, Auditorium
Since our last presentation on Warm River Cave over 10 years ago, this unusual hydrothermal cave has continued to provide interesting and challenging new exploration opportunities. Over a mile of additional passage has been accessed, mainly via digs and bolt climbs. The cave is now over 4 miles long. In the Hot Stream, significant upper levels have been discovered by climbing, adding a new dimension to this historic passage. Elsewhere, climbs in the 'new' discovery have also provided access to significant upper levels, demonstrating that there is more to the cave than a simple stream passage. Most exciting is the recent discovery of a large, going upper level at the very end of the cave, which could substantially expand the known footprint and potentially bypass the current upstream sump. Digs have also proven effective. A significant shortcut to the Trade Winds section has made access to this interesting area much easier, and taught us a lesson about what constitutes a lead. A dig through breakdown in the main stream resulted in closing a huge loop over 2300 feet long with excellent closure. In another passage, a dig followed by a bolt climb and more digging gave access to a huge upper level that challenged our understanding of the cave's development. In addition to exploration, biological collection trips have provided insights into the unique environment of this very unusual cave. Exploration is ongoing.
Mark Minton and Yvonne Droms