The Alaskan Caver - University of Alaska Southeast · The Alaskan Caver published by the Glacier...

The

Alaskan Caver

The Alaskan Caver published by the

Glacier Grottoo 1921 Congress Circle, Apt. B, Anchorage AK 99507

Dalene T. Perrip - Editor

O Copywrite E 993

Volume 13 Number 5 November 1993

Table of Contents 3 ....... P O W V13: Cavern Explore 3 ....... President's Corner 7 ....... Ketchi kan Daily News 8 ....... Another Tale 9 ....... Newsbriefs 10 ....... NSS Convention lO.......Additions to Membership List 10 ....... Meeting Notes 11 ....... Wolves Lair Cave 12 ....... Cody's Cave 12 ....... Veta Ray Cave 13 ....... Bedded Bucks Cave 13 ....... Veta Bay Arch Cave ...... I f Totem Pole Cave 14 ....... Toads Plunge Cave 15 ....... Rivers End Cave 15 ....... Short Bop Cave 16 ....... Thunder Falls Cave 18 ....... Wizard's Mission Cave I9 ....... Slate Cave 20 ....... Red Canyon Cave 22 ....... Editor's Notes

Cover Photo:Blue MarbIe Cave Photo credit: Pete Smith The ALASKAN CAVER (ISSN 0735-048 1) is the intennittent publication of the Glacier Grotto of the National Speleological Society (NSS). Back issues are available from the Glacier Grotto secretary for $2 each. Materials not copyrighted by individuals or by other groups may be used by NSS publications provided credit is gven lo the author and The Alas- kan Caver. Send contributions to The Alaskan Cwer, U t o r , 1921 Con- gress Cir.., Apt, B, Anchorage, AK 99507. Opinions are not necessariIy those of The Alaskan Caver, the Glacier Grotto or the NSS. Proven errors will be c o m t e d in print. Annual dues are $15 for a single and $20 for a family membership. The Alaskan Caver is included in the membership fee. For an additional $8, six Cavers will be sent by aimail to overseas addresses. Institutional subscrip tions are 520 per volume. Send dues to Glacier Grotto W u r e r . Anchorage meetings: CalI Eric Rapport for details. (907)561-5700. f(etchikan Meetings: 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month at the Alaska Public Health Service Building. 3054 Fifth Ave., Ketchikan. Fairbanks: Call Mike Mauser far details. (907)456-6953

2 The Alaskan Caver

President: Wm. Harvey Bowers 305 S. Bartlett Circle WasiIIa, AK 99654 hm: 376-2294 wk: 373-2290

Vice Presidents: Northern: Michael Mauser 1466 Cam Avenue Fairbanks, AK 99709 h: 456-6953 wk: 452-1464

Southcentral: Eric Rapport 4640 Business Park Blvd, B1dg.D Anchorage, AK 99503 hm: wk: 561-5700

South Eask Gary Sannenberg 1377 Pond Reef Road Ketchikan, AK 9990 1 bm: 247-1559 wk: 247-1559

Secretary: Julius Rockwell, Jr. 2944 Emory Street Anchorage, AK 99508-4466 hm: 277-7 150 wk: 277-7 150

Treasurer: Rachael H. Mays 1813 Bannister Road Anchorage, AK 99508 hm: 276-0138 wk: 564-5220

Conservation: Jim Ferguson P.O. Box 20908 Juneau, AK 99802 hm: 463-2690 wk: 465-5365

Cave Rescue: Steve lewis: P.0. Box 83715 Fairbanks, AK 99708 Inm: 479-7257 wk: 479-7257

NCA Representative: Dave Klinger P.O. Box 537 Leavenworth, WA 98826 hm:509/548-5480 wk:509/548-5480

h g m m Chairman: John Jansen 7814 Raymar Circle Anchorage, AK 995 18 hm: 344-4402 wk: 344-4402

The Maskan Caver : Dalene T. Perrigo I 921 Con- Circle, Apt. B Anchorage, AK 99507 hm: 344-3290 wk: 522-1 0%

Tongass Cave Project: Kevin Allred P.0. Box 376 Haines, AK 99827

Alaska prefix is 907 Vot. 13 Number 5

November 1993

IWSLETTER F T H E G '!Em GROTTO

Dave b r e ~xamines colorf~(l walls in Blue Marble Cave during POWIE VII. Photo credit: Pete Smith

Dec. 4 Glacier Grotto potluck and party. 6 p.m. at Alaskan Agate Bed and Breakfast Community Room, 4725 Begich Circle,WzsiIla. Phone 373-2290

Dec. 5 Rope Rescue practice, 9 a.m., Whitman Creek Bridge. Kerchikan. Phone, 247- 1559.

Qec. 7 Glacier Grotto Executive Council Meeting, noon, 2944 Emory

POWIE VII CAVERS EXPLORE A CAVE OF BLUE MARBLE by Kevin A h d

As the planned El Capitan al- pine trip approached, Pete Smith and I felt that with the shortage of experienced cavern on POWIE VII (several other experienced folks were on DalI Island for most sf the expedition), we should con- sider putting a few of our eggs in another basket.

Blue Marble Cave near Perue Peak was still going in a big way when the first team of three ran out of time a week earlier. We felt our remaining helicopter budget could best be used for further work in this planned timber harvest area encompassing at least h e potential cutting units.

Our main challenge was deciding if both Pete and I could be spared for several days. The only other helimp- ter-trained caver who was available for the planned hve- day h p was David Love. On the morning of the July 16th departure, Pete's wife, Val,

( showed up with the answer; Pete was sick in bed.

traveling to Haines for main- ing with Mike VanNote and me. With a b u t a month's supply of food for the mo of us, we were ready.

Street, Anchorage. Teleconference hook-up, Phone, 277-7 150.

June 20-24,1994 1994 NSS Convention, Brackettville, Texas.( 5 12) 44 1-0050.

Txr a short time we were transported to a remote, subalpine, muskeg meadow complete with a bubbling brook for washing and drinking water, At 1800 feet elevation, we had a fine view of nearby Mt. Caldw to the West.

Early in the year, David prepared hirnseIf for this type of trip by purchasing the gear he needed, sewing harnesses, and

We spent the remainder of the fmt day hiking into a remote karst area. In a crawlway of one cave, we fovad bone fragments, and the further inside we went, the better i t became. Around each corner ap- peared more huge bear leg bones, some of which had popcorn p w i n g on them. Then we hit the cornucopia,

November 1993 The Alaskan Caver

Continued on page d

PRESDEPWS SCORNER In response to a request by the executive board, Jay Rockwell prepared the following information concerning the Glacier Grotto Library. Currently, the orga- nizaiion exchanges newsletters with 34 gsottos.A mechanism for loaning wp- ies is under consideration. Call 277-71 50. Editor.

Continued on page 5 3

Continued fmm psge 3

a low passage littered wish skulls and a large bone pile that prevented further progress. We tried to imagine what it must have been Iike to actually see one of these huge bruins crawling around in the cave, who knows how many thousands of years ago. This site will definitely be h p o m t for pale- ontolsgisL5. We shot two rolls of fi lrn on it.

Later, having a little more rime, we hiked to the enmnce of Mystery Drip Pit named for the sound of dripping water echoing from deep below. Dis- mvered by Mark Fritzke last fall, this cave has a

small enwance at the side of an insurgence sinW stream overflow channel. A good draft sucks in, but the last group had not attempred digging out same boulders blocking further enw at the top of a deep sounding spacious drop below. After some work, we got the last rtxk swiveled down thereby opening the top of a 4-5 foot diameter shaft beU- h g out below. The next day promised to be exciting.

........... canyon had gorgeous, white, scalloped marble including a "'shower'Asrnd "tub".

Day two: Pleased with the continuing dry conditions, we headed to Mystery Drip. The initial shaft was an impressive 65 feet, Dick sketched and I operated the survey equipment as we explored downwards through a low, broad, crawl. Ropes were needed for the Mystery h p (entrance shaft) and a 15-20 foot pitch, but we down-climbed h e remainder of the steep sections and waterfalls. A clean meandering canyon had gorgeous, white, scalloped. marble including a "shower"' and "tub".

drops, came to a 1 I5 foot deep pit which required tying two ropes together md swinging to a re-be- lay on a large ledge. Suddenly, David called out excitedly. He recognized a fin of rock called "'The Hay slack" from the previous team's survey. We were in Blue Marble Cave! With one shot, we extended the Blue Marble system significantly. A short jaunt to the lower resurgence eneance famil- iarized me with those beautifully scalloped can- yons. We headed back towards Mystery Drip and starred surveying some upstream fossil passages, but were unable to finish it in the remainder of the day. Some lively nematodes were collected in the pools of a streamlet.

Day Four: Finishing up in the Mystery Drip entrance area, we pushed a more complex fossil passage to a mklboulder choke sealed with silt. Then we went into Blue Marble "inhale Entrance" where the other team had accessed Blue Marble (another nearby cave conneckd hydrologically is still not surveyed). We surveyed a fantastic, large, meandering streamway called "Cadis Fly Creek" past a huge granitic boulder 3 by 4 feet in diameter and covered with glacial striations. It must have come in long ago through a nearby chimney, now choked. Here we turned around realizing we had only one day left and much to do.

Day Five: The weather had improved somewhat and we soon found ourselves back at Cadis Fly Creek to continue upstream. After another impressive canyon passage, we e n c o u n t e ~ d a sump and with a bit of work, lowered the sump, but not enough for air space. Descending deeper into the system, w e entered a large complex fossil phreatic m a and began surveying up a spectacular passage. Half a dozen leads were left unexplored for another time. At present, the system is over 3000 feet long and several hundred feet deep.

We named it Porcelain Passage. Other areas were Day Six: We woke up to rain and from sleeping of white and blue banded marble with occasional bags watched two ibears smUing "squish, squish, dikes. Upon entering a big breakdown chamber squishing" through the muskeg just above camp. containing several dikcs, a name, became obvious. Gwnts from the second were: quite audihle.It was It had to ke "lkes hkes" Room. a fantastic trip and even with anticipation of hot

Day three: A light. misty rain during the night made showers and a dry camp, we were sad to leave our

getting out of the tent a chore. We continued map- quiet green paradisc pcrched in the mountains.

ping in Mystery Drip and after two more rope The approaching helicopter broke the spell.

4 The Alaqkan (Javer Vwl. 13 Number 5

- - Contiued from page 3

The Glacier Grotto Library serves as one of the best resources in the organization. Within the covers of the 30+ publications, a reader can test foreign languages skills; wiggle, crawl, sqeeze and rappel through the most unbelieveable spots without leaving the comforts of home; and get a heady course in bioIogy, geology or physics. CumntIy Glacier Grotto exchanges newsletters with the following: E ALASKA GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY PNC. PO Box 101288 Anchorage AK 995 10 E AMERICAN CAVES PO Box 409 Horse Cave KY 42749 E ANDALPJCIA SU'ERRANEA Federation Andalum De Espe Apastada De Correos, 227 13ORO h a d a Spain E BC CAVER d o S Grundy 6047 limberdoodle Road RR #I Sooke BC VQS 1NO Canada E RTRMINGHAM GROITO NEWSETTER PO Box 55102 Birmingham AL 35255-0102 E B U X ) M I N G H A M G R O T T O N E W ~ PO Box 5283 Blmmingtm JX 47402 E CNEORNlA CAVElt & Cam1 A Vwly 8 t 7 W l b Avenue M m v i a C A 910I63033 E CASCADE CAVER W Box 75643 Seattle WA 98 1 2 M M 3 E CAVE CONSERVMIONIST d o Jay R Jordan 1518 Devm Circle Ddla$'TX 75217-1205 E C A V E C R I ~ G ~ c h H i l a r y L H o p p a 1593DeerLakeDrive Lexington KY 4051 5-53 17 E CFG NFNSLETER d o C h f d IN Grcmo, Inc FO Box 153 Indianapolis IN 462M-0153 E ~ O G R O r r O ~ S 29242 D h t Road W d a k c OH 44145 E COMPVZISSIOS GROlTE 'Fuga6o Bmgan" Via Machiavelli, 17 34132 Tries e Italy E CRS NEW SlJZl'ER clo Micb Uska Route 1 Box 59 Mum Bank PA 1552E E CXRRFJWm in Speleology do R . C U Downhead Cottape. Downhead Shepton Mallet, %mm& BA4 4LG Gseat Britain EDCSPELEOGRAPHchEWBmdshaw 10826 b v e l l s Road Fredencbhg VA 22407- 3 26 1 E Dm FRAWISCHE HOLENSPIEGEL Rieterstrasse 69 W - 8508 We&l*ein Germany EGEORGXAUNDERGROUNDc/oJohnStembel 2457 hwValEeyRoad Atlanta GA 30019 E NCRC NEWS LETTER do Greg Miller 8462 West Star Circle Littieton CO 80123 E MQROT ZUFUM do TCRC Ofra. D.N. M l a a h B m y a m i n ~ . h l E PIOLEOS c/o H H Hobbs I l l . Dept. Biol PO Box 720.W1ttenbg University Springfield OH 45501 -0720 E PUGET SOUND CAVER 20614 114th St Apt B SumnerWA 98390 E Slwenske M u m Qchrany P r d y A Jmkyni- 03 I 80 fiptovsky M W a s Skolh 4 C7zcbSlovalda E. SER REC Unit USGS L.ibmy 18 12201 SmfiseValley h i v e Ratm VA DO92 E Smal Scierm Sedlon NSS 1 7 1 3 9 ~ o r t h M t C l m s MI 48044 E SPELEOGRAPH. Oregon Groat3 Libmy 12178 Lmis River'Fbad hie1 WA 98603 E SPES Grupo de Espeleologm Granadinos ApartadodeCorreos581 18080 Granada Spain E S T U m Bibliotkpc de Fa Societe Suisse de S Rue du P r o p 33 CH-2300 La -&-Fonds S w i m & E SVERIGES SPELEOLCGFORBW Rox 16013 320 16 V m e m Sweden E The ( X A T T A N m A TAGLINE PO Box 1 I506 Chatranooga TN 37401 -2506 E THE EXFLORER c/o S CA Grotto PO Box 127 LaCanadaCA 91012 E '131E OUTLAW c/o Hole in the Wall Grotto PO Box 4074 Caper WY 82604 E WISCONSIN SPELEOLOGIST c/o Gary Phelps 226 High Avenue Oshkosh W 5490 1 E Y O R K G R O T T O N E W S L E ~ R c J o J R R e i c h PD11 Box237 Yotk PA 17406

Continued on page 6 November 1993 The Alaskan Carer 5

Continued from pag 5

NSS COMMITLEES (addresses for convenience) N American Caving Accidents c/o S , Knutson 505 Roosevelt Swet Oregon City, OR 97045 NGWWCARTSSALONdolohnBaz-Dresch 912HighlandDrive Wenatchee Wk 98ROI N Membership c/o Gerald Zimmw 28387 S Needy Road Canby OR 9701 3 N Safety & Technology Chairman c/a Bill Storage 712 t Blue Sales Dnve Huntington Beach CA 92647

REQUlRED NSS SUBMISSIONS S Cave files (2) d o I?. Blens 8070 W Eller Road Bloomington IN 47401 N NSS Librarian (2) c/o Bi 11 Torode t Cave Avenue Hunfsvi tle AL 358 10 Y Spelw Digest Series Editor, Pat Kambesis 1026 S Candles S t e t Decamr GA 30030

REOUrESTED NSS SUBMISSIONS 9 N S S News cle Doug and Glenda Rhdes PO BOX 12334 Albuquerque NM 8&195 Y Ray's Review do Ray Hardcastle 701 Hillside Terrace #4 Vista CA 92084-5 173

This List consists of those addresses other than individual, family and institutional members to which Cavers are sent. However, this is only a partial inventory of publications in the Grotto Library; some organizations with whom we have exchanged in the past have been dropped for various reasons.

Type El These addresses are our bonafide exchanges. Those from whom we have not received an exchange secenUy were dropped. Since some organizations publish only one a year and are sometimes a year or two late, the definition of "recently" depends upon the organization.

(Type N) The NSS requires that we send two copies each to the cave files and to the NSS Library and one copy to the Spelee Digest series Editor. The NSS requests that we send one copy each to the editor of the NSS News and to Ray's Review and that we exchange with the USGS Library in Rcston VA. This last is an area where we are way behind on the receiving end. For every copy we send them, we can receive a USGS publication in return. We have quite a backlog and suggestions for desired USGS publications are requested by Glacier Grotto.

It is interesting to note the diflerences in style of the publications. They range in size from two pages (one page, front and back) circulated once a year to monthIy editions of 22 pages or more. Some have slick covers; most do not, but the bulk of the stories are caving adventures with accompanying maps. Appar- ently, many of the foreign caving organizations receive some governmental assistance, h t most US Grottos collect dues which include a subscription to the grotto's publication.

Periodically, a common theme runs through several publications. In the January 1993 edition of the DC Speleograph, a listing of Rare Species in Virginia includes several bats. Just one month earlier. The Speleograph published by the Oregon Grotto included 40 caves to avoid in the winter. "The bats need them more than you do," the article admonishes. Still earlier in 1992, the Birmingham Grotto Newsletter (March) gives directions for building bat roost boxes, and names the bars known to use artificial roosts. Meanwhile citizens of London were questioning the furry creaturesbight to roost i n churches (The Speleograph,Dec. 1992). That battle still rages.

Ideas abound. In Casper, WY, sixth graders were taken to Hole In The WaU Cave in Oudaw Canyon as part of a class project. One of the student stories is published in The Outlaw. In The Explorer (Southern California Grotto) members are reminded to join an international toast of caving friends at midnight, July 4, 1992, Kiev time (1 p.m. in Los Angeles).Meanwbile CTG Newsletter (Central Indiana Grotto) says the Indiana Karst Conservancy, Inc. is collecting slides for a show on caves, karst and consewation.

Other interesting exchanges include Current Titles in Swelealo~5 pubIished annually by the British Cave Research Association and International Glaceospeleolo~cal Survey Bulletin, a publication of the Inter- national Glaciospeleological Survey. The first has a list of the titles of worldwide caving literature while the second takes a scientific look at fim and glacial caves.

At the end of each year, most publications carry the same refrain. "Please pay your dues, now." 6 The Alaskan Caver Vol. 13 Number 5

Ketchikan Dailv News Kctchlknn. Ala~ka. Monday, C)aober 25. 1993

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~ r ~ m ~ ~ d U l d y t h e m - m m Cave divers really are a -E:,,~~- ., , ~ u u r c ~ u r d ~ m c c n t m m . o t b c ~ * . Own ti- A t m y $&

Uf mlrrr,t - mnd hUPd - 10 rnm little different than rest l a l t b e k n t t k u ~ d r m m h +(b~ldarepp~Brd~unl Lnd-)rlla I-* P U ~ C m w t ul jura a d -7 up1 i r m p u u p . Uakm on ltr h h m .

'I fknuvnl I d be u & r n ~ ~ h & ~ b a ~ m I h u t 01 the wrenma Lh. . em. but 1 cot P) 1 ~ ~ l ~ c d . . ~ o w e k ~ & g e ~ h y m . m i r e r m h m ~ rnd '?UE Y U IL~ rn m e fa-rn bUl I 8yMtt*rMWlUUY M8S w p b d t h b h b b - * Ih,-dlmpmmsrem. oYubd ~ t . ' w,-w& W ~ ~ ~ = + P P W & * - * - a u -r c m e d

H b ~ a m m b ! a @ ~ ~ ~ mhecpu T p . b k m t b - ~ ' d n m i h t n k d h L t ~ m d * + m m m e ~ d a p - ~ c ~ n o ~ ~ & I d u ~ ~ ~ msaonamoer m-1, d% - . g n w 0 6 t b i-c -.. ~ * l l l ~ t m ~ ~ ~ . . ~ ~ ~ turrfoumm~rbnmpllktms- Ibm snurcu: wc m o u n d ai m U i . Brrt if's L ntle rcdv scuba &*cn #w m k d m n n u v c n ~ . ' M m p y ~ tha t h u ~Wted to c4vt d u r l h G f I r r h l r & t o n a s b v n m a u x h t h t b k k n p * e & v e m , u ~ ~ r u m p d ~ * c n , r P d A k n T h u c U t f m p ~ M - l t ~ p d . w v ~ l o u n d n m r m r o i e m a

hh-tw of K e t c h h n . m m c n ~ d u r m a u ~ = - d - tb.. 12.m +M P . ; ~ s t ~ ~ t b o u ~ h c l . n r r - . ~ . M m w s o m o i I o r r r p q & m ~ W r l m c . v . r T C m ~ ~ ~ m e ~ ~ d b k A b t l l - . ~ ~ ~ l ~ l m Puum wduwqaucsaom, - hwcm ~ c d t o & v e l a u w . T a c - ~ t M u d k b e r m m m lcmu F!== Old &ma uo M a m . & h t h k P c m a e . M t r v K o w d o v a d C m i g ~ . '11'rtuc t u n q on U - - m Y we mre y l q " - mc-= -m p - p . d E z z W g hump rrr - o m from mdcr*nta nv. a b e n . ' m d M w . y . P d ~ m ~ -nh~utCb.-?the-~ dul. cn T h y u. rum mat m r c t wu. 6Yd bcr Ope m t t r d m ~ q &U. p -&cl then eam.amr. Bu-

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t r p l m n q r ~ n ~ ~ w m ~ l a d t h c - m C a ~ r r c p u t d n b m s d d b - wnnr ' c c a r u q u r . ~ t l i t o * n ~ ~ M - ~ m w r a t u a h m ~ - ~ ~ m b 1 n d a a m o ' I r a m m o n a o ~ ~ W m t t h r t u d & m t h p v r r r , d m r a c - v e c ~ a m t e - m Amtrwbcmh lw,ale coudrbona Mrrm*mdth h d b = m h m s W l h o r t b c m ~ -

HvpDch- u v q - dr Z*Pcmm d t ~ m m y - h b d *re m* w a r + t X ~ ~ ~ ,-tm&-.r-bpt M m r a v m d Tbc-mmmdrnvddp summmthc~vo srd-. I w r n g u b r & n o t ~ m b I k = ~ ~ m sum rrur mp. - r m b ~ ~ d d ~ h i u r r w r r m l d c m a e ~ t h c 4 ~ ~ ! O r c o u m S W q ~ p ~ -amaamraa@-CP-

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Reprinted Courtesy of the Ketchikan Daily News qofplrs-r-w " - - a m kebrl*a

November 1993 The Alaskan Caver 7

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A 9lsrrlct Ranger

R The Alaskan Caver Vol. 13 Number 5

Kevin &d and Jay RmkweIl were mentioned in BiIl Klimack's "En the Media" column on page 288 of Ithe October 1993 issue of the NSS News 5 1 (10) . Kevin's adventures on Ptlnce of Wales Island were used in the Summer 1993 issue of Sum- mit to Illustrate that adventure was not dead. Jay's - contributions of press clippings was acknowledged. Bill, a Glacier Grotto member, can always use magazine and newspaper articles about caves and caving for his NSS News feature

William R. Halliday discusses "Turkey's PamukkaIe Stamps o f 1958" in the 1993 Speleo Stamp Collector No. 40 page 8. He found, during a recent visit to Turkey, the cave-like opening shown on the Turkish (Scott 1424-5) and h e - nian (Scott 28 I ) stamps were not really caves at all, but artistic and real glimpses through ancient artificial openings. The formations shown in the cancels were those of the magnificent travertine terraces of the hot springs at Pamukkale.

Tn the May 1992 issue of Spelw Stamp Collector, he describes the spelean postal history of caves in Kiwiland and the veracity thereof in the article '~peleophilately in New Zealand." In the same issue, pages 24 and 25, he discusses the ins and outs of acquiring speleophilatelic material in the article "Spelwphilately in France and Italy 1991 ." Ap- parently interest in this aspect of caving is much higher in Europe than In the United States. An In- ternational Exhibition of SpeIeophilately has been proposed for the Future in Rome,

as well as "Ten Days Under the Earth," a recap of the explorations at Cueva deE Tecolate, the third longest cave in Mexico, and "A Taste of China Caving, Part H: Caves of Guado"'.

Another highlight is an in-depth article titled "In- candescent Electric Headlight Systems for Long Duration Expeditionary Caving". Author Doug Strait, Ass a Glacier Grotto member, included a chart comparing electric headlamps. Contact Jay Rockwell (277-7 150) about the newsletter.

The Karst Resources Panel completed a draft copy of the Karst and Cave Resource Significance Assessment Ketchi kan Area. Tongass National For- est, Alaska.

This study and report, prepared by the Ozxk Wn- d e r p u n d Laboratory, assesses the significance of the karst in TOO square miles of the Ketchikan Area of the Tongass National Forest. It includes an e d u - ation of the effectiveness of present strategies for protecting these karst resources, recommends changes as deemed appropriate and recommends focused resource evaluation goals and research for karst areas.

The karst areas of Southeast are anomalies in the

world according to the report.

"The carbonate nxks that comprise these karst areas originated on tropical Pacific islands that were transported by plate tectonic movements to their current locations," states the report. "There is no other place in the world where tropical limestones have travelled so far, k e n involved in such an ob- lique collision with a continent and ended up emplaced in an archipelago setting at such high lati- tudes."

In addition to his other activities, Halliday repre- Within the karst area are numerous vertical shafts

''IIted the NSS at the lntemationa' On and caves. In one cave on Heceh island, a new spe- Changes in Karst+ September 1991 cies of troglobitic Stynobromus amphipod war dis-

in Padova (Padura), Italy. covered. Researchers are also finding archeological and pa1eontolopical deposits that could help in

C*WXHXI tracing the regional prehistory, effects of climatic

lt is the newest ehtion to athe ~ l ~ ~ i ~ ~ G~~~~~ li- changesand introduction of humans and animals.

brary and an exciting one. Georgia Underground's The final draft is scheduled for completion later latest edition features stories about caving adven- &is year. Questions should be addressed to Jim tures in the southeastern part of the United States, Baichtal at (907) 225-3 I 0 1. Novemhr 1993 The Alaskan Caver 9

NSS CONVENTION

The 1994 NSS Convention is June 20-24 at BrackettviUe, Texas.

"Cave the Republic" during the meetings at Fort Clark or while participating in the "Waltz Across Texas Field Trip" June 19. Headquarters for the convention is Fort Clark Springs, a private, seed community sumunded by a chain link fence. There is a large tent camping area, an auto camping area and RV parking with full hook-ups.

Several caves are within 150 miles of Brackettville. Green Cave, w b w bat flight may be enjoyed each evening, is only 25 miles and Midnight Cave, known for its helectites, a few miles further. Texans and Mexicans also are host- ing seven1 pre- and post- convention caving trips to Mexico,

I Meeting Notes I Southeast

The Ketchikan Group of the Glacier Grotto met Nov. 1 with 10 peopIe present. Southeast chairman Gary Sonnenberg asked the group to identify items that need to be discussed at the Nov. 2 Gla- cier Grotto teleconference.

Marcel LaPerriere was contacted by a local Boy Scout leader concerning training for a scout cave trip in Apnl. The cavers are interested in helping.

This was the p u p " finst meeting devoted spe- cifically to rescue. The purpose of the meeting was to bring up areas that need research and discus pros and cons of getting into the rescue arena. EMT Rupert Henry from the Ketchikan Em Department (KFD) discussed rescue from his and the KFD per- spective.

Marcel will contact Cat Woods about USES concems/interes tlsupport in Glacier Grotto par- ticipation in cave rescue, and exchange other information.

A practice session was scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 5 at W t r n a n Creek Bridge. Rupert Henry will share his experience and show equipment used by the KFD Rope Rescue Unit,

Executive Council

The council will meet at noon December 7 in the home of Jay Rockwell. Conference call con- nections are planned for Fairbanks and KetchiPran.

phone number is (512) 441-0050.

For further details contact Convention Central, PO Box 43747, Austin, TX 78745-0747. The tele-

ADDITIONS to MEMBERSHIP LIST

Please check with Area Vice PmsidenL~ for details or jay at 277-7 150,

Name &!!&XSS JPd NSS# Am Tel W k Tel

King, Cameron 1 8 13 Banister Road Anchorage AK 99508 93 907J276-0138 Qng, Roslynn 1 8 13 Banister Road Anchorage AK 99508 93 907/2760138 Mitchell, John PO Box 12 16 Valdez AX 99686 94 33182RE

Addmss or telephone changes**-*--*- Sonnenberg. G. 1 377 Pond Reef Road Ketchikan AK 99901 93 33648RE 9071247- 1559 907/247- 1559

KEY: Pd = year through whicb membership is paid PdN = primary aIIegiance rn another Grotto NSS# = NSS mernkrship number and NSS status indicated by letters.

10 The Alaskan Caver Vol. 13 Number 5

WOLVES LAIR CAVE Preliminary Report #I18

Tongass Cave Project National Speleologiml Society

by Kevin Allred Nov. 23,1992

DESCRIPIION: Wolves Lair Cave consists of a ma1 remains present. There is also evidence of pre- gigantic room 130 feet wide, 345 feet long and 80 historic human activity judging from charcoal found feet high, with an entrance 90 feet wide. This makes under beach logs dating several thousand yews. the mrn about 14 times greater than the floor in Some of these logs protrude from under breakdown the state's former largest room, The Alaska Rwm debris and beach deposits. Further infomation on in El Capitan Cave. The room" flmr is covered by the archaeological findings shouId be on file at the breakdown along with much ancient beach mate- U.S. Forest Service office in Ketchikan. rial including logs. Isostatic rebound has lifted the area 30 feet since the beach was at the entrance. It

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: Due to the archaeological material found in the cave, the

tmk surveyors six hours to survey the 1,028 feet lccation should not be shared with the general pub-

m u n d the room. WoIves Lair has apparently been lic. Its remoteness will hopefully protect it from tca

used by wolves as a refuge, for there are many ani- much traffic impact or vandalism.

Novcmher 1993 The Alaqlran Caver 11

CODY" SAVE Prince of Wales Island AK * P m l i h r y Report #I20 Tongass Cave Projectm National Spelmlogial Society

by Kevin Allred Nov. 23, 1992

The main entrance of Cody's Cave is a 25 foot deep sinkhole connected with a 14 fmt long crawlway with two other small holes to the surface. At the bottom of the entrance drop is a low broad crawlway three feet high and 13 feet wide which leads to a dead end after 20 feet. There were no special features reported from this cave.

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Indications are that this cave is not very significant, however, since the cave is only 30 feet west of Crystal PaIace Cave, it would be protected in the same no-harvest area.

VETA BAY CAVE Baker Island, Alaska PreWary Report #I16 Tongass Cave Project National Spelmlogid Society

by Kevin Ahed Nov, 23,1992

It is unknown how long Veta Bay Cave has been known. The cave contains a fire pit area near the northwest wall and about 20 Feet inside the entrance.

Veta Bay Cave consists mainly of one large mom approximateIy 50 by 80 feet with a walk- in 30 fWt long passage fish hooking to the south. The f l o o r is primarily of sand with some break- d m . At the end of the hooked-around passage, h e floor is 1 "3 feet below the entrance floor. Total survey with splay shots is 249.3 feet. It was surveyed July 21, 1992.


Because of cultural remains, the cave location should be strictly confidential and available only to professional archaeologists. Further archaeological infomation might be available through the U.S. Forest Service.

\ PROFILE 1

12 The Alaskan Cswer Vol, 13 Number5

BEDDED BUCKS CAVE Heceta Island, AK Preliminary Report #dl9 Tonga- Cave Project National Speleolopjcal Sciety

b Kevin Allred d ov. 23, 1992

Bedded Bucks Cave was first investigated by Jim Baichtal and Risa CarEson and later surveyed by them with the help of Katherine McGee and Steve Lewis on July 24,1992. After several drops to the 97.8 feet level, the cave ends in a pool. TotaI survey for the cave is 44.7 feet. No other information is available at h i s titime.


Although not a major cave, Bedded Bucks Cave appears to have at least hydroIogic significance, and therefore, should be protected.

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November 1 W3 The Alaskan Caver 13

Printe of Wales hhd, AK Preliminary Report #I17 Tongass Cave Project * National Sp[eleologi~~l Society


D E S C m O N

Veta Bay Cave is a littoral sea cave and is still subject to regular tidal action through the 40 foot high arch which is seaward of the cave entrance about 100 feet, A sand-filled ravine follows the

1 structural w e h e s s and trend of the cave out to sea. From the debris present, it appears that high ! tides and storms still occasionally touch the back reaches of the cave.

Clastic debris is sand and rocks. Tetal surveyed Iength is 135.7 feet and its surveyed height is 14.5 feet.


No archeological sites are known in Veta Bay Arch Cave. However, the public should not be directed to the m a . Veta Bay Arch Cave holds recreational value, but should be entered at lower tide levels.

- --

TOTEM POLE CAVE I N of Wales Island AK* . . Report #I14

T o m Cave bjed * N a t i o z & Sodety

by Kevin Allred and Steve Lewis Nov. 23, E 992 DF,SCRPRON: 'Fhe entrance is located along the boundary of well-drained, karsted slopes and p r l y drained glacial till on the flats. The 50 foot high by 30 foot wide entrance floored with steep breakdown, is accessed down a 15-20 foot deep sblution channel running almost due northwest. A small alcove, chimney and skylight are accessible to the north in the twilight zone, The cave trends eastward under a proposed logging unit until after I W feet it becomes too tight . A small lead near the bttom heads north, but becomes tight with rmk fill. There is no air flow in the low pms of the cave.

MANAGEMENT RECOMhENDA~ONS: TO- tem Pole Cave contains geologic, hydrologic, recreational and possible biological significance. It, along with other nearby caves, should be protected from logging and mad building impacts in order to sustain heir stable hvdroloaic. atmesoherlc and bio-

/ - - ! I 1 TDTEM PO# CAVE

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logic systems. I

TOADS PLUNGE CAVE Prime of W a h Island AK h m Report #I13 T o w Cave PFoW * N a M Speleologkd ,Wety by Kevin Abed Nov.23,1992

DESCRIPTION: The cave has two enmnces. The main entrance is a 15 fmt deep sinkhole not need- ing a rope. However, a handline is needed for the next 15 foot drop beginning at a slot in the floor. At the bottom of this drop, a caver can see daylight coming from the adjacent entrance. A steep canyon Ieads downward to a third 15 foot drop (vertical gear needed) where a ledge i s encountered. The East pit is 65 feet deep to a rubble floor. A trickle pouring into this pit disappears through a tiny hole in the fill.

BTOLOGY: A complete toad skeleton was found in an alcove on the bottom. Kent Carlson is checking the identities of a flying insect and a worm from the cave.

MANAGEMEW RECOMMENDATIONS: Toads Plunge Cave has signifncant hydrologic, geologic and biologic values and should be isolated from logging or road building impacts. 14 The Alaskan Caver Vol. 13 Number 5

RIVERS END CAVE Prbm of Wds L F M AK Pre- Rqmrt #I01 Addendm to RepoFt #45 Towcis Cave b j e c t * Nafknd S@edq$d Society


NEW DISCOVERIES

In 1992, project members discovered a new lead off the wide, broad passage just upstream From the stagnant sump at Yukon Pit. This extension still needs to be completely explored and surveyed. Near the entrance, a former, but now dry surnp allowed access to a short passage which.connects with a known part of the cave. The resurgence entrance was resumeyed and recorded on the map update.

Forestry Science Lab personnel from Juneau found whirly-gig beetles and amphipods in the stagnant sump. Later Kent Carlson collected some of the thousands of amphipods and noted at least one amphipod upstream from the cave entrance and in nearby Cataract Cave. IdentiFIcation of the speci- mens is forthcoming.

SHORT BOP CAVE P r i . l e e Q f W ~ I s l a n d A K ~ ~ .

Report #lo6 Tongprs Cnve Row * National sPebky&al Sodety

by Kevin AIhd Nev, 23, 1992 DESCRIPTION: Short Bop Cave is located at the bottom of a sinkhole which is part of a long solution trench running along the subalpine hillside, The cave is considerably frost shattered from cold air settling during the winter months, One rough tex- tured pocked wall inside has experienced ex- tensive solution from snow contact; the most ex- treme the author has seen. The cave is only 37 feet long and 3 1 feet deep, but could continue below the rubble filled flmr.

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: The solution speleogens should be protected for further study and therefore, protected from logging or road building impacts. The cave should be included in the area excluded from timber harvest above 1800 feet elevation; this entire area is covered with many large k m t features and eight known caves.

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THUNDER FALLS CAVE and

WHISPERING CANYON CAVE

Prince of Wales Island, AK Preliminary Report #I12 Tongass Cave Project National Speleological Society

DESCRIPTION: The sinkhole enbance to Thunder Falls Cave, the arch between it and neighboring Whispering Canyon Cave were first spotted by Jim Baichtal while travelling by helicopter over the area. On July 14, 1992, the initial exploration team consisting of Dave Herron, Katherine McGee, Julie Heaton and Carlene Allred, discovered the entrance to Whispering Canyon Cave, which is in the sink adjacent to and just west of Thunder Falls Cave.

The two caves, formed in Heceta. (Silurian) limestone near Sinkhole Lake. The lake, which everyone had assumed was contained in its own closed basin, actually drains into Thunder Falls Cave. The insurgence creek is deeply entrenched, forming a very narrow canyon that i s nearly undetectable from fithe surface. It enters the cave as a series of waterfalls that emerge from the wall of the sinkhole a fair distance down from the rim. In the bottom , which is 140 feet b l o w the level of the karst plain, the white-water creek enters into a downward sloping passage that heads to the northeast for about 50 feet. It then takes a sharp tnrn to the northwest, and after another 40 feet through this joint controlled passage jammed with logs, the cave sumps. Fifty feet above the bottom of the sink there is an enormous chockstone jammed between the rock walls.

Whispering Canyon Cave is named for the faint rustling noise that can be heard from the vicinity of the cave. The sound actually comes from the roaring waterfalls deep inside nearby Thunder Falls Cave. The Whispering Canyon entrance is located in the northwest end of the 35 foot deep sinkhole just west of Thunder Falls. This vadose canyon-like cave foPlows fairly straight along a fault fa r about 400 feet, heading towards the northwest, and ends in a sump; Passage widths average five feet and ceilings are generally 25 feet above floor level. This horizontal cave contains a flat flmr of mostly cobble fill throughout, but in the sump room the floor is covered with silt and humus.

In several places beautiful coralloid type calcite deposits m found growing on the. generaIIy dean walls. High up in the passage crevice near the ceiling level there are sparse amounts of small stalactites and soda seaws scattered throughout h e cave. The cave also contains tiny helicsites and some flowstone. In several places a thin coating of a coal-black deposit, possibly manganese, forms areas of vertically running streaks down the walls.

Whispering Canyon Cave was originally formed under phreatic groundwater conditions, as evidenced by the rounded contours of some parts ofthe ceiling, and by the portion of the cave that contains a fow- foot diameter tube atop the canyon passage. Over time the water level has been lowered by the Emation of deeper corridors, causing less corrosion on the cave's walls and ceiling, and more comsion/etosion in the floor.

Whispering Canyon Cave and the Thunder Falls sinkhole are formed along a fault trending from northwest to southeast. The stream from Sinkhole Lake also probabIy continues along this fault. In the southeast corner of the Thunder Falls Sink about 30 feet down from the rim an additional passage heads in that direction for 20 feet before becoming very narrow, This passage along with that of Whispering Canyon Cave from an abandoned stream level that is today high and dry. Judging from the bat guano and

Canthued on top af page 18

16 'She Alaskan Caver Vol. 13 Numhcr 5

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PROFILE - E

Continued from page 17 speteotherns present inside Whispering Canyon Cave, I will assume that the Thunder FaIIs sinkhole sel- dom or never fills up completely with water to overflow into Whispering Canyon Cave.

BIOLOGY: Scattered bat guano has been found on ledges throughout Whispering Canyon cage and some fungus gnat larvae were seen in one area.

SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS: The southeast end of the sink leading intowhispering Canyon Cave can be easily desended by use of 50 feet of rope tied off to a tree above. Ascenders may be needed by some people to get back out. From this same rope anchorage, 150 feet of rope wiU take a person through the arch that forms a high window beween the two sinks, and down to the stream cascading into Thunder Falls Cave. There are several logs jammed into the stream bed making travel along the stream at this level hazardous. Thunder Fans Cave can be best entered from the north rim in a shallow v-cut at the surface. It is a vertical 94 foot rappel down to the top of a 15 by 20 foot chockstone. From here it is mother 50 feet to the stream bed level from which the cave can be safely negotiated, A 200 fot rope is recommended.

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: Because of the nearby presence of potentially hazardous Thunder Falls Cave, and the bat habitat, I would recommend the location of Whispering Canyon Cave not be given to the general public, even though it is such an easy, safe horizontal cave. Further studies on the bats should be made to determine when they are present, and what impact human visitation would make upon their population-Loggers in the vicinity should take special care to do nothing that would cause debris or soil to enter Thunder Falls Cave. The sink is the main drain for the entire region, and if it becomes plugged it could overflow, flooding the entire basin. I recommend that a minimum 200 foot radius buffer be retained around the two caves for this, and aesthetic reasons, and that a simiIar buffer exist along both sides of h e entrenched surface stream all the way to Sinkhole Lake. The lake itself should be ringed with a 200 foot wide buffer to prevent unnecessary contamination by log and sediment debris. This was not done on nearby Cavern Lake and resuIted in large amounts of logs and debris washing into its insurgence cave. Thunder Fdls Cave is hazardous because of its vertical: natum md dangerous waterfalls laced with fallen logs. Its location should not be shared with the general pubIic. It should be entered only by those properly clothed, equipped and bained.

WIZARD'S MISSION CAVE Prince of Wales Island AK Preliminary Report #I17 Tongass Cave Project * National Speleolqid Society

by Kevin A l k d Nov. 23,1992 DESCRIPTION: Wizard's Mission Cave was discovered by Katherine McGee in the s m e r of 1 992. It is located in the side of a Heceta limestone cliff 200 feet above the north shore of Twin Island Lake. An emergence pours from cracks 15 feet below the entrance and flows south into the lake. Wizard's Mission soon ends in a pool and sump, The area has been clear-cut. No biology or cultural evidence were noted in she cave.

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: Even though the areas around and above the cave are clear- cut, there should nor be any further surface activities whch could further alter the hydrology and possible biology of this cave. The location can be shared with the general public.

----

W A R D ' S MISSION mkz TONGASS NATIONAL WRE5T

18 The Alaskan Caver Vol. 13 Number 5

SLATE CAVE Prince of Wales Island, Alaska Preliminary Report #1 W Addendum to Report #33

Tongass Cave Project National Speleological Society


On July 22, 1992, Katherine McGee and Steve Lewis entered Slate Cave to investigate a lead which was not pre- viously explored. The lead led to a shelf and ended.

M A N A G E M E N T R E C O M M E N D A - TIONS

As before, the location of the cave entrance should be xesuicted from the genera1 public. The forest areas around the cave which have been Ieft after Iogging should be preserved, as the entire area is part of the drainage for El Capitan Cave and the El Capitan Work Camp water supply. There is no doubt that SIate Cave and sur- rounding karst plays a large role in the hydrology of discharge below, and must not be altered further,


RED CANYON CAVE and

WHITE CANYON CAVE Prince of Wales Island, Alaska Preliminary Report #I02

Tongass Cave Project * NationaI Spe1eolog;ical Society

by Kevin Allred Nov. 23, 1992

Red Canyon and White Canyon Cave begin at fault contacts and contain canyon style passages downcuttrng into underlying red matrix breccia with limestone clasts up to one foot in drameta-. Five hundred feet north of the entrances to both caves is a resurgence thought to be from their respective streams. The insurgences at White Canyon Cave and above Red Canyon Cave are both at the hestonel conglomerate contact.

?'he caves were discovered in a proposed logging unit and first investigated in the fall of I991 by Mark FritzkeT who placed a no-harvest buffm around them.

RED CANYON DESCRPTION

Red Canyon Cave enbmce is located about 100 feet west of M i t e Canyon Cave. The Red Canyon entrance appears to be either an inactive insurgence sinkhole or blind canyon 35 feet deep. A second Red Canyon Cave entrance is a 40 foot deep sinkhole requiring an 80 foot rope, however, ropes are not needed If the access is from the upper entrance.

The upper, walk-in entrance has a floor of woody debris which scan becomes cobbles after a 20 foot drop. Following the canyon down past some side passages and loops, a spacious stream passage comes in from the west. One hundred and twenty feet upstream, it finally becomes too tight and wet. On the surface only 70 feet further is a swallet (insurgence) thought to be the origin of the active cave stream. TfklrtY feet downstream from the confluence of the canyon from the walk-in entrance is a loop passage containing the 40 foot sinkhole entrance. The active stream passage can be followed past some pools, maze passages and into "Moon Room", a large gallery with a floor of mud and some rocks and sticks. The stream enters a low muddy passage with an emerging draft. "Moonwalker Hall', 1 20-foot long, heads east from Moon Room.

BIOLOGY

Many bat droppings are present in the upper part of Red Canyon Cave. Also found in this cave was much organic debris, mayfly casts and a beetle. Deer bones were found in the terminal mom.

The roofs in both White and Red Canyon caves appear to be relatively thin and subject to collapse with surface activities such as road building. The m f n e a r the upper and lower ends of Red Canyon is formed of breakdown above solution channels. The caves also contain biologic resources, In addition. Moonwalker Hall is subject t~ flooding damage and corrosion from hydrologic changes. For these reasons, the areas overlaying the cave passages and around the insurgence and emergence should nor have timer harvested, and no road building should wcur. This no-harvest zone should extend at Ieast 200 feet beyond the nearest underlying passages or significant karst features such as the emergence and insurgence for a wind-firm buffer. In addition, the drainage (recharge area) upstream of the buffer should not be logged and road building should not alter the recharge drainage or introduce any additional fine sediments into the streams.

Red Canyon Cave should be designated as a restricted cave and visited only for scientific purposes. Because of its proximity, the location of White Canyon Cave should also be withheId from the public. 20 The Alaskan Caver Vol. 13 Nurnhcr 5

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Editor's notes:

It's party time! Cavers seem to be very busy people, operating their own businesses, working, raising families, traveling, making ends meet and participating in numerous other activities. The Christmas party gives everyone the opporhmity to relax, share n few wild tales and compete.

Yes, compete. Rumor has it that President Harvey Bowers is the one to beat in a caving board game. There shouId also be time to .we a few pictures of caving expeditions. Bring 35 mm slides of an adventure (but not more than 10 slides) and share them with the group. The pictures are not limited to a 1993 event.

Date.. .......... December 4, I 993

Time .......... ..6 p.m. Across from the silo on the PalmeT- Wasilla

Place.. ......... Alaskan Agate Bed & Breakfast Highway, turn near our s i g onto 4725 Begich Circle, Wasilta Begich Drive, then left onto Begich Circle.

Our grey house is the second on the left. Bring .......... Food (it is a potluck afiair), your

family (f~ends), and slides.

The Alaskan Caver 1921 Congress Circle, Apt. B Anchorage, AK 99507

Forwarding and Return

Postage guaranteed

Address Correction Requested

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