Lake Tenkiller

[Disneymom]

OK, Okies - Lake Tenkiller, south of Tahlequah - how bad is it? I want to dive it because it is convenient, but am concerned about the vis. Give me the scoop, please?

[TxScubaBear]

Disney Mom, check out this thread, I was just there reading about this place:
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=198958

[ZeroViz]

This can be a fun place to dive. Easy access to the water. Usually about 10'-30' visibility depending on your depth. You can get more info on the diving at http://www.lakediver.com/map/oklahoma/tenkiller.html as well as a small underwater video to give you an idea of the conditions. Across from the state park there is a restaurant called "Big Daddy's". They have great milk shakes and burgers!

[Disneymom]

Zero Vis - We tried Big Daddy's when we went down there looking around a couple weeks ago - great shakes! I've just heard so much negative about it, but is so convenient for me! I'd like to try to dive the lake, but do want to be able to see...

Is that dive park there in that campground right across the street from Big Daddy's shore entry?

[TxScubaBear]

Thanks for the link ZeroViz....great info! Makes me want to go there after I get my AOW....

[fire diver]

If you are expecting caribbean clear water, then stay home. If you want a great dive with some decent oklahoman vis, then drive down as much as possible. The Park loses vis if you get there late on a weekend. Too many students stir up the bottom. Go there during the week, or get there early Sat. Vis will probably be 15+ If you go break the thermal cline the vis only gets better. If you plan on diving below 30 feet, bring a thick wetsuit. First thermal will drop the temp about 15 degrees right now, second is probably around 45-50 feet. You will be in the 60's temp wise at that depth. But the vis down there is amazing! You'll need a light to see anything that deep.

FD

[Coaster]

Originally Posted by fire diver

If you are expecting caribbean clear water, then stay home. If you want a great dive with some decent oklahoman vis, then drive down as much as possible. The Park loses vis if you get there late on a weekend. Too many students stir up the bottom. Go there during the week, or get there early Sat. Vis will probably be 15+ If you go break the thermal cline the vis only gets better. If you plan on diving below 30 feet, bring a thick wetsuit. First thermal will drop the temp about 15 degrees right now, second is probably around 45-50 feet. You will be in the 60's temp wise at that depth. But the vis down there is amazing! You'll need a light to see anything that deep.

FD

Thanks for the post...this is useful information.

[Disneymom]

thanks for the info, FD. No, I know I'm not going to find caribbean clear waters, but I hear anything from "I couldn't see my hand in front of my face" to the 15'+. I think it's at least a try, and it's a LOT more convenient for me than Beaver. I don't have any problem being there early on a Saturday.
So.... till my husband and daughter (hopefully) gets their certs - anybody wanna go?

[Coaster]

I'd like to go.....can't this weekend...doing night dives (and working). Heard that some Texas divers are heading up there soon.

[fire diver]

Actually a lot more than just poor bouyancy divers affect the vis. The dive park sit just outside of a creek / watershed. Heavy recent rains will put alot of silt in the water. Winds will too. The park area is pretty exposed weather wise. Strong winds from the north, south, or west can have an affect. Of course during the lake turn in spring. And lastly, boats. If you go there during heavy boating times of year, you can expect the vis up top to be bad.

The good news, is that many times when the dive park is bad, Crappie (pronounced KRAW-PEE for you non fishermen) Point will have great vis. Crappie is just around the bend towards the dam. Only bad point here is that you have to walk down (and up) a rocky slope with gear. but it's not too bad. they have OW classes there alot. WATCH OUT FOR THE CAVERNS, THEY SNEAK UP AND SWALLOW YOU!

FD