Reports on Seabase

[RonFrank]

A buddy of mine and I are considering the LONG trip to SLC to do the Crater, and Seabase. I've got a good handle on what the crater may be like, but any RECENT or winter reports on Seabase would be appreciated. We would likely be gong in the next month or so. He has been there in the summer, and vis was poor. Is winter vis better?

 

[CCR Josh]

Is winter vis better?

Not that I have ever noticed. I usually take my Rescue students there BECAUSE you can't see anything

That being said, if you are out here it is still worth diving if you just need to get wet. It is a unique experience.

 

[RonFrank]

So what is typical vis? I can handle the lower vis, but if it's inches that becomes annoying.

 

[CCR Josh]

Last few times I have been it has been in the order of 2-4 feet.

The "abyss" has always been much better viz (and warmer), but by the time you get to "depth" it is only about 6 ft +/- across.

 

[Clanggedin]

Check out their website for the latest vis reports Bonneville Seabase - Utah Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Location - Inland Scuba Diving and Snorkeling. If the vis is 7-10' like they say it is then it may be worth diving. The last time I was there I only found the boat because I ran into it.

 

[Scott]

IF, big if, I was going to attempt Sea Base it would be on a Thursday after it had been undisturbed for a few days. Saturday and Sundays are heavy training days, with Fridays being a little lighter. They are not open to diving Monday - Wednesday
A couple divers I know went out last week and said it was close to 5 feet.

 

[RonFrank]

We were planning on a trip just to dive Crater, and Seabase. We have decided to scrap that idea, and go to Bon Terre Mine instead. It's a drive, but at least the Vis is awesome, and I have never been.

I think however a weekend at BH is in order shortly.. I'm inching to get wet.. or errr dry? In any event, I want to dive soon!

Thanks for the UT info folks!

 

[Odys]

Although it appears you've decided on another great destination, I thought I'd provide you with some additional detail -

The Crater is a great bucket list dive. Especially now when you could ski/snowboard for half a day and dive in the afternoon. Replace ski/snowboard with a round of golf in the summer. Not much to see however. There is a piece of dock on the bottom and a center rope/PVC pipe system suspended by 4 buoys with two PVC squares to hold onto at around 15 and 35 feet. There is also a true platform around 20 feet off to one side. On the dock there are two hot tubs. One small, one large with a hole to swim out of (great for dive briefings.) There is a PVC diamond to swim through at depth and a wagon wheel suspended that has an abundance of the only life (algae) in the center of the hub. Here’s a ghetto video I made with a friend (now DM candidate) about a year ago: Crappy Video

Another well traveled destination is Blue Lake. There are several underwater objects to check out. Two boats (one upright) several metal sculptures and the springs themselves are pretty cool. There are plenty of fish. Be warned there is absolutely NOTHING around the lake. It's about half an hour south of Wendover. Basically like camping in a semi-remote location. If you decide to visit, plan accordingly. Like Seabase, weekends can be crowded but mid-week the vis has been pretty decent. Even early weekend mornings. I have had vis up to 15 feet on a good day recently. Worst case is still better than Seabase. You also have Wendover to go back and get your game on if you’re into that sort of thing. If you’re not into Casinos there is always the Days Inn that has special diver rates.

My personal favorite UT dive site would have to be Sand Hollow. I’ve had vis up to 30 feet. There are cool red rock formations and canyons with plenty of plant life and big fish to see. There is a PPB course, VW van (with beer bottles for rock star photo opportunities) as well as a plane. The RV camp ground is very improved with showers. Each site has power and water. I plan to visit several weekends this year when the water warms up a bit. There is a Walmart 10 miles from the site and you're basically in St. George if camping is not your gig.

A consideration is that any dive in UT is an Altitude dive. Several sites are remote so bring your safety gear (O2 & First Aid Kits, etc.) Plan accordingly. Here's a fairly comprehensive list of UTAH DIVE SITES.

 

[Clanggedin]

Sand Hollow is awesome, but if I had the choice between The Crater/Blue Lake and Bonne Terre, I'd pick the mine as well. I plan on doing that dive next time I'm in the area.

 

[RonFrank]

Thanks for the vid, and info Odys. I will dive OooTaaa one day, but I think it may have to be while I am in the area doing other stuff.. Maybe I can combine a trip to Moab or something...