The Ozark Cave Diving Alliance

Hell Creek 2007

 

Downstream Section 

 

Early last year the OCDA was asked to assist in a biodiversity survey within the Hell Creek Cave Natural Area. After numerous weather related delays a number of people from different agencies participated in the survey which included obtaining wildlife samples for dna analysis and then returning them to their habitat. The initial effort concentrated on getting equipment for a 2 man dive team a half mile downstream to the natural entrance and then to the Dipping Vat sump area within the cave system. From that staging area the dive team entered the sump to conduct the survey and return with samples for the science team.

 

January 26-28 in the Hell Creek Cave area of the ANHC.

Packing up for the hike downstream to the cave entrance.

It's a bit of a walk to the natural entrance.

Really scenic area but slick when wet!

You never know what you'll get into humping tanks thru the woods.

Natural entrance to the Hell Creek cave system.

Inside the cavern zone with the gate in the distance.

Michael and Shannon coming thru the gate.

Heading inbound to the Dipping Vat area.

The Dipping Vat entrance.

Brian checks out the sump while Doug waits for the dive team to arrive.

Big rooms and high ceilings above the Dipping Vat area.

Brain Wagner waiting on the dive team.

Dirk getting geared up for the dive.

Brian looks Jeff over before the survey dive.

Waiting for the dive team to return above the Dipping Vat.

The dive team returning with samples for the science team.

Jeff Quam returns from the survey dive.

Dirk Bennett exits the sump.

One of the samples brought up.

The science team in action as Doug Fletcher looks on.

Closeup of a salamander.

Looking outbound from the gate area in the cavern zone.

Fortunately it stopped raining for the trip back.

We figured it's every bit of a half mile walk.

 

Back