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Flooding

On the 15th March, two experienced wardens became trapped in the cave by flood water. After an uncomfortable 24 hours waiting for water levels to drop, they were rescued unharmed - but not without the involvement of large numbers of rescuers and extensive media coverage. Although this is the first such event for many years, we'd like to draw wardens' attention to a few points:-

Under certain conditions, the water levels in the cave can react very quickly to rainfall. It doesn't take a major storm to make the cave impassible: "normal" steady rain will cause the lakes to sump after a few hours if the ground is already wet.
Although the water levels can drop quickly once the rain stops, it is not unusual for the lakes to remain sumped for days at a time. Despite the survival equipment provided in Boulder Chamber, it's quite clear that being trapped there for more than a short period would be very unpleasant and potentially life-threatening. Apparent trends towards a wetter and more extreme climate suggest that long-duration floods are becoming more common.
Divers were able to pass lakes 2 & 3 whilst the cave was flooded - but the Cascades beyond were completely impassable due to the huge flow of water and potentially lethal stopper-waves. If you become trapped by high water, there is no magic escape route.
Heed the advice of local cavers and showcave staff. If in doubt, come back another day.

Tunnel Cave / Cathedral Cave Through-Trips

We are delighted to announce that work on the airlock and gate is now complete and that through-trips will be possible from the 15th March. Access rules for the connecting airlock have been agreed with the Showcave Management and are available here. Please note that Tunnel Top Entrance is owned by SWCC and that a separate key is required, available from the Duty Officer at Penwyllt.

Wardens' Meeting 2007

The annual Wardens' Meeting was held at The Gwyn on Saturday 17th November. Arwel Michael about the fascinating history of the area. Judith Harvey gave an update on progress with the National Park's Waen Wignen Felen restoration project. Tony Baker gave an illustrated presentation about Twyn Tal Draenen and Elsie Little spoke about progress with the Dan yr Ogof Management Plan. DYOCAC Chairman, Bernie Woodley, provided a report on the activities of the Committee over the past twelve months, the text of which is available here.

Undoubtedly a highlight of the evening was the presentation by Ashford Price on behalf of the Showcave Company of Lifetime Achievement Awards to Eileen Davies, Eric Inson and David Judson in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the exploration of the cave.

Online Trip Reports

Wardens are reminded that they need to provide a report after each trip into the cave. Apart from providing essential statistics on quantities of visitors to different parts of the cave, trip reports can be used to alert us to conservation or fixed aids issues requiring attention. By far the simplest method of filling a trip report is using the online form on this website. A paper form is also available and can be downloaded from here.

Access

The showcave is now open for the Summer season and access will be available during normal opening hours without a key. You are, however, advised to get a key to the cavers' entrance if there is any possibility of returning after the showcave has closed for the day. A list of current key holders is available here.