Deepest pit found in Lechuguilla Cave

In early May, a team of experienced cave explorers climbed more than 410 feet into a high dome in Lechuguilla Cave, led by Derek Bristol of Colorado. Upon reaching the top, lead climber James Hunter discovered a maze of previously unknown passages, pits and large rooms, which they called collectively, Oz. One large room measured 600 feet long, 100 to 150 feet wide, and 75 to 150 feet high. It was dubbed Munchkin Land. Lechuguilla Cave is an extensive cave system in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, known worldwide for its large rooms, unusual minerals, massive and fragile cave formations, and importance in scientific study. This discovery heralds new areas for physical and scientific exploration. Since mapping began in 1986, explorers have surveyed more than 134.6 miles of cave passages in Lechuguilla Cave. Because of its delicate environment and scientific importance, only about 100 people, usually vetted explorers and scientists, are permitted to enter the cave every year. Ten cavers from Colorado, South Dakota, New Mexico, California and Arizona participated in the eight-day underground expedition that made the latest discoveries, the greatest amount of distance added to the survey in one day since 1989. "To understand the sheer size of this space, imagine that a 51-story tower could fit inside," explained Stan Allison, Carlsbad Caverns National Park cave technician...more