17MB PDF - Association for Mexican Cave Studies

it has rained three and four inches during the night and theyhave noted only a small rise in the rate of flow of both streams.This is probably due to the fact that there are so many sinkholesand passageways in the limestone of the Tlamaya area thatno one system carries a very large percentage of the water.From all signs observed in the cave on previous trips, the streamsnever reach a really high level or become raging torrents, evenduring the very heaviest of rainfalls. This was proven recentlywhen a group visited the cave after nearly a week of continuousrain. They found that objects that could be easily moved by evena small stream (empty Clorx bottles, cans, clothing) remained inthe places where they were left, some only a few feet above thenormal low level of the water. One consideration, that is ofgreat interest, is that after the recent, nearly week-long rain,the whole water table in the area rose and flooded the last 130to 200 vertical feet of the cave. This was the first rainfallof such magnitude in several years. The normal rainy season isduring the summer months. During this period the level of thestreams does rise somewhat and may cause flooding in a smallsection of the cave near the end. So, perhaps the best time toexplore the cave is between Christmas and Easter.s6tano de Tlamaya is no "easyl1 cave. Even though, in viewof the information above, exploration seems simple and clear cut,there are many unseen dangers that could mean the differencebetween success and death. Perhaps the greatest danger is fromfatigue. It may seem easy going in, but after you have reachedyour goal the real work begins. It's a long prusik out and manya stout caver has sworn he wasn't going to make it. One alsohas to keep in mind that an average trip through the cave takesbetween 25 and 35 hours of steady caving. A long timeL To makematters worse there is the loss of egergy due to the cold. Anair temperature of 68 F and water 64 F may not seem cold to younow, but when you're soaking wet and trying to get a few minutesrest on a gravel bar, that shivering isn't your imagination.Another hazard, that is unavoidable, is that of an accident. Theonly precaution one can take is just to be careful and make surehis equipment is in good shape. Even the most minor of accidentscould be fatal, for the nearest people that could render any aidare here in Austin, 800 miles away. It is suggested that anyoneplanning to go to Mexico first contact the AMCS. Here they canlearn of the latest developments in the area or caves they planto Visit, but most important, they can let someone, who can help,know where they will be i~ case there is an emergency.17