Exploration Diving in Goodenough Springs

On Sunday, July 20th 2008 the Goodenough Springs Exploration Project extended the previous exploration of the Goodenough Springs cave system to a depth of 515 feet (157m) at 583 feet (178m) of linear penetration. What follows is a brief history and account of this historic dive.

In the late 1990s I was inspired by accounts of early explorers Robert Laird, R.D. Milhollin, Dr. Ise Kalsi, and Kurt Olsen. Their arduous dives at Goodenough Springs near the U.S. / Mexico border revealed a deep cave with such tremendous flow that its main tunnel was subsequently named the “Fire Hydrant Tunnel”. At the end of this passage they discovered a low restriction choked by an impassable gravel dam effectively ending their exploration. Years later, in the fall of 2000 a small group of Houston cave divers employed Robert to help us locate the spring, founding what has become the GSEP.

Right: Chuck Noe standing on the boat’s dive-platform following his trip to 515 feet (157m)
(Larry Hack)

On our first dives at Goodenough we were able to pull our way slowly along the original pull‐line, within sight of the major restriction near 170 feet (52m) of depth. But the line ended short of the restriction as the flow intensified. It was clear that our traditional cave gear would not suffice. Even if we could find a way to proceed, backmounted tanks would make further progress impossible. At this point I contacted Lamar at Dive Rite to inquire about his conversion of the TransPac harness for sidemount use, and before long we were in Florida getting some valuable specialty instruction and hands‐on training.

Back at Goodenough our efforts to conquer the extreme flow continued for the next 2 years while we inched forward placing pitons and carabiners along the way. Then in August of 2002 our growing team was able to dig a small hole in the gravel dam, just large enough for me to squeeze through. The flow tugged at my mask and continually purged my regulator as I clawed my way forward, but once past the restriction the cave opened up and the current subsided. I passed 200 feet (61m) of depth in a short distance as the cave fell away in a deep fissure.

In the years since this first deep penetration the team has completed survey, mapping, and scientific monitoring in addition to ongoing exploration. In cooperation with researchers, we continue to maintain data‐recording instrumentation in the cave 24/7, 365 days a year. But it is the thrill of exploration that drives me personally.

The major restriction at ~190 feet (58m) constantly changes and is tough to pass. The water velocity of 275 feet per minute makes it impassable in a drysuit (due to drag). (Rick Aurich)

Our team conducted an exploration dive to 393 feet (120m) in 2004 then set our sights on loftier goals. Along the way we refined our equipment, eventually adopting the Nomad sidemount system that made it easier to carry multiple stage bottles on a dive. Our support divers continued to gain skills and training, transforming them into one of the most efficient deep‐dive support teams in cave diving. Then in our 9th continuous year of the project we were able to safely and efficiently complete this remarkable exploration dive to 515 feet (157m) of depth.

Over the course of 2 days we placed dozens of cylinders throughout the cave. We used heavy lines to pull the deep deco tanks one‐at‐a‐time through the high‐flow restriction (now at 190 ffw or 58m). Once past 280 feet (85m) the last support diver held position while I continued to swim deeper into the cave. At ~500 ffw (152m) a steep fissure ended on a floor of pea‐gravel where the cave reversed direction and continued on, sloping further downward at a shallower angle. Nearing 30 minutes into the dive I tied off the guideline to a lead weight and began my ascent. The team provided outstanding support at every level as I slowly worked my way back towards the surface. After 6 ½ hours I was finally out of the water, celebrating the dive.

The cave continues downward and we will venture on as far as possible. As technology progresses, so too may our exploration. For more information and project updates please visit the Goodenough Springs website.