oronogo missouri diving

[wanz0916]

Does anyone know how good the diving is at Oronogo? I have dove Tenkiller several times in the last two months logging 10-15 dives there but would be willing to drive to Oronogo if the diving is better.
Thank You for your opinions.

[navyhmc]

To start: A gratuitous plug for our fellow forum member's (Snagel) site try » Midwestmuckdiving He's got a lot of midwest lake conditions.

The cost is $12 per day, John has some rental gear if you need it, 3000 fills are usually $6, nitrox is usually $ .10 per cu ft. He blends whatever mix you want.

I was there about 2 weekends ago. The diving isn't too bad, John has a lot of stuff in the shallows (15'-40') to look at, there's a number of boats here and there as well as some sunken cars and a plane at 40'. The vis wasn't too bad that weekend-about 10'-15'. Sunday it's a little worse especially in the shallows due to students. Not a bad thing, but it happens. Right now, the temps are pretty good; 60f at 95'. At the mid range depths (50'-100') the vis is usually a litle better up to 20' but there's not a lot to really see. For the most part, 5 dives will let you see most of the stuff worth seeing there is a golf cart at 80' and a cabin cruiser at 95' with a few boats in between.

The most fun is the walk down and up the hill. I recommend a short stay at the water before heading back up.

There are a number of shafts that lead off from the walls that you can get into before you know it, so be aware of those. In the east side, the only one's in rec limits are the doors and are caverns not shafts-follow a wall and you'll get out. A little fish life, but not much.

In all, I enjoy diving there and it's good for a weekend out. Drop a line when you want to go in the DDCN area ( http://forum.scubatoys.com/ddcn/ ) and I'm sure someone will be able to meet you there.

When are you thinking of going?

[wanz0916]

I am planning on going Sat the 5th. I plan on leaving Norman around 7 in the morning and figure that this will but me there sometime around 11. I just dont want to drive that far, and it not be as good as Tenkiller.

[snagel]

I've tried to dive Tenkiller twice (last year) but each time cancelled the trip due to the conditions. I hear it's much better this year, but haven't had time to make it down. I don't think you will be disappointed with Oronogo. It is a nice quarry with a lot of attractions and worth the drive.

BTW, thanks Navy for the plug.

Snagel

[wanz0916]

Tenkiller has been okay this year. If you can make it down there Fri, or early Sat it is much better because after noonish on Sat the OW classes have the silt stirred up and the vis droppes to around 7' at the most.

[mm2002]

Oronogo is a good dive. The walls are almost as dramatic as Mermet, but not as clean (tons and tons of algae growth). The tunnels are awesome, but be careful and pay attention to the pre-dive briefing. It's DEEP, so know where you are. I'll see if I can dig up some pics and vids.

[DivingCRNA]

Originally Posted by mm2002

Oronogo is a good dive. The walls are almost as dramatic as Mermet, but not as clean (tons and tons of algae growth). The tunnels are awesome, but be careful and pay attention to the pre-dive briefing. It's DEEP, so know where you are. I'll see if I can dig up some pics and vids.

Mermet actually had TERRIBLE VIS 2.5 weeks ago. The same or worse than Oronogo that same week. I would say 5 foot max for a lot of the quarry the weekend I was in Mermet.

[mm2002]

Originally Posted by DivingCRNA

Mermet actually had TERRIBLE VIS 2.5 weeks ago. The same or worse than Oronogo that same week. I would say 5 foot max for a lot of the quarry the weekend I was in Mermet.

Yeah, it can get that way, especially after a rain. I've also seen 30 ft there, so conditions can vary greatly.

[jamiejo]

Deep Voice (Jamie's Husband) I dove Oronogo Today and Yesterday. Viz was great! for Oronogo. In the shallows it was about 15' and the same on the second road. 95' . Viz was F-ing great at 175' about 20-25' then at 180' there was a milky haze. Almost looked like fog. Water temp is 68deg. all the way down to 120' then it drops fast to 49deg at 180'.
Great weekend of diving!

[navyhmc]

I see the water's up again, is that big slit pile still at the entrance?

I hope to make it down there this month sometime...