Nenthead mines - collapse · AditNow Community

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Grout1
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

6 years ago

Please be aware that there is a major collapse in Rampgill along Hanginshaws branch. This has occurred within the last 3 days.

It is no longer possible to reach the fixed ladder up to Proud Sump flats. Anyone undertaking an abseil trip through from Smallcleugh to Proud Sump flats should take full SRT kit as they will have to reverse the route.

As a further warning, when we reached the fall from the inbye side, an oxygen level of less than 16.5 percent was encountered.

The fall consists of very large boulders and seems to be pretty substantial.

Futher investigations will follow from the outbye side on Friday.

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Peter Burgess
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

6 years ago

That's not good news - the condition of all mine-workings is on an inevitable path of decline and the best we can do is to delay the inevitable by making routes as safe as we can, and being aware of alternative routes where possible. It's one of the fundamental differences between natural caves and mines, and should be something we are constantly aware of.

TheCret!n
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

6 years ago

So...

Who is keen to lend a hand digging?
It’s a popular “trade-route” that needs to stay open.
Any help would be appreciated, for sure...

Leif.

“Oh what a fun experience, my ‘Ouse is full of deviants....”

legendrider
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

6 years ago

Bad news indeed. I'm assuming its one of the hoppers that have collapsed and run?

I'll be happy to pitch in, other commitments permitting

MARK

festina lente[i]

Grout1
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

6 years ago

Some progress has been made over last day or two, but it may take a while. As ever, GNick + team of helpers have been enthusiastically moving scaffolding etc up to the sharp end.

Warning signs have been posted at Proud Sump. These will remain until the problem (sorry, challenge) is resolved.

Unfortunately the Easter visitors are leaving tomorrow, so he may be seeking more local assistance.

TheCret!n
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

6 years ago

As ever, I’ll be digging with him.
Mark - get yourself there, mate!

Good job to all of those who have made a start on it.
Nick’ll no doubt appreciate that.

Leif.

“Oh what a fun experience, my ‘Ouse is full of deviants....”

gNick
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

6 years ago

Current status is that the dig is just about stable and we have got air and water flow. The water is about 3 feet deeper on the inbye side and currently verging on suicidal to try and get inbye from the fall.

Don't expect to be able to get out from Proud's Flats.

This, along with last year's collapse in Smallcleugh, should give all of us a serious reminder of what we explore. Just because you have been there loads of times does not mean that it is safe.

Don't look so embarrassed, it's a family trait...

OverandUnders
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

6 years ago

Just been in to have a look.
Great job already done, but work to do shouldn't be underestimated. Large boulders, long walk in, limited working /stowage space and deep water.
But sounds quite normal for you Nick.:thumbsup:
Let us all know how and when we can help.
Charlie and Sue

kroca
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

6 years ago

Hi Nick any chance you could post photos so we can see what we are up against .;)

gNick
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

6 years ago

#10

I forgot the camera when I was last in - carrying scaffold poles was a bit of a distraction! I'll take some pics on Thursday.

As a bit of a rough idea, the level is double width and effectively double height and the hopper was a big one, the space is pretty much filled. A LOT of stuff has come down. The thigh deep water on the outbye side does make building pack walls a bit awkward.

There's a big rock towards the bottom which might be the cause of the collapse, it has dropped and burst a pack wall (the hopper was empty).

On the positive side there isn't a big hole in Carrs Mine, or at least not one in an accessible area...

Don't look so embarrassed, it's a family trait...

kroca
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

6 years ago

#11

Thanks Nick thank god the hopper was empty.

gNick
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

6 years ago

#12

"kroca" wrote:
Thanks Nick thank god the hopper was empty.

I think there would have been less debris if it had been full but...

Don't look so embarrassed, it's a family trait...

TheCret!n
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

6 years ago

#13

Any volunteers to lend a hand?

There must be someone - How many folk have travelled that passage in the past?
How about “putting something back in”?
Even if it’s just acting Sherpa?
Nick has made a good start - still A LOT to shift though, the fall is a big ‘un.
Anything would be greatly appreciated.

Leif.

“Oh what a fun experience, my ‘Ouse is full of deviants....”

PeteJ
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

6 years ago

#14

"TheCret!n" wrote:
Any volunteers to lend a hand?

There must be someone - How many folk have travelled that passage in the past?
How about “putting something back in”?
Even if it’s just acting Sherpa?
Nick has made a good start - still A LOT to shift though, the fall is a big ‘un.
Anything would be greatly appreciated.

Leif.

Is the 9th May a date?

Pete Jackson
Frosterley
01388527532

gNick
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

6 years ago

#15

It is indeed a date ;D
I'll be up at the Assay House by about 5.

Don't look so embarrassed, it's a family trait...

legendrider
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

6 years ago

#16

regret have to tender my Apologies - my Dance Card is full this week.

MARK

festina lente[i]

gNick
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

6 years ago

#17

There is now a safe route through the fall, the water level inbye is only a little higher than on the outbye side and no unpleasant crawling is required.

Thanks to the dig team and all the extra willing helpers who have helped to carry stuff in and out, build walls, throw rocks and stand around getting cold and wet. :thumbsup:

Don't look so embarrassed, it's a family trait...