High altitude diving question.

Ryan Nelson · Feb 13, 2014

I am planning on diving Blue Hole, NM but have to be back in Denver that same day. Going over Raton Pass seems like it will present a problem as it's a significant gain of elevation. If I spend more time in the water at my safety stop will that extra "off gassing" help with my circumstance?

Any help would be appreciated.

Agility · Feb 13, 2014

surface oxygen would be more effective.
Do the dive as early as possible and leave the dive site as late as possible

knotical · Feb 13, 2014

additional considerations:

from:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ro...higher-elevation-after-diving.html#post959181

there is a 1000 ft climb, right on I-40, immediately after leaving Santa Rosa. Next time you go there look back towards town when you are leaving. If you haven't noticed before, you will be surprised!

and from:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ro...79-warning-travel-santa-rosa.html#post4861573

Although Raton Pass (~7834 ft) is the highest point before entering Colorado, not everyone is aware how much of the elevation increase occurs how early. Just the trip from Santa Rosa (~4615 ft) to Las Vegas (~6450 ft) is over half the elevation gain experienced on the way to Raton Pass. But we don't notice it so much because it is pretty gradual.

Las Vegas and the City of Raton (~6350 ft) are at essentially the same elevation, and then you get the rapid increase.

tursiops · Feb 13, 2014

One approach is to do it as an altitude dive.....assume the Blue Hole is the altitude of the pass. Use altitude-diving procedures, with a theoretical depth, and slower ascents.

High altitude diving question.

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Ryan Nelson

Contributor

Agility

Contributor

knotical

perpetual student

tursiops

Marine Scientist and Master Instructor (retired)

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