Diving in Texas
The underwater world of Texas is beautiful in its diversity. We have lakes, rivers, and the Gulf of Mexico in which to dive. Over 6,000 square miles of this state’s land is covered in water. Interestingly, the only lake in Texas that is naturally formed is Caddo Lake in East Texas. All other lakes in the state are man-made. Texas boasts several scuba parks which have underwater attractions and on-site air fill stations.
Temperatures: Spring-fed waters such as the Comal River, Guadalupe River, and Balmorhea are usually 72 degrees Farenheit year-round in Texas. Lake water temperatures vary dramatically according to season. From June through October the surface water temperatures can be in the mid-80’s to even 90 degrees. In the winter our lakes can drop to the 40’s and 50’s. Just because it is a warm day outside does not mean the water is also warm; the waters usually stay cold until June although we frequently have hot weather long before that. Water temps are generally warm from June to November.
Texas lakes develop seasonal thermoclines. A thermocline is an area underwater in which the water temperature changes. The change can be very dramatic. Warmer water develops a layer at the surface and cooler water will stratify at depth. If you enter a thermocline you will immediately notice the water is much cooler than the water you were just in. To warm up just ascend a few feet until you exit the cooler water section. A body of water can have more than one thermocline.
Here is a link for water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico: http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/wgof.html
Visibility: The water visibility varies widely in Texas. The Spring season is the time for the best water clarity for Texas lakes. Good visibility in a Texas lake can be ten feet in some lakes and forty feet in others. Spring-fed lakes and rivers are usually fairly clear year-round. The Gulf of Mexico generally has poor visibility closer to shore which improves the farther you get from shore.
Hazards: Probably the most overlooked hazard of diving in Texas is fishing line. Texans love to fish and that means lots of fishing line left underwater. Divers can become entangled in this line and should be very wary of it. The line can be practically invisible and cannot be broken with the hands when it is new. Divers should always carry a dive knife and/or shears with them to cut any line they may become entangled in.
Unlike the ocean which has a huge variety of creatures, fresh water does not usually have a lot of potentially dangerous aquatic life. Some Texas lakes are home to alligators and water snakes. Usually these creatures are not aggressive unless provoked but it’s probably best to give them a wide berth. Ocean creatures like sharks and morays are usually only dangerous to divers who harass and feed them.
Wrecks are a dangerous allure for many divers. Wreck dangers include entanglement, injury, and overhead environments. They are often a tangle of loose wires, cable, and sharp edges. Entering a wreck can lead to disorientation and the dangers of an overhead environment.
Fresh Water Marine Life: Underwater creatures you will find in Texas lakes and rivers include bass, carp, sunfish, and catfish. Of course, each location will have something a little different. Balmorhea State Park in West Texas and Spring Lake in Central Texas have endangered species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Salt Water Marine Life: The Flower Gardens Reef in the Gulf of Mexico is home to many coral species and reef dwelling fish. Some divers may be lucky to encounter a migrating whale shark or hammerheads. Moray eels live in the coral heads. Rays and turtles are sometimes seen, as are dolphins.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/aquaticspecies/marine.phtml
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Valhalla Missile Silo, Abilene, TX |
Shark at Windy Point Park, Austin, TX |