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WKPP Weekend Update - Chip's Hole
WKPP explorers Blake Wilson and Casey McKinlay successfully completed a 12.5hr push downstream Chip's Hole on Sat June 4. The goal was to return to the limit of the 2005 exploration and assess exploration potential.
The dive was a success.
Original EOL at 17,000ft from Chip's: pushed through restrictive section/tannic water interface into small passage at 40ft depth that terminated after several hundred feet. No way on.
New tunnel discovered 200ft prior to original EOL: added several hundred feet before encountering impassable rock collapse. High flow, swept floor and carved passage. Now we know where a good portion of the water is going.
3rd tunnel pushed N-NE at 100ft+ depth but blocked by rock and silt dome collapse.
Final lead appears to be the big one and was discovered as part of the 2005 exploration: the tunnel siphons water from the main passage and is heading N-NE. The team pushed through a restriction at the original EOL and added several hundred feet before calling the dive on time and gas. Beyond that point the tunnel winds deeper into a canyon type passage heading due north with carved features. Max penetration estimated at 17,000ft from Cal's. This will be the target for the next run and a connection to the WLS Cave System.
Huge thanks to Ken B, Curtis B and John R for deco support.
Total bottom gas used was 140cf using the RB80 for an 8hr bottom time, 2 Suex XK1 units (each) used for 35,000ft round trip plus 2 safety scooters. Seriously impressive considering strong siphon flow on exit.
Looking forward to the return.
WKPP explorers Blake Wilson and Casey McKinlay successfully completed a 12.5hr push downstream Chip's Hole on Sat June 4. The goal was to return to the limit of the 2005 exploration and assess exploration potential.
The dive was a success.
Original EOL at 17,000ft from Chip's: pushed through restrictive section/tannic water interface into small passage at 40ft depth that terminated after several hundred feet. No way on.
New tunnel discovered 200ft prior to original EOL: added several hundred feet before encountering impassable rock collapse. High flow, swept floor and carved passage. Now we know where a good portion of the water is going.
3rd tunnel pushed N-NE at 100ft+ depth but blocked by rock and silt dome collapse.
Final lead appears to be the big one and was discovered as part of the 2005 exploration: the tunnel siphons water from the main passage and is heading N-NE. The team pushed through a restriction at the original EOL and added several hundred feet before calling the dive on time and gas. Beyond that point the tunnel winds deeper into a canyon type passage heading due north with carved features. Max penetration estimated at 17,000ft from Cal's. This will be the target for the next run and a connection to the WLS Cave System.
Huge thanks to Ken B, Curtis B and John R for deco support.
Total bottom gas used was 140cf using the RB80 for an 8hr bottom time, 2 Suex XK1 units (each) used for 35,000ft round trip plus 2 safety scooters. Seriously impressive considering strong siphon flow on exit.
Looking forward to the return.
