Caves can be exciting places to explore, but they also pose many risks that cavers need to be aware of. Some of the main risks of caving include:
Falling Rocks/Collapse
One of the most dangerous risks in caves is falling rocks or cave collapse. Caves are constantly changing environments with unstable rock formations. Rockfalls can happen at any time without warning. Large sections of caves can also collapse, trapping or crushing anyone inside. Some things that can cause cave collapse include:
– Earthquakes or seismic activity – This can destabilize cave structures.
– Rainwater – Makes cave rock and soil erosion worse over time.
– Poorly bolted rigging – Climbing equipment that is poorly installed can give way.
– Too many cavers in an unstable area – Their movement and vibrations can worsen existing instability.
To mitigate rockfall and collapse risks, cavers should use properly installed bolts and anchors for rigging, avoid already unstable areas, wear helmets, and not disturb cave integrity by touching or bumping formations. Having cave monitoring equipment and emergency plans are also vital precautions.
Floods
Caves are subject to flooding risks when water levels rise from rain or melting snow/ice. Flash floods can happen quickly, giving cavers little warning or chance to escape. Completely mapped escape routes are essential in case flooding occurs. Wearing wetsuits can help deal with cold floodwater if temporarily trapped. Diving equipment may also be needed in severe flooding situations.
Things to beware of regarding cave floods:
– Rainstorms near cave openings
– Swelling of underground rivers and lakes
– Caves that have a “drain” structure and siphon water quickly
– Spring snowmelt flooding cave systems
– Tidal areas where rising ocean levels press water inland into caves
Avoiding caving during periods of heavy rains or seasonal runoff can help reduce flood risks. Having emergency plans for dealing with sudden flooding is also critical.
Getting Lost
It’s very easy to get lost or disoriented inside extensive cave systems. Even experienced cavers can get turned around in complex networks of tunnels and chambers. Running out of light sources can worsen issues of being lost.
Ways to reduce getting lost underground:
– Use navigational aids like compasses, trail markers, or GPS devices
– Know the mapped layout of the cave extremely well before entering
– Use climbing tape to mark explored passages
– Always have multiple light sources – at least one for backup
– Clearly understand the planned route and distances inside
– Never cave alone and use the “buddy system”
Even with precautions, having rescue teams ready to search if people get lost is important. Having emergency caches of food, water, and lights inside caves can help people survive until found.
Gas Poisoning
Some caves contain areas where harmful gases accumulate in deadly concentrations. This includes carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen sulfide and radon gas. These toxic fumes can cause rapid loss of consciousness, suffocation, or long-term health issues.
Where cave gases tend to pool:
– Stagnant lower areas of caves
– Near sulfur springs or decaying organic material
– Tight squeezes or cracks where airflow is restricted
– Caves carved in certain rock types more prone to gasses
Gas precautions when caving:
– Carry gas detectors to test environment continuously
– Know if the cave system has any known gas threats
– Avoid low “drain” areas prone to CO2 pooling
– Ensure cave has good airflow before entering very far
– Mark known gassing areas and exercise extreme caution
Proper gas detector use, awareness of wind direction, and preparedness to exit immediately can help prevent gas-related incidents. Having breathing apparatus as backup for unexpected gassing is also a good precaution.
Falling into Pits
One of the easiest ways to get injured caving is falling into one of the many pits, holes and vertical drops often found inside cave systems. These can range from a few feet deep to hundreds of feet deep. Injuries from falling can be very serious. Some tips:
– Clearly mark pit edges and keep safety ropes installed
– Use extreme caution moving near any unprotected drop
– Rig climbing ropes, harnesses and proper anchors for pit descents
– Test and maintain all equipment used for vertical caving
– Check depth of pits before descending if unknown
– Practice technical ropework skills for pit exploration
Avoiding distractions and staying alert around pits is key. Also using helmets, padding and other impact protection when spending time near pit edges. Backup safety lines provide an extra level of protection as well.
Hypothermia
The cold, damp environments in caves can lead to dangerous hypothermia if cavers are not prepared. Having proper layered clothing, insulation, head protection and emergency blankets is important. Other tips to prevent hypothermia:
– Avoid cotton clothes that retain moisture
– Stay hydrated and maintain energy levels
– Place emergency caches of warm clothing in the cave
– Monitor team members for early signs of hypothermia
– Abort the cave trip if anyone is getting dangerously cold
– Use heat packs, socks and gloves to immediately warm hypothermia victims
Waterproof outer layers, wool/synthetic base layers, and windproof jackets/pants help regulate caver core body temperature. Having insulated rest spots and warm liquids can also help prevent hypothermia underground.
Dehydration
It’s easy to get dehydrated and exhausted traversing long distances inside caves. Dehydration leads to issues like hypothermia, falls, and getting lost. Ways cavers can prevent dehydration:
– Drink plenty of water before and during the caving trip
– Take frequent small sips of water to stay hydrated
– Have water filters to resupply from underground streams
– Use electrolyte mixes to replace salts and minerals lost
– Take salty snacks to balance fluid loss
– Listen to your body and rest/rehydrate when thirsty
– Keep water containers insulated from cold if possible
Having backup water sources in case of unexpected delays is important. Monitoring all team members for signs of dehydration prevents it from becoming severe. Exiting the cave immediately at the first signs of serious dehydration or exhaustion is key.
Falling Stones from Above
In areas with climbable chimneys, shafts, and pits there is risk of falling objects from cavers above. This includes:
– Rocks accidentally kicked loose
– Equipment or other items dropped
– Mud and debris from boots scraping walls
Mitigation strategies include:
– Mandatory helmet use in all vertical areas
– No climbing directly above other team members
– Wait to ascend till team is past hazardous zones
– Careful equipment handling to avoid drops
– Use of retention lanyards for gear
– Marking out hazardous areas overhead
– Verbal signals of falling object warnings
Taking steps to minimize what’s brought into vertical spaces reduces potential falling objects. Soft helmets may also give more protection than hard hats if hit by falling debris. Having robust anchor points for hauling equipment up vertically is also important.
Falling when Climbing
Caves often require technical climbing and ropework to explore. This introduces risks of falls that can happen even with proper safety gear. Some climbing risks:
– Ropes or anchors failing from wear/damage
– Improper use of climbing gear
– Knots or harnesses failing
– Slipping on wet flowsone or muddy slopes
– Loose hand/footholds giving way unexpectedly
– Overhanging climb sections where falls swing clear
– Unknown climb difficulties due to lack of beta
Ways for cavers to manage fall risks:
– Use new ropes or thoroughly inspect existing
– Have proper training for vertical caving techniques
– Frequently check rope integrity, knots and system setup during climbs
– Take time to identify solid, tested holds before starting climb
– Consider belaying or adding backup lines for difficult traverses
– Use padding, helmets and gloves to protect from impacts during falls
– Abort climbs if conditions seem unsafe or not sufficiently scouted
With care, checks and caution vertical caving can be done safely. But any mistakes or rushed procedures can be costly. Having an emergency plan for handling fall injuries is also essential.
Wild Animal Encounters
Caves can be home to potentially dangerous wild animals. Bats are the most common, but larger animals like mountain lions, bears and wolves may also use caves for shelter. Poisonous snakes, spiders, scorpions and other creatures may inhabit regional caves as well. Precautions when dealing with cave-dwelling wildlife:
– Research what animals live in that cave system
– Listen and watch for animal signs like sounds and guano
– Avoid disturbing den areas or blocking escape routes
– Travel in groups and avoid splitting up
– Carry deterrent spray if large carnivores are possible
– Use camping procedures that keep food contained away from animals
– Mark areas with spider webs and remove carefully
– Vaccinate against diseases like rabies, hantavirus and tetanus
It’s also important not to harm or provoke any wildlife encountered. Move quietly and keep distance from any nesting or den areas discovered. Reporting deadly threats like snakes for removal is better than attempting to handle oneself. Removal of all food garbage helps avoid attracting carnivores.
Claustrophobia or Panic Attacks
The tight, confined spaces in caves can trigger claustrophobia, panic attacks or anxiety in some people. This can jeopardize safety deep inside remote caves. Strategies for managing this include:
– Screen team members for mental fitness and phobias before extensive caving
– Have those prone to panic avoid narrow passages or vertical pits
– Teach calming and anti-anxiety techniques
– Make safety plans for dealing with members suddenly unable to continue
– Carry anti-anxiety medication for use in emergencies if doctors approve
– Use communication and distraction to keep anxious cavers focused
– Provide counseling resources after trips if needed
In cases of someone freezing up and unable to move, sedative medication may be required to keep both the victim and team safe during extraction. Having enough team members to allow one to safely exit early with someone exhibiting anxiety issues is also good planning.
Slips and Falls in Passages
The wet, muddy or rocky floors of caves leads to slips or falls that can cause injury. Sprains, fractures, scrapes and other harm can result from falling. Methods to avoid injury:
– Wear shoes with sturdy gripping soles
– Use trekking poles or handholds to maintain balance
– Take passages slowly and identify tripping hazards
– Mark slick areas and provide ropes or chains to grip
– Carry a first aid kit to treat minor injuries
– Use kneepads, gloves and padded clothing for falls
– Distribute weight in packs properly so not top heavy
Simple falls can quickly become dire if it leaves someone unable to walk out. Having emergency evacuation procedures ready allows safe transport of injured cavers to aid.
Low Oxygen Environments
Some caves may have areas with dangerously low oxygen levels due to lack of airflow. This can cause hypoxia with symptoms like:
– Headache, nausea or dizziness
– Shortness of breath or rapid heart rate
– Impaired thinking or coordination
– Unconsciousness in severe cases
To avoid low oxygen issues:
– Look for pour overs, drips or breezes to ensure airflow
– Avoid stagnant areas with no obvious air movement
– Watch for algae or bacterial growth signaling low oxygen
– Use oxygen meters to test environment
– Carry backup oxygen if needed for routes with known issues
– Exit area immediately at any hypoxia symptoms
Proper training to recognize personal hypoxia symptoms helps catch issues early. Having robust safety rules against pressing on into questionable oxygen areas also keeps teams safe.
Bacterial, Fungal or Viral Infections
Caves with extensive bat populations may contain diseases like histoplasmosis or rabies. Other illnesses can come from:
– Contaminated water if drinking untreated flows
– Fungal infections from bat and bird guano dust
– Unhygienic conditions leading to health issues
– Sick cavers spreading airborne diseases in confined spaces
Ways that cavers can avoid these health risks:
– Get appropriate vaccines like rabies, tetanus, etc.
– Use filter systems to treat any cave water before drinking
– Carry antibiotic creams and oral medicines for infections
– Avoid stirring up and breathing guano/sediment dust
– Decontaminate all gear and clothing after cave trips
– Wash hands thoroughly and avoid touching face
– Have proper PPE like disposable coveralls and masks
– Quarantine anyone exhibiting symptoms before caving
Proper training, medical screening and emergency response planning prevents minor health issues from becoming major. Cavers also need monitoring after trips to watch for any disease incubation periods.
Conclusion
Caving can be an extremely rewarding activity when done safely. But the risks cavers face from falling, flooding, gases, getting lost and health hazards are very real. Mitigating these through proper training, equipment, safety procedures and emergency planning is crucial. No matter how much precaution taken though, the underground environment is inherently dangerous. Understanding and respecting these risks ultimately keeps recreational cavers safe to continue exploring amazing cave systems.
