Emerald Lake Cave, Nevada

Emerald Lake Cave is a Nevada hydrothermal vertical cave with fascinating geological history. In the 1960s it was reported as 190ft long and 90ft deep with a large body of water — possibly connected to a large aquifer. Previous trips brought a raft and found the water deeper than comfortable to dive. Subsequent visits noted the water table dropping substantially. A farmer confirmed the water has dropped 50-60 years. With Jamie Goodwin, Justin Bailey, and Dakota Drew.

We showed up at 2am and got an early start. I expected to rappel straight into water from a 60ft sheer drop but the cave was instead a steep down-sloping breccia entrance with boxwork, dead animals, and bones at the bottom. The water was all gone — it had seeped back underground. The cave is warmer and more humid inside. Corrosion residue in veins and mammillary-like circular formations on walls and ceiling. Surveyed the first room with the DistoX2 (thanks Ron). The group did a ridge walk while I sketched.

Glad I did not bring diving gear — the lake was gone. The hydrological change over 50-60 years confirms what the farmer noticed: the grassland basin may eventually dry into a playa. A seldom-visited cave with real scientific significance. Impressive beauty and oddity of this hydrothermal system.

🎒 Gear for this: Petzl Tikka Headlamp · Petzl Vertex Helmet