I’ve done 180′ by the Dam (not the old dam), diving next to the main (south) marina boat ramp. (Winter) I’ve done 150′ diving in the marina (Spring)I’ve done 140′ at Vista Point (Winter and Summer) The best I have gotten on the west side is 70′ over by Desert Tortoise Road. (Spring)
New dam, Please keep in mind that this was during the winter, thus ramp traffic is SIGNIFICANTLY less. It’s almost impossible to do this in the summer. And, summer weekends are out!
You drive about half way down the ramp. Drop off your equipment on the left hand side. Drive back up the ramp and park in the parking lot by the sailboat repair shop. Walk down the ramp to your equipment. Hump your equipment down the hill (in the winter it is about 20 to 30 feet below the ramp). Dive in!
At about 30′ (Winter/Spring), there is a channel. Follow the channel to Southwest. You will then come to the riverbed, turn south.
As you get close to the dam, it will get darker. You want a powerful light. A lot of debris at the surface almost makes this an overhead environment.
Since the flow runs toward the dam, debris collects in the area. Silt is pretty thick on the bottom, although the water is fairly clear (usually).
This is typically an expert level dive for qualified tech divers. Do not try this dive without the proper training and equipment. Be cognizant that this is a working dam!
BE EXTRA CAREFUL WITH SURFACING…HEAVY BOAT TRAFFIC AREA…IT’S RIGHT NEXT TO THE MARINA ENTRANCE AND EXIT.
ps – boat fishing is very popular in this area. The debris almost acts as an artificial reef.
Courtesy of John Flanders Academy of Scub
