Elkhorn WV

[TheRedBarron]

Hello all,

I was wondering if anyone had any photos or information on a cave just south of Elkhorn Rock on the base of the mountain. I know American University and WV DNR has done some exploration in it, but not all of it has been seen. From what I understand, it is 700 ft deep.

Understanding that this isn't Mongold, does anyone have any information on it?

See here: for the location.

See here: (http://thumbs.trulia-cdn.com/pictures/t ... 70c853.jpg) for entrance photo.

Thanks in advance -

RB

[Phil Winkler]

RB, posting cave locations is not permitted here so I deleted the link to the map.

[TheRedBarron]

No worries! Thanks Phil. I appreciate that.

[driggs]

Deaheart Cave (also known as Gepheart Cave) has a surveyed length of 757 feet and depth of 238 feet.

It has evidence of saltpeter mining, including trenches, excavations, and rotting torches.

There are records of summer use by endangered Virginia Big-Eared Bats.

It was surveyed and mapped in 1990 by John Ganter.

[Caving Guru]

This is the description of Deaheart Cave (Gepheart Cave) in "The Caves and Karst of Grant County West Virginia (West Virginia Speleological Survey Bulletin #17) by George Dasher":

"Deaheart Cave slopes steeply downward, generally as a walking and stooping-height passage. The floor is clay and muddy in spots. There is evidence of saltpeter mining-trenches, excavations, and a rotting pile of torches. There were also, in May of 1990, about 75 Virginia big-eared bats (an apparent maternity colony) in one 15-foot-high dome. The cave "ends" a few hundred feet past this dome, where the ceiling lowers and the clay fill nearly chokes the passage. There is some old graffiti on the wall: "NSS 46" and "AAS."

The cave is 757 feet long and 238 feet deep. Four leads remain: a kind of fissure in the ceiling near the entrance; a climbing lead, going west, near an 8-foot climb; and a dome near the bat roost with a possible lead at the top. These climbs are not long, just a bit muddy and awkward. The lead near the 18-foot-high dome might require bolting.

The last and best lead is the pinch at the back of the cave. This could be easily dug, moves a bit of air, and had bats flying through it."

[rlboyce]

Red, is Deaheart Cave the one you are referring to? If so, out of curiosity, what is your interest in it?

[Caving Guru]

Red, is Deaheart Cave the one you are referring to? If so, out of curiosity, what is your interest in it?

The location and entrance picture both match up to Deaheart Cave's location provided in WVASS Bulletin #17 and the picture of Deaheart Cave's entrance provided in WVASS Bulletin #17 so it has to be Deaheart Cave.

[TheRedBarron]

Thanks all for the information - I certainly appreciate it. You are all certainly a wonderful resource.

rlboyce, I'll send you a PM as I don't want to clutter up the message boards.

[TheRedBarron]

Thanks for the photos CavingGuru! That was awfully kind of you.

-Red

[driggs]

Greg Jones, you are publicly posting verbatim contents of a publication copyright by the West Virginia Speleological Survey, and a map copyright John Ganter, of a privately-owned cave, to an anonymous person on the Internet.

[Tim White]

Greg Jones, you are publicly posting verbatim contents of a publication copyright by the West Virginia Speleological Survey, and a map copyright John Ganter, of a privately-owned cave, to an anonymous person on the Internet.

Post deleted.

[BrianFrank]

I agree with Tim White, whatever it was he said

[Caving Guru]

Sorry David A. Riggs and Tim White. I was just trying to help Red Barron out. I meant no harm with my posts. I will refrain from posting similar material in the future.