a standard part of my dive kit at the hole. Not terrible, just another tool.

 

[diverdowndh]

I might be going down on Dec 28th and 29th. If my hot-tub test strips will work I'll take some down and test the water...