Hyde's Quarry dives

[rocdoc]

Observation no. 1: 47 degrees water is cold
Observation no. 2: in observation no.1 above, "cold" means "your brain freezes, and your masculine self esteem suffers unspeakably."
Observation no. 3: 7mm wetsuits and hoodies, while insufficient at times, are one of humanity's great inventions.
Observation no. 4: when done with a good shop and a great group of people, diving in frigid Hyde's Quarry in May is still a lot of fun. Nice to meet you, scuba addiction.

 

[offthewall1]

Not sure if it's true or not... but I heard a rumor that Hyde's Quarry closes in June - never to reopen again for diving. Does anyone know if that is true?

 

[rocdoc]

Nobody said anything while we were there, and there was a lot of discussion about returning throughout the summer! I hope it's not true.

 

[TravisD]

Ken, what I've heard is that the County wants to do a draw-down test. No clue what what would mean long-term. From what I've heard, they (County) do not yet have the necessary permits for such a test (they have to get a discharge permit for the water being pumped out).

Oh, and if anyone is looking for a buddy to dive Hyde's this weekend, I'm up for it.

 

[pasadenatim]

Hey Rocdoc, How was the visibility? I was there last August and was somewhat disappointed with the 3-5 ft. Will definitely give it another try, but probably wait until it gets above 50. Hopefully it will be open as it's the closest spot for me from Pasadena.

 

[rocdoc]

The visibility is pretty poor, but I don't think you can expect much else from a narrow and deep quarry, with mud bottom... If you are not with a large group and are careful to stay above the bottom, you can probably get enough to watch and photograph the fish and the nests in the grass. I would guess 10-15 ft. Deeper you are looking at 5, maybe 10 if you are in the light path. I found the submerged airplane when my knee hit one of the wings It was more visible than that, I'm just a clueless noob, but it's still pretty bad.
I would love to dive again there, but I am waiting until it warms up a bit. Too traumatized from the freezing temps over this weekend...